Types of Anxiety and Anxiety Treatment

Article by M. Joy Young, LCSW, ACSW Portland Oregon
(503) 309-1163

There are a number of different types of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety, and panic disorder among others. If you suspect you may have a specific anxiety challenge consult with a licensed clinical professional or your primary care physician. A licensed professional can conduct a full assessment, possible testing, and make a clinical determination.

Generally people who suffer from anxiety symptoms spend a lot of their time thinking about their feelings of anxiety, worry, or panic. So much so that many find it difficult to keep up with daily activities. Some people who have anxiety symptoms may also have depression symptoms as well.

Anxiety Treatment

Anxiety treatment can include medications and counseling. Some people prefer not to use medication if possible but instead use counseling tools alone for relief of anxiety symptoms or to reduce anxiety symptoms. Either way, anxiety without some kind of intervention can end up taking more and more of your time and energy trying to control or avoid anxiety symptoms. And eventually taking over your life altogether.

There are many types of anxiety treatments depending on the type of anxiety you are dealing with. Research shows that cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and mindfulness practices are helpful in reducing symptoms.

Anxiety and depression treatment require motivation, determination, and your active involvement. Since anxiety can be a normal reaction to everyday stress elimination can not be guaranteed. But with a supportive counseling relationship and/or medication management (if you choose it) you can reduce and manage your symptoms effectively.

With counseling treatment in general it is the counseling relationship that is the most curative factor and not always the types of counseling treatments. Selecting a professional counselor that you trust, feel comfortable, and who shares a similar world view is essential.

During counseling you can expect to work with your counselor to untangle challenging thoughts, beliefs, stereotypes, and complex emotions that may be connected to your anxiety symptoms as well as a discussion of body chemistry. Your counselor should be supportive, encouraging, and understanding.

To schedule a FREE 30 minute consultation for anxiety counseling contact Joy at (503) 309-1163 . I look forward to serving you.