Treating Anxiety Through Holistic Counseling

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes excessive and persistent it can cause significant distress and interfere with daily life. In this blog, we will explore how we holistically treat anxiety at our counseling center.

What is Holistic Treatment? Holistic treatment is the practice of treating the entire person, rather than just the symptoms of a particular condition. When it comes to treating anxiety, a holistic approach can help to address the root causes of the anxiety, rather than simply masking the symptoms.

Holistic treatments may include a combination of therapies and techniques, including psychotherapy, mindfulness, nervous system calming exercises and lifestyle changes. This type of comprehensive counseling is an effective way to treat anxiety because it provides a safe space to explore and process the underlying issues that may be contributing to anxiety in addition to symptom management.

Here are some ways that counseling can help individuals holistically treat anxiety:

1. Identification of Triggers

One of the benefits of counseling is that it can help individuals identify the specific triggers that contribute to their anxiety. This can be a crucial step in managing anxiety, as it allows individuals to learn how to avoid or cope with triggering situations.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a type of talk therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety. A therapist can help individuals identify their specific thought patterns and develop strategies to challenge them, ultimately reducing the frequency and intensity of anxiety symptoms.

3. Mindfulness Techniques

Anxiety often involves a heightened sense of reactivity to perceived threats. Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, can help individuals learn to regulate their emotional responses to anxiety-provoking situations.

4. Lifestyle Changes

Counseling can also involve exploring lifestyle changes that can help manage anxiety. This may include exploring new hobbies or activities, improving sleep habits, reducing caffeine intake and incorporating regular exercise into daily routines. Exercise is a crucial component of successful anxiety treatment as it naturally helps to reduce the activation of the nervous system.

5. Healing Root Causes

Most of our therapists are trained in somatic techniques that can help to identify the underlying belief(s) or patterns that impact anxiety. This often includes beliefs such as "I am unworthy" or fear of uncertainty. By identifying the belief and experiences that led to the development of it, you can work with your therapist to process the experience and release the belief.

6. Building Coping Skills

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, and it may be difficult to know how to cope when symptoms arise. Counseling can help individuals build a range of coping skills, including relaxation techniques, cognitive reframing, and problem-solving strategies to help manage anxiety.

If you or someone you love is struggling with anxiety, reach out to request a free treatment consultation. Our counselors are here to provide support, guidance, and practical tools to help individuals manage their anxiety.