GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER (GAD)

Treatment for generalized anxiety involves a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). It may or may not involve Exposure Therapy. In CBT and ACT, we look at the thought patterns that keep anxiety going, particularly excessive worry and the belief that worrying is necessary to prevent bad outcomes. Common concerns include fears about uncertainty, making the wrong decision, disappointing others, or not being able to cope if something goes wrong. We spend time noticing these worry patterns and learning new ways to relate to them, including adjusting unhelpful thinking and practicing defusion by recognizing thoughts as mental events rather than facts.

 

Rather than trying to eliminate worry, the goal is to increase your confidence in your ability to handle uncertainty and distress without relying on reassurance, overplanning, or constant problem-solving.

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There is always a behavioral element to work with generalized anxiety. Sometimes this involves more active exposure, but more often it means reducing reassurance-seeking and making decisions based on your values rather than fear. Generalized anxiety often leads to avoiding situations that feel risky or engaging in significant anticipatory anxiety. Our focus is on stepping away from anticipation and instead focusing on what you can control while learning to trust yourself. You practice making choices that may bring up anxiety when those choices are aligned with what matters to you. We spend time clarifying your values and understanding what you want your life to be about, and those values guide your actions rather than avoidance of fear.