How Therapy Helps Anxiety
Therapy for anxiety helps you understand your anxiety, develop coping strategies, and change patterns that contribute to anxiety. It can help you:
- Identify triggers and understand why you feel anxious
- Develop coping strategies and relaxation techniques
- Challenge anxious thoughts and beliefs
- Learn to manage physical anxiety symptoms
- Gradually face fears through exposure therapy
- Build confidence and reduce avoidance behaviors
- Improve overall quality of life and functioning
Best Types of Therapy for Anxiety
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Very effectiveHighly effective for anxiety. Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety.
Exposure Therapy
Very effectiveGradually exposes you to feared situations in a safe, controlled way. Highly effective for phobias, panic disorder, and social anxiety.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
EffectiveTeaches acceptance of anxious feelings while committing to actions aligned with your values. Good for generalized anxiety.
Mindfulness-Based Therapies
EffectiveHelp you observe anxious thoughts without judgment and stay present. Effective for managing anxiety.
EMDR
Effective for trauma-related anxietyCan be effective for anxiety related to trauma or PTSD.
What to Expect in Anxiety Therapy
- Initial assessment to understand your anxiety symptoms and triggers
- Development of treatment goals and plan
- Learning coping strategies and techniques
- Practice exercises both in and outside of sessions
- Gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking situations (if applicable)
- Ongoing support and adjustment of strategies
- Typically short to medium-term (8-20 sessions for many)
When to Consider Therapy for Anxiety
Consider therapy if anxiety is:
- •Interfering with daily life, work, or relationships
- •Causing significant distress or worry
- •Leading to avoidance of important activities
- •Causing physical symptoms (panic attacks, insomnia, etc.)
- •Persisting for weeks or months
- •Not improving with self-help strategies
Find an Anxiety Therapist
Search our directory to find therapists who specialize in treating anxiety disorders. Filter by specialty, location, and approach.