At Marble Wellness in St. Louis, MO, we understand that navigating the field of mental health can be an overwhelming experience. Anxiety, in particular, is a complex and multifaceted condition that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. One of the therapeutic approaches we endorse for anxiety management is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychological treatment proven to be highly effective in addressing a wide range of disorders, including anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. It hinges on the premise that our thoughts (cognition) and actions (behavior) significantly impact our emotions. By changing maladaptive thoughts and behaviors, one can effect positive changes in their emotional well-being.
The Principles of CBT
CBT is founded on several key principles. Understanding these principles can help us grasp how this therapeutic approach functions and the value it can bring in addressing anxiety.
1. Psychological problems stem from maladaptive thinking: CBT posits that the way we perceive our circumstances significantly influences our emotions and behaviors. Incorrect or harmful thought patterns can result in emotional distress and unhelpful behaviors.
2. Focused and time-limited approach: Unlike some other therapies, CBT tends to be more active, structured, and focused on the present. While it recognizes the influence of past experiences, it emphasizes current cognitive and behavioral patterns that are maintaining the problem.
3. Collaborative effort: CBT emphasizes a therapeutic alliance where the therapist and the client work together to identify harmful thought patterns and develop effective coping strategies.
CBT and Anxiety
When it comes to anxiety, CBT is often the treatment of choice. It helps identify and reframe distorted thoughts and perceptions that may be leading to anxiety. For example, if you have a tendency to interpret situations as threatening, even when they aren’t, CBT can help you to develop more balanced and less anxiety-provoking interpretations.
The CBT Process for Anxiety
Here’s a snapshot of what the CBT process for managing anxiety might look like:
1. Identifying the problem: The therapist works with you to pinpoint the specific fears, anxieties, and behaviors you want to address.
2. Recognizing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors: Next, you learn to identify thoughts and emotions that occur before, during, or after these anxiety-inducing situations.
3. Challenging unhelpful thoughts: Once these thoughts are identified, the therapist assists you in challenging and modifying these unhelpful thoughts.
4. Changing behaviors: CBT also involves confronting the avoided situations in a safe, graduated manner, helping you to gradually lessen your fear and anxiety.
CBT is not about eradicating emotions but fostering a healthier relationship with them. It equips you with practical tools and techniques to manage anxiety and reduce its impact on your life.
Therapy at Marble Wellness
At Marble Wellness, we understand that seeking anxiety therapy can be a challenging decision. You may have concerns or uncertainties about the process. However, you are not alone, and we are here to guide you on this journey. We aim to create a warm, non-judgmental, and safe space for you to explore your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Together, we can untangle the web of thoughts in our heads and work on moving forward.
Remember, therapy is a unique journey for each person. The pace, process, and techniques used can vary.
Reach Out For Support Today With Anxiety Therapy in St. Louis, MO
You don’t have to figure it out alone. With CBT and our dedicated team at Marble Wellness, we can navigate this journey together. We can validate your experiences and steer you away from elements that might be interfering with your life.
At the end of the day, our mission is to help you live a life of fulfillment, internal calm, and happiness. We believe you deserve that, and you can achieve that. Let’s get started together.
So, if you are ready to explore the world of CBT and see how it can help you manage anxiety, reach out to us at Marble Wellness. We are ready to join you on your journey to mental wellness.
Our Client & Project Coordinator will be your first point of contact. She’ll get you set up with a good match for you on our team, and talk first appointment details.
Meet with one of our Anxiety Therapists:
All of the members of our team are trained in and skilled at treating anxiety. They will work with you to personalize a plan to cope with and reduce your anxiety.
Start to overcome your anxiety:
Whether it’s in-person, online, or park therapy, you and your therapist will use their skills and strengths to help you start to live a life free from anxiety.
Other Mental Health Services at Marble Wellness
At Marble Wellness, our goal is simple: Counseling services are designed to help set you on a path of living a more fulfilled, calm, and happy life. We specialize in anxiety, depression, grief, chronic illness, therapy for men, couples, and maternal overwhelm. We can also help new moms with various postpartum concerns, moms in the thick of parenting, and moms with teens. In addition to in-person options, we can also chat from wherever you are in the state with online therapy in Missouri and online therapy in Illinois. No matter where you are in your journey, we would love to support you.
