Table of Contents
What is an anxiety therapist?
An anxiety counselor might be the person you want to speak with if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or if you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of anxiety on a regular basis. An anxiety counselor may be able to help you identify, manage, and alleviate your symptoms. A variety of doctors and specialists may be able to help manage your anxiety. A good place to start is with your primary care physician. The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you need help finding a primary care doctor. Therapy can help you uncover the underlying causes of your worries and fears; learn how to relax; look at situations in new, less frightening ways; and develop better coping and problem-solving skills. Therapy gives you the tools to overcome anxiety and teaches you how to use them. The main difference between psychologist and counsellor is that psychologists tend to work more with people with complex mental illnesses when compared to counsellors. Psychologists and counsellors are two professionals working with mental health. The therapist will ask questions about your presenting concerns, as well as your history and background. Most likely, you’ll find yourself talking about your current symptoms or struggles, as well saying a bit about your relationships, your interests, your strengths, and your goals. A counsellor is more likely to help with a specific difficulty, current problem or surface issue. An example might include a bereavement or a difficulty that is not necessarily rooted in the past. A psychotherapist is more likely to help with more deep-rooted difficulties that affects a client’s life.
What kind of therapist helps with anxiety?
Anxiety disorders can be treated by a wide range of mental health professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical social workers, and psychiatric nurses. Anxiety disorders are the most common of mental disorders and affect nearly 30% of adults at some point in their lives. But anxiety disorders are treatable and a number of effective treatments are available. Treatment helps most people lead normal productive lives. The even better news: Many people respond well to anxiety treatment without medication. They find that their condition can often be managed entirely, or at least in part, with lifestyle changes and holistic therapies. Difficult experiences in childhood, adolescence or adulthood are a common trigger for anxiety problems. Going through stress and trauma when you’re very young is likely to have a particularly big impact. Experiences which can trigger anxiety problems include things like: physical or emotional abuse.
When should I see a therapist for anxiety?
If your anxiety keeps you from sleeping, working, social interactions, or errands, you may want to reach out to a therapist. If you feel anxious for more than half the week for six months or longer, it’s probably time to seek help. To find a therapist near you, visit the Psychology Today Therapy Directory. Fortunately, anxiety is a highly treatable condition. A study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health found that over half of all patients who received therapy for anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions experienced significant improvement in their symptoms. Anxiety happens when a part of the brain, the amygdala, senses trouble. When it senses threat, real or imagined, it surges the body with hormones (including cortisol, the stress hormone) and adrenaline to make the body strong, fast and powerful. Benzodiazepines (also known as tranquilizers) are the most widely prescribed type of medication for anxiety. Drugs such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) work quickly, typically bringing relief within 30 minutes to an hour. The answer is it depends on the person. An anxiety disorder can last anywhere from a few months to many years. It will go away completely for some, and for others, it may be a lifelong condition to treat. How Do I Get Tested for Anxiety? While online quizzes like this can help someone understand their feelings, they should be followed up with a professional assessment. Your medical doctor or a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or licensed clinical social worker, can help.
Can psychologist treat anxiety?
Psychotherapy. Also known as talk therapy or psychological counseling, psychotherapy involves working with a therapist to reduce your anxiety symptoms. It can be an effective treatment for anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective form of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. In addition to prescribing medications for people with anxiety, psychiatrists are also qualified to provide talk therapy and psychosocial interventions. Common psychotherapies associated with anxiety treatment include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. Psychotherapy helps people understand that they can do something to improve their situation. That leads to changes that enhance healthy behavior, whether it’s improving relationships, expressing emotions better, doing better at work or school, or thinking more positively. The process of therapy may cause you to experience uncomfortable or painful feelings, such as sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger, or frustration. Counseling may bring up painful memories. It might disrupt relationships. Types of Therapy It is possible for people to change their personality traits, habits, behaviors, thoughts, and attitudes, often with the help of therapeutic interventions.
How is anxiety diagnosed?
To diagnose an anxiety disorder, a doctor performs a physical exam, asks about your symptoms, and recommends a blood test, which helps the doctor determine if another condition, such as hypothyroidism, may be causing your symptoms. The doctor may also ask about any medications you are taking. Anxiety is linked to many medical conditions, so it’s always a good idea to speak with your doctor about it. If you’re concerned about your feelings of anxiety, that’s reason enough to talk with your doctor — there’s no need to wait. Anxiety attacks, also known as panic attacks, are episodes of intense panic or fear. They usually occur suddenly and without warning. Sometimes there’s an obvious trigger—getting stuck in an elevator, for example, or thinking about the big speech you have to give—but in other cases, the attacks come out of the blue. Difficult experiences in childhood, adolescence or adulthood are a common trigger for anxiety problems. Going through stress and trauma when you’re very young is likely to have a particularly big impact. Experiences which can trigger anxiety problems include things like: physical or emotional abuse. Epinephrine is just one chemical involved in your body’s response to anxiety. Other chemicals may also play a role. For example, a serotonin imbalance¹ may contribute to anxiety, as can high cortisol levels. However, epinephrine is the primary chemical because it is directly involved in your anxiety symptoms. Anxiety disorders affect about 40 million American adults every year. Anxiety disorders also affect children and teens. About 8% of teens ages 13 to 18 have an anxiety disorder, with symptoms starting around age 6. Women are more than twice as likely as men to get an anxiety disorder in their lifetime.
How do I know if I need therapy for anxiety?
It’s never too early to go for treatment. Physical symptoms common in anxiety and depression. Not being able to do what you want to do or need to do because of how you feel. Not being able to make life choices you want because of fear. It might be time to seek out therapy if you’re feeling overwhelmed and/or you can’t talk to your loved ones about what’s going on. If the people around you are concerned or you can’t focus on anything but the problems weighing you down, those are also signs that it might be time to talk to a therapist. Anxiety can become a mental health problem if it impacts your ability to live your life as fully as you want to. For example, it may be a problem if: your feelings of anxiety are very strong or last for a long time. your fears or worries are out of proportion to the situation. Whether you have an anxiety disorder or not, your therapist can help you cope. If fear and anxiety interferes with your daily life, it may be helpful to talk it out. Sometimes, just discussing your fears can make you feel better. Signs You May Need Private Therapy Generally feeling overwhelmed with everything. Overthinking and feeling as though you’re unable to ‘switch off’ from your thoughts. Feeling low and more tearful than usual. Getting angry more easily or struggling to regulate your emotions. You also know therapy is working if you’re using the skills you learned in session, outside of session. For example, are you better able to set boundaries with others, prioritize your own needs and demands, and effectively deal with situations without spiraling into a panic attack? These are great signs of progress.