abretting

Anxiety Disorders 

Approaching Anxiety from a cognitive behavioral therapy perspective, and what that means for you.

The goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is to regain control of reactions to stress and stimuli, thus reducing the feeling of helplessness that often accompanies anxiety disorders.

Example: Thoughts that produce and maintain anxiety can be recognized and changed thus changing your old behavioral responses and eliminate the anxiety reaction. CBT is also helpful for clients who have additional conditions, such as depression, a second anxiety disorder, or alcohol dependency.

Here is how the goal of cognitive behavioral therapy works: recognize the realities of an anxiety-provoking situation and to respond to reality with new actions based on reasonable expectations.

If you or a loved one suffers from anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorders or agoraphobia know that anxiety disorders are chronic and recurrence is common yet, help is readily available.

Other terms often used to describe anxiety are:
Stress - Tension - Nervous - Apprehension - Worry - Jittery - Feeling uptight

Associated physical symptoms when anxious
Muscle tension, headaches
Rapid or irregular heart rate
Rapid breathing
Twitching (eye twitch, etc.)
Dry mouth
Abdominal pain (commonly in kids)
Irritability, including loss of your temper
Decreased concentration
Diarrhea or frequent need to urinate
Fatigue
Sleeping problems

Helpful suggestions include the following relaxation techniques:

We have several ongoing support groups to meet your needs and offer affordable rates. Individual appointments also available.

Ashley Bretting, M.S.
Marriage & Family Therapy
Registered Intern #IMFT51514
Supervised by Lynn M. Jones, Ph.D.
MFT # MFC021739