Top 5 Therapy Options for Anxiety Near You
Updated: February 29, 2024.
If you're struggling with anxiety, it's important to seek professional help. Fortunately, there are many therapy options available to you. Here are the top 5 therapy options for anxiety near you, so you can take the first step towards managing your anxiety and living a happier, healthier life.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to anxiety. It helps you identify and challenge your negative thoughts and beliefs, and replace them with more realistic or helpful ones. CBT is often used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can be done individually or in a group setting and typically involves weekly sessions with a licensed therapist.
If you’re looking for therapy near you to help with anxiety, consider seeking out a therapist who specializes in CBT. During CBT sessions, you’ll work with your therapist to identify negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to your anxiety. You’ll then learn strategies to challenge and replace those negative thoughts with more realistic or helpful ones. This can include techniques like behavioural experiments, thought records, mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and exposure therapy. With regular practice and support from your therapist, you can learn to manage your anxiety and improve your overall quality of life.
CBT is a highly effective form of therapy for anxiety, with research showing that it can be just as effective as medication in treating anxiety disorders. It’s also a relatively short-term treatment, typically lasting between 6-20 sessions. This means that you can start seeing improvements in your anxiety symptoms relatively quickly.
Additionally, CBT is a collaborative process, meaning that you and your therapist will work together to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. If you’re struggling with anxiety and looking for therapy near you, consider giving CBT a try. With the right support and guidance, you can learn to manage your anxiety and live a more fulfilling life. If you have tried CBT before and it didn’t work, consider connecting with a CBT specialist.
2. Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is a type of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) that involves gradually exposing you to the feared object or situation in a safe and controlled environment. The goal is to help you learn to tolerate and manage your anxiety in the presence of the feared object or situation. This type of therapy is often used to treat specific phobias, such as fear of flying or fear of spiders (other examples include: emetophobia, fear of death, health anxiety, and social anxiety). It can be done individually or in a group setting and typically involves weekly sessions with a licensed therapist.
During exposure therapy, the therapist will work with you to create a hierarchy of feared situations or objects, starting with the least anxiety-provoking and gradually working up to the most anxiety-provoking. You will then be exposed to each situation or object in a controlled and safe environment. Over time, you will learn to tolerate and manage your anxiety in the presence of the feared object or situation, and may even find that your anxiety decreases over time. Exposure therapy can be a highly effective treatment for anxiety, but it is important to work with a licensed therapist who is trained in this type of therapy. Learn more about exposure therapy for anxiety.
3. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a type of therapy that combines cognitive-behavioural techniques with mindfulness practices. It was originally developed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) but has since been used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety. DBT focuses on teaching you skills to regulate your emotions, improve interpersonal relationships, and tolerate distress. It typically involves weekly individual therapy sessions and group skills training sessions. Learn more about DBT.
4. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of therapy that focuses on accepting difficult thoughts and feelings rather than trying to eliminate them. It also emphasizes the importance of committing to actions that align with your values, even in the presence of uncomfortable emotions. ACT is effective in treating anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. It typically involves weekly individual therapy sessions and homework assignments to practice new skills.
5. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy that is effective in treating anxiety, PTSD, and other trauma-related disorders. During EMDR, the therapist guides you through a series of eye movements while you recall traumatic memories or experiences. This process is believed to help the brain reprocess the traumatic memories more adaptively, reducing the intensity of the associated emotions and symptoms. EMDR typically involves 8-12 sessions, but the number may vary depending on the individual's needs. Learn more about EMDR vs CBT and meet our EMDR therapist, Catherine Sullivan, RSW, MSW.
At Virtual CBT Psychotherapy, we specialize in providing expert CBT to people with anxiety, depression, anxiety and OCD. Book a free consultation with one of our therapists today by clicking the tab below. * Must be an Ontario resident.
