Our therapists provide anxiety therapy in Littleton, CO

I have a few approaches that I like to use with my clients and their anxiety symptoms. I generally use cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy approaches. These help the clients see their maladaptive behaviors and thought patterns and allow them to more quickly and easily find solutions to move forward. I find that clients appreciate this approach the most if they are asking, “How do I fix this?” more so than, “Why do I do this?”

In anxiety therapy, I encourage learning basic coping skills to manage anxiety symptoms such as:

• Regulated breathing practices: PMR, mindfulness
• Regular sleep schedules: practice healthy habits
• Work/life balance to include activities you enjoy, as this reduces the stress hormone cortisol
• Attempting to limit alcohol and caffeine

• Awareness/recognition of thoughts/feelings (list/record)
• Triggers of anxiety: topics, thoughts, or behavior list
• Warning signs of anxiety: physical body warning signs in the body (list)
• List of the negative thoughts: “What if....”
• Identification education of the thought patterns people find themselves in, called cognitive distortions (this shocks people most, they're so common)
• List challenging questions to the negative thoughts to discredit them (Socratic methods)
• Brainstorming the solutions to continue to practice

I notice clients will improve and show progress in their anxiety when they come to the session more rested and in more control of their anxious thoughts. They will be able to go through the thought record with a clearer perspective and motivation to thrive in other aspects of their lives.

I always ask clients to get plenty of rest and pay attention to their eating habits outside of therapy. I encourage clients to track their anxiety levels and watch their progression throughout their time in therapy for a visual aid and encouragement factor. I also encourage a positive support system to include family, friends, and work environment as much as possible to supplement any additional emotional needs that may arise outside therapy. Oftentimes, the side effects or symptoms of anxiety are the most bothersome to clients; therefore I ask clients to begin making a list of what is working/has worked for them in the past to help alleviate or reduce some of these symptoms. Journaling thoughts, feelings, and/or imagery is also helpful throughout anxiety therapy treatment. I would also add that attempting regular exercise, even walking a few times a week for 15 minutes, can be helpful.

For someone coming to their first anxiety therapy, the thought alone can be anxiety-provoking. If starting in a virtual, telehealth setting, I would encourage a comfortable, safe, private, and quiet setting for them. If in-person, trust that the therapist is setting this environment for them. You can prepare to start an anxiety therapy treatment wherever you feel comfortable starting. Your therapist will never push you farther than a comfort level and their job is never to judge you for the thoughts or feelings that anxiety may produce. Anxiety is incredibly common and manageable.