CBT for generalised anxiety disorder
It is natural to feel anxious or to worry at some point in our lives. But if feelings of anxiety are overwhelming or a person becomes concerned or apprehensive about many aspects of their life, they could be experiencing General Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
GAD does not relate to a specific area of someone’s life and those who live with the condition may feel chronically worried about their relationships, career, health and finances. Everyday life is affected, for instance, a text message to a loved one that isn’t returned immediately would cause a GAD sufferer to over-think that something was wrong and cause them tension and stress.
The emotional impact of GAD is a long-lasting sense of dread, which is physically and mentally exhausting and can impact sleep patterns and energy levels.
If a person’s anxious thoughts about everyday situations become very extreme, then professional help is available.
Treating GAD with cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based, effective treatment that helps a person to identify, acknowledge and alter the negative thought patterns that have kept them locked in cycle of anxious behaviours for so long.
A qualified CBT therapist will support their client in minimising their worrying thoughts and give them the tools to tackle their anxiety in a more realistic manner. Treatment may involve a focus on the situations that cause anxiety and challenging why a certain situation evokes negative thoughts and fear.
For example, receiving a party invitation should be a pleasant experience, but for someone with GAD, it can provoke worrying thoughts and make the party impossible to attend and enjoy.
By challenging irrational thoughts such as ‘what if no one speaks to me’ or ‘what if I make a fool of myself’ with the aid of a therapist, the client can learn to replace their unrealistic predictions of what might go wrong, with new thought patterns that are more rational and accurate.
With continued guidance, cognitive behavioural therapy can increase a person’s ability to cope in circumstances that they would have previously have found upsetting or disturbing.
Jamie Dempsey is a qualified and accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapists with the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychologies (BABCP), who specialises in anxiety, addictions, trauma and pain management. Contact Jamie to book an appointment and begin your journey to a more fulfilling life.
