The Benefits of Therapy for Anxiety
Anxiety is a common human experience that, at times, can feel overwhelming and unmanageable. But what if we were to approach anxiety with a new perspective? Instead of trying to eliminate it entirely, what if we learned to respect, welcome, and care for our anxiety with the tenderness and compassion of a parent? This is where the transformative power of therapy comes into play. There are myriad benefits of therapy that can lead to profound personal growth and resilience.
Understanding Anxiety
Before we dive into the benefits of therapy, it's important to understand what anxiety is. Anxiety is a natural response to stress or danger, designed to protect us by heightening our awareness and preparing us for action. It’s our internal “alert” system, letting us know we need to pay attention. However, when anxiety becomes excessive and chronic, it can interfere with our daily lives and become a spiral. I can’t count the amount of times I’ve heard a patient say “I’m anxious about being anxious!”
Benefits of Therapy for Anxiety
Safe Space for Expression: Therapy provides a safe and compassionate environment where individuals can openly express their thoughts, feelings, and anxieties. This alone can alleviate the burden of carrying anxieties alone, and it may be a new experience for you! Many of us come from families where we were told to “not worry,” “get over it,” or “calm down” without the help of learning how to actually do that. Our caregivers did not turn towards our anxiety and welcome it with a hug and curiosity, but in therapy we can be open-armed towards those sensations, feelings and experiences..
Skill Development: People often say they need “coping mechanisms” or “skills” but what does this really mean? Sometimes these are pragmatic skills range from relaxation techniques to cognitive restructuring, enabling individuals to face anxiety-inducing situations with a sense of control. Other times it’s simply that in therapy we get to express our anxiety and it is heard without judgment. This experience alone often starts to soothe anxiety. We listen to what the anxiety is trying to tell us, and then can respond.
Validation and Empathy: A compassionate therapist validates your experiences and emotions, providing the empathy that may be lacking in other aspects of your life. Feeling understood and acknowledged can be profoundly healing.
Self-Discovery: Therapy encourages introspection and self-discovery. By delving into the roots of anxiety, individuals can identify underlying triggers, past experiences, and thought patterns that contribute to their anxiety. Many times fear and shame have piled onto our anxiety over the years, and it can take come untangling - first to start judging the anxiety, and then learning what it is we can do to comfort and calm it.
Embracing Anxiety Like a Compassionate Parent
Imagine approaching your anxiety with the love and patience of a compassionate parent. Just as a parent nurtures a child through challenges, you can learn to embrace your anxiety with kindness. This starts by acknowledging your anxiety without judgment. Accept that it's a natural part of your emotional landscape and doesn't define your entire being.
Active Listening: Pay attention to what your anxiety is trying to communicate. Is it signaling a need for self-care, a boundary adjustment, or a change in perspective? My anxiety often is letting me know that I need love, care, or a break!
Self-Care Rituals: Develop self-care rituals that cater to your anxious moments. Engage in activities that soothe and ground you, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or engaging hobbies. Talking to someone you trust is often very helpful.
Positive Self-Talk: Replace self-critical thoughts with compassionate self-talk. Imagine you're speaking to a distressed friend, or to a young child – what kind and supportive words would you use? I might say something like: “It’s okay to be anxious. Tell me all about it,” or “what do you think is happening to bring these anxious feelings?” or “where in your body are you feeling this anxiety?”
Setting Boundaries: Just as a parent sets healthy boundaries for their child, establish boundaries that protect your well-being. This could involve saying "no" when necessary or creating a schedule that balances responsibilities and relaxation.
Seeking Support: Just as a child seeks guidance from a parent, don't hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or a therapist when anxiety feels overwhelming.
Therapy offers an invaluable opportunity to explore, understand, and care for anxiety in a way that fosters growth and self-compassion. By shifting our perspective to treating our anxiety like a compassionate parent would, we can transform our relationship with anxiety from one of struggle to one of nurturing. Embracing anxiety as an integral part of our human experience, and using therapeutic tools to navigate it, can lead to greater resilience, self-awareness, and ultimately, a more connected and loving relationship with yourself.
Rachel Lund started Self Space out of the deep belief in the power of therapy to change people’s lives from the inside out. Her hope is to help people find more safety, care and love in their lives. Rachel is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Clinical Supervisor in Washington state, and focuses on treating clients through a neuropsychotherapy approach to therapy that connects mind+body.