Anxiety, especially when it's chronic, can be debilitating for the sufferer, and their loved ones, who often bear the consequences. Anxiety can lead to isolation, depression, substance abuse or even self-harm. Treating anxiety can be challenging, but fortunately, there are therapies that can help you cope. One of the most effective approaches to treating anxiety is called cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). So what is CBT? How does it work? And how can you find a therapist who uses this approach? 

At its simplest, CBT is a talk-based form of psychotherapy that has been proven to reduce symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and other types of anxiety disorders. Therapists who practice CBT will help you identify negative thought patterns and then change those thoughts so that you react differently to stressful situations. CBT can involve learning new ways of thinking (cognitive restructuring), understanding the relationship between your thoughts, feelings and actions (emotion regulation), trying out new behaviour patterns (behavioural activation) or managing stress through relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises (rational emotive therapy).

While some people respond very quickly to treatment, others may need a year or more of regular CBT sessions before they see results. If you have an anxiety disorder and are thinking about trying CBT, it's important to know that this type of treatment may not cure your condition. However, with the right therapist and a willingness to do your part in therapy sessions as well as at home between appointments, many people find relief using this method.

An Evidence Based Approach

CBT is an evidence-based approach to treating anxiety. This means that it has been proven to be effective in many cases, and it’s also been shown that the effects of CBT are long lasting. A CBT therapist will work collaboratively with you on your issues—so much so that you might be surprised at some points! You may find yourself facing challenges that make you uncomfortable or even put your emotions into turmoil as part of the process. However, this is all done with your best interests at heart: The goal of CBT is always to help clients achieve their goals by breaking down barriers and moving them closer towards their overall wellness objectives.

Before Beginning CBT for Anxiety

A good therapist will be upfront with you about what to expect from treatment and how long it is likely to take for you to feel better. CBT is a time-limited treatment, which means that a certain number of sessions have been planned out in advance, based on what the therapist thinks is necessary. The practitioner may also give you some homework between sessions that will help prepare you for the next session and make sure your progress continues.

A good therapist should also be able to tell you what specific things they do when treating anxiety disorders. If not, that's a sign that they are not well-trained or experienced in treating these conditions (or simply don't care).

If you're interested in getting help for anxiety, there are some things to consider before deciding on a therapist.

• Find a therapist who is experienced in treating anxiety disorders. You can do this by asking your friends or family members for recommendations, searching online (there are some great sites that allow you to search based on location and specialty).
• Find a therapist who is a good fit for you. Most people respond better when they feel comfortable with their therapist, so take some time to think about what is important to you in terms of personality style, philosophy of therapy, and even gender identity/expression if this matters to you at all!
• Find a therapist who is available when needed—and vice versa! You should be able to reach them easily during regular business hours (including nights and weekends) via phone or email; if not, consider looking elsewhere since having someone "on call" might be crucial during times of crisis or intense distress."

CBT Responses May Vary From Patient to Patient

Some people respond quickly to CBT; others may need a year or more of treatment before they see results. How well you respond also depends on the severity of your anxiety, the type of anxiety disorder you have and the type of treatment. Some forms of cognitive behavioural therapy are short-term therapies that can be done in as few as six sessions. Other types require more sessions than this and some people may even need long-term psychotherapy.

Anxiety disorders are serious problems that can interfere with many aspects of your life. If you suspect that you have an anxiety disorder, please seek professional help in the form of a therapist or psychiatrist who can assist you in getting better. Fortunately, many types of anxiety can be managed using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a form of talk therapy designed to help people change their thoughts and behaviours so they react differently to stressful situations. With the right treatment plan and a good therapist, you can learn how to control your anxiety and get back to living your best life!