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Writer's pictureJaanvi Harnal

Ways to reduce anxiety continued...

Updated: Nov 20, 2022

In our past articles, the detailed description regarding anxiety has been highlighted. Let us rewind back to the first phase, where we talked about anxiety and its types in the second phase- ‘Alternative therapies’. Now we bring you to the third phase of article, where we will be providing you descriptive details on psychotherapies one can opt for treatment.


The duration of treatment will depend on the severity of problem. For example, OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, the mode of treatment will vary among others.


Psychotherapies

Psychotherapies help us to manage our emotions and anxiety ourselves, through proper guidance and by the role of an effective counsellor or a mental health expert. Also, CBT and Exposure therapy are one of the affective treatment therapies to help overcoming fears, calming mind and levels of anxiety. Sometimes, the therapist may take sessions individually or in a form of group, where others dealing with same situation share their stories by releasing pent-up emotions. Remember, every therapy’s goal is to work on your triggers and help reframe them. They will help you with effective techniques which are advisable and helpful to overcome your triggers without causing discomfort.

There are different forms of therapies which have been evolved over time in seeking treatment for anxiety such as:

  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)

  • Exposure Therapy

  • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

  • Art Therapy

  • Interpersonal Therapy.


Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Most effective and desired therapy of all time. Your therapist will help you identify and understand the negative thoughts, and behaviour which will be modified on professional basis. There are some steps involved in this therapy:

  • Identifying the negative/anxious thoughts.

  • Challenging those anxious thoughts.

  • Replacing them with realistic thoughts.

The ‘replacement’ part, is what CBT usually deals with. Through pulling out the roots of negativity and pushing the optimistic and accepting notions.

Exposure Therapy

As you can recall about the concept of phobias we discussed in last article. In case you haven’t, please look into it. We often try avoiding situations where environmental elements trigger our anxiety. Whether be it a fear of heights, water or insects, we will do our best to avoid them or either choose an option to run away. People who suffers from phobias can relate to this- so this is where ‘Exposure therapy’ comes in! the professionals will help you overcome the fear of objects or situations by exposing you to these triggering aspects. The repeated panel goes on and on, until the fear is overcome or diminished. The following steps might involve in this therapy:

  • Learning Relaxation procedures,

  • Step- by- Step list,

  • Confronting the situation or objects by working.



Dialectical Behavioural Therapy

One of the effective forms of psychotherapy or more like high form of CBT where the therapist helps you focus on the opposite side of anxiety through accepting yourself, and measures to change for the betterment. Usually this form of therapy is used to treat Borderline Personality Disorder but now anxiety is too included. This therapy aims to work on four aspects:

  • Mindfulness

  • Distress Tolerance, Managing anxiety when confronted with triggering situation

  • Regulating Emotions

  • Effective communication


Interpersonal Therapy

IPT helps you improve your social relationships and roles in society. The therapist helps you to identify resolved conflicts, interpersonal issues with family or relationship partner or other grief related to work.


The professional will help you reform healthy ways to express emotions and ways to improve communication skills.


Art Therapy

A non-verbal form of therapy where art is used to either express your emotions, or practicing mindfulness and relaxation. It is a new form of therapy which is introduced in recent time. Also, comes under as a combination with CBT, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.



ACT Therapy

Action and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps to identify your values, wisdom and choices in life and acts in ways that matches your values. It has shown to an effective form of therapy among many to treat anxiety disorders.



Please note that the duration period should not stop you from consulting a therapist! At the end, it is about your health. According to American Psychological Association, many people improve significantly within 8 to 10 therapy sessions. Alternative therapies help, no question! but its effects aren’t always convincing and guaranteed.


Takeaway Message

At the end, SpeakyourMind.in encourages the people to seek effective treatment with ease and comfort. Do not panic, if you are diagnosed with anxiety disorder. The problem is very common and professional help will make you seek affective outcomes. The treatment might take some time, but do not let yourself demotivated by the stereotypical motives behind anxiety.

​

Reference
  • Helpguide.org

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