The Role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Treating Anxiety: Insights from a Cincinnati Therapist

Introduction to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic approach that’s been around for decades. CBT has become one of the most popular techniques to manage anxiety and depression due to being evidence-based as effective. While it isn’t the only effective treatment for anxiety or depression, and it may not be right for everyone, CBT is an approach I typically start with when I’m seeing someone new to therapy.

Understanding Anxiety: How CBT Can Help

The basic idea of CBT is that our thoughts affect our feelings, which then affect our behaviors. Often with anxiety, the way we are thinking about ourselves, a situation, or most things trends toward the negative. By working on those thoughts and also the behaviors, choices, and coping skills, we reduce the anxiety.

The Principles of CBT: Breaking Down Anxiety

The first step is to build awareness of how we’re thinking, and then evaluate if those thoughts are accurate or helpful. So for instance, in social anxiety we may think that someone looking at us is judging us. Often we aren’t even aware of the thoughts going through our head. So we start with awareness, and learning about the ways our thoughts might be off.

Techniques Used in CBT for Anxiety Management in Cincinnati

The next step in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is to evaluate those thoughts we’re noticing. If we determine the thought isn’t accurate or helpful, we develop an alternative thought. The idea is that our thoughts become habit, so by repeatedly challenging those thoughts, we can start looking at the world more realistically. There are many ways we work through the thoughts, and also behavioral changes that can also reduce anxiety.

Personalized Approach: CBT Therapy in Cincinnati

The first thing any good therapist should do is a thorough evaluation of the anxiety in the context of the whole person. Sometimes there are health issues, situational stressors, or even other diagnoses that might change our approach. Or in some situations, the thoughts are real (like in grief or adjusting to a chronic illness), so we aren’t necessarily challenging them. We also want to determine it’s truly an anxiety disorder, versus something like OCD which may warrant a different technique.

Integrating CBT with Other Therapeutic Approaches

CBT is often great at reducing the overall level of anxiety, and I think it’s a great tool for all of us to learn. I also often use mindfulness and solution-focused techniques as well. So we’re approaching the thoughts, but also increasing our ability to cope and maybe making some changes that reduce our stress.

Finding a CBT Therapist in Cincinnati: What to Look For

If you’re looking for a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist for anxiety, start with any recommendations from friends and family, doctors, psychiatrists, or church leaders. CBT is pretty standard in mental health graduate programs, so most of us are familiar with it. You’ll want to call a few therapists and ask what type of therapy they do, and when you’re searching online or on directories, you can specify CBT.

Conclusion: Empowering Change with CBT

CBT is a great therapy approach for anxiety, and I’ve seen it really reduce distress in a lot of people. It can involve exercises and worksheets, which can help you feel like you’re really working on the anxiety specifically. It isn’t for everyone, and many of us are trained in several approaches we tailor to each person. I start with CBT generally, and then as we get into treatment I’ll use different skills that can build upon that progress as we move forward.

Ready to take control of your anxiety with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? Click here or call 513-461-2045 to schedule a consultation with an experienced Cincinnati therapist today and embark on your journey towards a calmer, more empowered life. Online therapy in Indiana and Ohio.