Anxiety… we’ve all experienced it.

Whether it’s due to an upcoming exam, prospective job promotion, or major life change – we’ve all experienced some form of unease coupled with sweaty hands and a quickened heartbeat.  

At its core, anxiety is nothing to be feared; it is a natural human emotion (and product of our primal brain) meant to increase alertness and keep us safe in case of an emergency.

On the other hand, chronic anxiety has gone into overdrive and needs a bit more attention. This is the case when symptoms don’t seem to go away over time and are not necessarily related to just one event. If left unaddressed, this form of anxiety can get in the way of one’s psychological and physiological well-being.

What is CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)?

CBT – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an evidence-based psychological treatment that addresses patterns and behaviors that impact overall well-being.

For example, if someone struggles with recurring negative thought patterns that are getting in the way of their daily life, CBT therapy would effectively address those thought patterns and identify ways to reroute the brain from repeating those cycles.

Through talk therapy, guided by a certified mental health professional, CBT has been shown to help individuals navigate various life challenges and emotional difficulties while reducing symptoms and increasing self-awareness.

How can CBT help reduce anxiety?

CBT therapy provides individuals with the tools needed to regain a greater sense of control over one’s emotions and behaviors in daily life. Over time, individuals experience reduced fear and anxiety and feel better equipped to handle various life challenges.

Here are some ways CBT therapy works to address & reduce anxiety:

• Provides a safe space to “vent” and verbalize deep thoughts, feelings, and fears
• Through talk therapy, one may experience “aha moments” and gain insights into where examined thoughts and feelings originate from
• With gentle guidance, one may feel empowered to sort through these thoughts and distinguish core beliefs from inherited beliefs
• One may feel equipped to reexamine negative beliefs and how they impact one’s life
• Restores a more profound sense of awareness and connection within oneself
• Reduces unfounded fears and negative thought patterns
• Increases self-sufficiency and problem-solving skills
• Promotes a greater sense of control and self-confidence over one’s life

A Mindful Approach to CBT Therapy

At the Mind Spa, we believe in the mind-body connection. For many, chronic anxiety is rooted in fear and deep feelings about oneself and others. Over time when the mind is running the show, a natural disconnect from the body may occur, resulting in physiological responses that feel debilitating and unsurmountable.

Coupled with a mindful approach, CBT therapy encourages individuals to reclaim the mind and body and “find their way home.”

With mindfulness-based CBT Therapy, we help individuals:

• Feel less “out of control” and more connected to their minds and bodies
• Reduce the fear that is shaping thoughts and experiences
• Regain a greater sense of awareness and control when it comes to emotions and behaviors
• Feel confident navigating social anxiety within relationships
• Learn how to reduce daily stress levels and calm automatic trauma responses

For more on anxiety, feel free to check out the following resources:

Is it Anxiety or Depression? Recognizing Early Signs 

The Most Common Mental Health Disorders