Anxiety is a crippling condition that can change the life of a patient immensely. Often, people that suffer from anxiety do not manage it well enough to be engaged in their daily life. They spend most of the day ruminating and experiencing anxiety attacks. So-called CBT techniques provide a helpful tool for the sufferer to learn how to deal with his anxiety. But how does CBT work and which techniques, in addition to cognitive behavioral therapy in Ft Lauderdale, are available?
What is CBT?
CBT is an abbreviation that stands for cognitive behavioral therapy. It is a kind of psychotherapy that aims at improving mental health. The focus of CBT is on changing and challenging cognitive distortions that lead to mental illnesses, like depression and anxiety.
Today, CBT is a very popular approach that is widely used by psychotherapists around the globe. If needed, it can be accompanied by medication to improve the effectiveness of the therapy. Among the techniques of CBT are improving emotional regulation and personal coping strategies. There are several CBT techniques for anxiety that are used.
CBT techniques
There are many techniques that can help a sufferer deal better with anxiety or completely overcome the condition. Among these, the most popular techniques are:
- Journaling
- Challenging
- Acceptance
Journaling means to deliberately write down the thoughts that provoke anxiety the most. It is a very helpful technique. By writing down the often crippling and anxiety-provoking thoughts the sufferer learns to better deal with them and see them as what they are: just thoughts.
Another helpful CBT technique is challenging anxiety. By doing so the patient signals his brain, that it is not to fear the thoughts. The more often the patient challenges his thoughts e.g. by elaborating them further he signals his brain, that there is nothing to be feared of.
The last useful approach is to practice acceptance. By doing so the patient deliberately accepts his thoughts and does not try to push them away. This leads to the brain engaging less in trying to solve the thoughts like problems. While the thoughts are extremely stressful for the patient they are problems, that just can not be solved. By trying to do so on a regular basis, the patient severely worsens his situation. Acceptance stops this wrong process and leads the patient to react in a healthier way.
Do You Need Help?
Are you suffering from anxiety and need help to overcome your condition? If so, there is help out there. A few programs you may want to check out:
In our cognitive behavioral therapy in Ft. Lauderdale, we provide you with a thorough therapy program that helps you to overcome your anxiety. You will learn the most important CBT techniques that will help you with your condition. This will enable you to quickly solve your problem with anxiety and lead a happy and healthy life. Do not hesitate to start your therapy. C