Anxiety

Anxiety can affect many aspects of life, from daily routines to personal relationships. At Bridging Connections Therapy, we specialize in helping individuals manage and overcome anxiety through effective therapeutic techniques. This page provides an overview of anxiety, its impact, and what you can expect from therapy designed to address these challenges.

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What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a mental health condition characterized by excessive worry, fear, or apprehension that can interfere with your daily life. While some level of anxiety is a normal response to stress, chronic anxiety can become overwhelming and impair your ability to function effectively.

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Common Symptoms of Anxiety:

• Persistent, excessive worry or fear

• Restlessness or feeling on edge

• Muscle tension or physical discomfort

• Difficulty concentrating or having a mind that goes blank

• Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or frequent waking

• Avoidance of situations or places that trigger anxiety

• Physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, or dizziness

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What Therapy for Anxiety Looks Like

Therapy is a valuable tool for managing and reducing anxiety. It provides a structured and supportive environment to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Here’s what you can expect from therapy for anxiety at Bridging Connections Therapy:

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1. Initial Assessment

Your first session will involve an assessment to understand your specific anxiety symptoms, history, and goals for therapy. This initial evaluation helps us create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

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2. Evidence-Based Therapies

We use a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to help you manage anxiety effectively:

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• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a widely used therapy that focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to anxiety. It helps you develop healthier thinking patterns and coping strategies to manage anxiety symptoms.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT emphasizes accepting your thoughts and feelings rather than avoiding them. It promotes mindfulness and helps you commit to actions aligned with your values, leading to greater psychological flexibility and reduced anxiety.

• Mindfulness-Based Therapy: This approach teaches mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, to help you stay present and manage anxiety. Mindfulness can reduce rumination and increase your awareness of thoughts and feelings without judgment.

• Exposure Therapy: Particularly useful for phobias and panic disorders, exposure therapy involves gradually facing feared situations or objects in a controlled manner. This process helps reduce avoidance behaviors and desensitizes you to anxiety triggers over time.

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3. Goal Setting and Treatment Planning

Together, we’ll set specific, achievable goals for your therapy. This includes identifying key areas to address, such as specific anxiety triggers, and developing a treatment plan that aligns with your goals and needs.

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4. Skill Building and Coping Strategies

Therapy sessions will focus on teaching practical skills and strategies to manage anxiety. This may include cognitive restructuring to challenge irrational thoughts, relaxation techniques to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, and coping strategies to handle stressful situations.

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5. Regular Check-Ins and Progress Monitoring

We will regularly review your progress and make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed. This ongoing evaluation helps ensure that therapy remains effective and responsive to your evolving needs.

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6. Building a Support Network

In addition to individual therapy, we may discuss the importance of building a support network. Connecting with friends, family, or support groups can provide additional emotional support and encouragement.

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7. Relapse Prevention and Ongoing Support

Therapy for anxiety also includes preparing for future challenges and maintaining progress. We’ll work on developing strategies for managing potential setbacks and ensuring that you have the tools and resources needed for long-term well-being.

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Taking the First Step

If anxiety is impacting your daily life, seeking therapy can be a crucial step towards finding relief and improving your quality of life. At Bridging Connections Therapy, we are here to support you with compassionate and effective care.

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Contact Us Today

To learn more about our therapy services for anxiety or to schedule an appointment, please email or call us. We look forward to helping you manage anxiety and move towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.