One of the best ways to deal with anxiety is to learn about your own anxiety: your symptoms, what triggers it, and what coping mechanisms have been effective in the past. When you learn what your anxiety is tied to, it can help you be mindful of what’s really happening as well as prevent and mitigate symptoms by processing and working through the issue in therapy. Other strategies that have been shown to help manage anxiety are meditation, challenging anxious thoughts, exercising, and journaling.
On average, people can tend to attend 15 to 20 session of anxiety therapy (five or more months). However, this number is heavily dependent on the type of anxiety that’s being treated and its severity, with many choosing to attend anxiety therapy for a longer period of time to ensure its effectiveness long-term.
Anxiety Therapy in West Springfield: How Does It Work and How Can It Help?
At Thriveworks in West Springfield, we are devoted to working with you to narrow down these culprits and provide in-the-moment advice and coping strategies. Our dedicated therapists at Thriveworks in West Springfield, MA, want you to consider your value and your mental health.
Make an online counseling appointment with us and speak with one of our counselors or therapists or call (413) 634-4805.
What Are Common Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder?
How can we step back and examine our anxieties and confront them? We can begin by identifying them and shed some light on how they work their way into our lives. Common anxiety disorders include:
- Excessive worrying or rumination
- Restlessness or feeling on edge
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances (such as difficulty falling or staying asleep)
- Racing thoughts
- Avoidance of feared situations or activities
- Physical symptoms (such as sweating, trembling, or shortness of breath)
- Panic attacks (sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort)
If you can relate to any of these then therapy may be a great choice for you. Our counselors would love to discuss your specific and individual issues and help you develop a plan to overcome them and live the life you want!
How Does Anxiety Therapy Work?
Realize that you are not alone and that your concerns are valid. There is an array of treatments available to you once you take the first step to contact a professional counselor or therapist. An anxiety therapist can offer specific advice and techniques aimed at easing your anxiety. Some of the methods our therapist may use are:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): One of the great things about being human is our unique ability to challenge ourselves and compartmentalize information. Sometimes this works against us though and we develop unhelpful cognitive distortions and behaviors. This is where a therapist will be able to unearth patterns of thinking that may be causing anxiety. Negative thought patterns can build up and work in tandem to exacerbate worries and undue fears. Our therapists help you replace negative thoughts and emotions with helpful and more nuanced ones that will allow you to live your best life and share it with others.
Exposure Therapy for Anxiety: Exposure therapy, also known as, Systematic Desensitization, is a gradual step-by-step approach to control and master fears related to imagined or real situations. Therapists will help you to face and overcome anxiety-inducing situations and triggers.
Other Alternative Therapies for Anxiety Disorders: Some types may include…
- Guided Imagery Exercise
- Relaxation techniques
- Biofeedback
- Hypnosis
- Music & art therapy
One counseling method may help you in one area and another may be needed to address another problem. Our therapists are highly aware of the changing nature of your mental health and the unstable nature of the social and personal struggle. Reach out to us today so we can begin a healthy and purposeful dialogue.
How Can Counseling and Therapy Help with Anxiety Disorder?
Thriveworks offers trained and professional psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors dedicated to helping patients identify and overcome their unique conditions. The goal should be to replace negative thinking with positive thinking. But this is easier said than done. A willingness to start a conversation requires courage and we encourage you to reach out to our passionate therapists and counselors.
Schedule an Appointment at Thriveworks Counseling in West Springfield, MA
At Thriveworks we believe therapy can help anyone enjoy better mental health. Our mental health counselors in West Springfield are here for you and we look forward to beginning a dialogue. Call to schedule an appointment today at (860) 553-3374 or book an appointment online!