Many people with anxiety are treated with medication, usually in addition to therapy. However, recent research suggests that only half of individuals respond to treatment and symptoms may re-emerge once treatment has ended (Campbell-Sills et al., 2016). Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found to be effective in treating anxiety disorders, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Social Anxiety Disorder in individuals who are still experiencing symptoms after taking medication.
CBT can help individuals with anxiety by addressing the following:
· Examining how negative thoughts contribute to feelings of anxiety
· Identifying triggers, behaviors, and reactions to anxiety
· Learning relaxation techniques to help reduce symptoms of anxiety
If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, there are many resources available to assist in the process of support and problem-solving, including professional counseling. Call (215) 487-1330 or email us at Greenridge@intercommunityaction.org for more information about our counseling services, which include one-on-one therapy with a trained clinician.
Author: Sarah Caverly, M.Ed., NCC
References
Campbell-Sills, L., Roy-Byrne, P.P., Craske, M.G., Bystritsky, A., Sullivan, G., & Stein, M.B. (2016). Improving outcomes for patients with medication-resistant anxiety: effects of collaborative care with cognitive behavioral therapy. Depression and Anxiety, 33, 1099-1106.