How Does Psychotherapy Help Anxiety?

How Does Psychotherapy Help Anxiety?

Team Anxiety, Psychotherapy

If you suffer from severe anxiety, it can be hard to lead the life you want. You may find yourself unable to do the things you love or even leave your home without feeling panic and dread. Psychotherapy can be an excellent way to relieve anxiety symptoms, learn healthy coping methods, and help you feel more in control of your life in general. Here’s what you need to know about psychotherapy, the different types, and the benefits it can provide for those suffering from anxiety.

What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a mental health treatment that involves talking with a therapist. Therapy sessions can help people understand why they experience anxiety and how to manage it more effectively. Therapy is not just for people who are struggling with anxiety, it can also be helpful for those who experience depression and other mental health concerns. Therapy can allow you to talk through your feelings in a safe space with someone trained to listen and provide feedback.

The Different Types of Psychotherapy

Many different types of psychotherapy can help with anxiety. The type of psychotherapy you choose will depend on your personal needs and the severity of your anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that can help with both depression and anxiety. Exposure therapy helps people confront their fears by gradually exposing them to what they fear in a safe environment. Mindfulness-based therapy has been found to be effective in decreasing symptoms of chronic pain, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD). 

The Benefits of Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy can be an excellent way of treating anxiety with the right therapist. There are several benefits to this treatment, including the following:

  • Helps you learn how to identify and manage feelings that contribute to your anxiety
  • Fosters introspection and self-awareness, so you can better understand how your thoughts and emotions affect your day-to-day life 
  • Offers a safe place for you to talk about what’s troubling you and explore different ways of coping with those problems
  • Introduces new ideas and gives you access to new strategies that can help alleviate anxiety 
  • Provides emotional support, which is often lacking in other treatments like medication or self-help books 

These benefits will depend on who your therapist is as well as their experience in working with people experiencing anxiety.

How to Find a Psychotherapist

The first step to finding the right therapist is speaking with a professional specializing in treating anxiety disorders. It’s important that you feel comfortable speaking openly with your therapist, as this will be an integral part of getting the treatment you need. If you are looking for a psychotherapist, one of the first steps is to reach out to psychologists in your area and ask your doctor, friends, or family for referrals. Once you find a therapist that seems like a good fit, be sure to set up an initial appointment so that you can meet them. At South County Psychiatry, we specialize in offering comprehensive and compassionate mental health care services, including psychotherapy

Does Psychotherapy Work?

Psychotherapy has been studied as an effective treatment for anxiety. The American Psychology Association states that psychotherapy can reduce symptoms of anxiety, produce a long-term reduction in the severity of anxiety, and improve quality of life for those with severe symptoms. During psychotherapy,  therapists will teach clients how to change negative thinking patterns or behaviors by challenging their automatic thoughts or giving them a more realistic perspective

Contact Us

At South County Psychiatry, we understand the toll anxiety can take on your everyday life. To set up an appointment for a consultation with a qualified therapist, contact us today and request an appointment.