Anxiety

Individuals who suffer from anxiety often experience difficulties in being able to manage work, home and family pressures and struggle to respond to these constant demands. This feeling of anxiety is often triggered by a feeling of worry, nervousness or unease about something with an uncertain outcome leaving you feeling powerless and out of control and so unable to meet the demands of life. Additionally, individuals who suffer from anxiety often feel that their coping responses are not adequate to meet the fear that the worst-case scenario is going to occur.

Individuals who suffer with anxiety often experience symptoms such as dizziness, tiredness, changes in heartbeat, trembling or shaking, dry mouth, excessive sweating and shortness of breath. These symptoms of anxiety occur due to a specific part of the brain called the amygdala, which is reactive to the “fight or flight response”. The human body is programmed to respond to increased physiological arousal to mobilise our abilities to cope with perceived threat.

During a course of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) an assessment takes place where the therapist and client determine the severity of symptoms that the individual has associated with anxiety. After establishing the individuals problems and goals a formulation and plan for treatment is made. The treatment for anxiety is based on improving individuals coping strategies for coping whilst diminishing the sense of threat. CBT interventions to treat anxiety include relaxation and breathing, mindfulness, imagery and distraction techniques, psycho education and cognitive restructuring.