MAKE FRIENDS WITH YOUR MIND
Therapy for Generalized Anxiety
Are you getting caught up in constant “What Ifs?”
therapy can help with generalized anxiety
While I integrate multiple types of therapy, for anxiety I tend to use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT is an evidence-based practice that can be particularly effective in helping clients with generalized anxiety. Using ACT, I help my clients to build practical skills and strategies to live a rich, full, and meaningful life, even in the presence of anxiety. By learning to accept your anxiety and take values-based action, you can reduce the impact of anxiety on your life and foster greater psychological flexibility and resilience. This means you’re in charge, not your anxiety.
what therapy for anxiety looks like
Here’s how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help with your anxiety:
Mindfulness: ACT emphasizes mindfulness techniques to help individuals become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment. This helps individuals develop a more accepting and compassionate attitude towards their anxiety, rather than trying to suppress or avoid it.
Values Clarification: ACT encourages individuals to clarify their values and identify what is truly important to them in life. By connecting with their values, individuals can set meaningful goals and take actions that are in alignment with those values, even in the presence of anxiety.
Defusion: ACT teaches techniques to help individuals "defuse" (or unstick) themselves from their thoughts, which means learning to see thoughts as just thoughts rather than facts or truths. By distancing themselves from their anxious thoughts, individuals can reduce the impact those thoughts have on their emotions and behavior.
Acceptance: Instead of trying to control or eliminate anxiety, ACT promotes acceptance of anxiety as a normal part of human experience. By accepting their anxiety, individuals can reduce the struggle with it and focus their energy on taking positive actions towards their values.
Committed Action: ACT encourages individuals to take committed action towards their goals, even when anxiety is present. This involves identifying specific actions that align with their values and taking small steps towards those actions, despite any discomfort or fear.
Self-compassion: ACT emphasizes self-compassion as a way to relate to oneself with kindness and understanding, especially when experiencing anxiety. Developing self-compassion can help individuals cultivate a more supportive and nurturing relationship with themselves, which can buffer against the negative effects of anxiety.
Let’s get started.