How Can Therapy Help with Anxiety?

Anxiety can present itself in many different ways. It may not make perfect sense and we cannot always put our finger on why we are feeling anxious. Some may notice that their anxiety has peaked after having an intense experience like a panic attack. For others, anxiety can be subtle and be experienced as a lingering or dull feeling.

No matter how your anxiety presents itself, therapy can help.

I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but what I think is lacking in the general conversation is how is therapy helpful? What does it look like in treatment? What do actual therapy sessions look like and feel like for the patient?

Let’s dive into this by using one of my favorite tactics, myth busting!

Myth:

Therapy is for those who feel they have mental illness or have been diagnosed with one.

Let’s Bust This Myth! Therapy is helpful for anyone and everyone who is ready and willing. Even if you feel like you are in a great mental state. Meeting with a mental health professional is an opportunity for self care, growth and reflection. This is what helps us to propel forward and achieve our goals.

Myth:

Therapy includes the patient laying down on a couch while spilling their deepest secrets to a stranger.

The therapist will listen, nod, take some notes and not provide the patient with any concrete advice.

Let’s Bust This Myth! While I have a comfortable chair in the room, my patients sit upright! We talk like two human beings first and foremost. We develop a therapeutic relationship that requires trust and understanding like most healthy relationships. We address certain topics, concerns and experiences when you are comfortable sharing.

There are many types of therapy that provide effective treatment for anxiety disorders, general feelings of anxiety and other concerns you are looking to work on. Therapists use many different techniques in the room depending on who they are and who you are. For example, some therapists use a psychodynamic approach while others use cognitive behavioral therapy also known as CBT, exposure therapy, mindfulness, relaxation techniques, focus on objects or particular situations to ground you in the therapy room and the list goes on.

Depending on the mental health professional they may specialize in short term therapy, have a particular focus on certain mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, create a treatment plan that includes seeing a psychiatrist for anti anxiety medication and again the list goes on. I point this out not to overwhelm you, but to educate you on your options. Finding the right fit and method is integral to your success in connecting with your therapist and the progress you will be able to make.

Myth:

I need to be fully versed in what I am going through before finding the therapist who is the right fit.

Let’s Bust This Myth! While it is great if you can identify some key factors, emotions or struggles, this is exactly the type of exploration you can use therapy for. If you would like to get more familiar with mental health, the National Institute of Mental Health also known as NIMH is a great place to do some research and improve your mental health literacy. Additionally, blog posts by therapists like the one you are reading now, therapy instagram accounts like mine @jennifermanntherapy, Tic Tok and other social media outlets are full of great content as well. Be careful to verify who is behind the content before tuning in!

There are so many ways that therapy can help anxiety. To explore the ways that it will help you, take the first step and reach out to a therapist that resonates with you!