How is anxiety treated at IH Psychotherapy?
At our practice, treatment for anxiety typically involves a combination of therapy approaches and may vary depending on the individual’s needs and the therapist’s expertise.
Some common approaches that we use for anxiety treatment include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – to help individuals identify and challenge their negative thoughts and behaviours that are related to their anxiety.
Exposure Therapy – involves exposing individuals to the situation or objects that trigger their anxiety in a controlled and gradual manner. We utilize different techniques such as role-play, virtual reality, or imaginal exposure (revisiting traumatic events through imagination) to stimulate anxiety-provoking situations. Through repeated exposure to these anxiety-triggering situations, individuals gradually learn that their anxiety diminishes over time.
Mindfulness-Based Practices and Relaxation Techniques – to teach individuals how to cope with anxiety.
A Holistic Approach to Therapy – we focus on treating the whole person rather than solely addressing individual symptoms or issues. We consider various factors such as personal history, lifestyle, relationships, and values to comprehensively understand the individual’s unique experiences and challenges.
What are the steps to beginning therapy for anxiety?
Step 1: Free 15-Minute Phone Consultation
This an opportunity for you to ask questions and for the therapist to assess if their expertise aligns with your needs. You may schedule a consultation through our booking page or by filling out our contact form.
Step 2: Intake Session
The intake session usually lasts an hour to an hour and a half and allows you to discuss your concerns, symptoms, and treatment goals. The therapist will gather relevant information to better understand your unique situation and to help formulate an individualized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Step 3: Therapy Sessions
Once a treatment plan has been established, you will begin scheduled therapy sessions with your therapist. These sessions are typically conducted every week, but the frequency may vary depending on your needs and progress.
Throughout your treatment, we will closely monitor your progress and adapt the treatment plan as needed.
Step 4: Maintenance or Termination Session
Once you have achieved your therapy goals or feel that you have made significant progress, therapy may come to an end. A termination session is often scheduled to discuss the progress made, reflect on insights gained, and prepare you for continuing your progress independently or with ongoing maintenance sessions.
Maintenance sessions can be occasional check-ins to ensure that progress is maintained and provide support when needed.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us to hear more about how we treat anxiety and how you could begin your therapeutic journey.