- Roots Counseling & Wellness
Anxiety is a common mental health issue that impacts millions of people globally. It is characterized by extreme anxiety, tension, and fear, all of which can have a negative effect on a person’s day-to-day activities and general wellbeing. Thankfully, people may manage and get over their anxiety with the support of a number of evidence-based therapies. Three such strategies that have shown effectiveness in the treatment of anxiety are Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a well-known therapy that aims to understand and alter harmful thinking patterns and actions that cause anxiety. It helps people in creating more effective coping techniques and anxiety management plans. People can learn to change their beliefs and lower their anxiety levels by confronting contradictory ideas and changing their behavior.
Another therapy strategy that has demonstrated ability in the management of anxiety is Dialectical Behavior Therapy or DBT. Initially designed for people with borderline personality disorder, DBT blends mindfulness practices and components of CBT. It places a strong emphasis on the value of interpersonal effectiveness, emotional control, discomfort tolerance, and mindfulness. These abilities can aid those who suffer from anxiety in better controlling their feelings, navigating challenging circumstances, and developing self-compassion.
The goal of IFS of Internal Family System, a relatively new therapy, is to comprehend and heal our internal “parts.” It makes the claim that each of us is made up of distinct parts, each with its own feelings, ideas, and perspective. When it comes to anxiety, IFS assists people in recognizing and addressing their own anxious parts. People might feel less anxious and more in tune with themselves by practicing self-awareness and building a caring relationship with these components.
In conclusion, those who are experiencing anxiety can greatly benefit from CBT, DBT, and IFS, three therapy modalities. Every method provides different strategies and techniques to deal with the root causes of anxiety and create useful coping mechanisms. Getting professional assistance from a licensed therapist with experience in these therapies can provide people the skills they need to better control their anxiety and enhance their general wellbeing.
Beck, A. T., & Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive behavior therapy: Basics and beyond (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press.
Linehan, M. M. (2014). DBT skills training manual (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press.
National Institute of Mental Health. (2018). Anxiety disorders. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml
Schwartz, R. C. (2019). Internal family systems therapy (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press.