Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based, non-invasive treatment. It is used for a variety of mental health conditions. These include generalized anxiety disorder. Not everybody realizes how much generalized anxiety disorder can affect your life. One of the goals of CBT is to teach you the skills you need to cope with generalized anxiety symptoms. So, what should you know about what to expect from cognitive behavioral therapy for generalized anxiety disorder? Knowing what to anticipate can make starting therapy and getting the help you need easier. Roaring Brook Recovery is here to help.
What to Expect from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for General Anxiety Disorder
Often, CBT is quickly effective. While everyone is different, many people start to notice benefits within 12 sessions or less. When it comes to what to expect from cognitive behavioral therapy for generalized anxiety disorder, however, you might also want to know what sessions themselves will entail. CBT typically involves:
Cognitive Restructuring
Cognitive restructuring is a big part of CBT, and it is a very powerful skill. This process involves identifying maladaptive thoughts and replacing them with thoughts that benefit you more. Your therapist might help you learn about cognitive distortions, which refer to inaccurate thought patterns. Examples of cognitive distortions include catastrophizing, all-or-nothing thinking, overgeneralizing, discounting the positive, or jumping to conclusions.
Relaxation and Mindfulness Strategies
Relaxation and mindfulness strategies are often taught in CBT. These coping skills can help you lower your anxiety levels in everyday life and approach situations that might otherwise exacerbate anxiety symptoms confidently.
Functional Analysis
Functional analysis in CBT is a process that involves examining why a behavior occurs with the help of a therapist. Many people with anxiety disorders use behaviors that provide short-term relief but that may not serve them in the long term. Through functional analysis, you’ll explore why you use these behaviors and what you can do instead.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is a variation of CBT. Designed to help people confront fears gradually, it is not something you’ll jump into right away. Instead, a therapist will often guide you to choose an exposure that causes a lower level of distress first. With their guidance, you might then confront a fear or trigger, in real life, by imagination, or via interoception.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Kentucky
Roaring Brook Recovery offers cognitive behavioral therapy for generalized anxiety disorder in Kentucky. Here’s a little bit about what to expect at our center.
Anxiety Therapy
We provide anxiety therapy in Lexington, KY. Our licensed mental health professionals use cognitive behavioral therapy for generalized anxiety disorder. This may pair with other treatments that help you manage your symptoms, find outlets or ways to express yourself (e.g., through experiential therapies, like art therapy), and find connection with other people who live with anxiety disorders.
Mental Health Treatment
Roaring Brook Recovery provides comprehensive mental health treatment in Lexington, KY. This includes treatment for GAD and other conditions. For example, other anxiety disorders (such as social anxiety or panic disorder), mood disorders, like depression or bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Addiction Treatment Services
Some people with anxiety disorders have a co-occurring substance use disorder. In fact, it is very common for people with generalized anxiety disorder to live with a co-occurring substance use disorder. In addition to treatment for standalone mental health concerns, Roaring Brook Recovery provides comprehensive addiction treatment services in Kentucky. If you or your loved one with GAD also struggles with substance abuse, our team is here to help.
Call Roaring Brook Recovery to Learn More About Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Roaring Brook Recovery is a mental health and addiction treatment center in Kentucky. Passionate about the quality of care we provide, we’re here to help you or your loved one overcome GAD symptoms and related concerns. Please call Roaring Brook Recovery to learn more about cognitive behavioral therapy for generalized anxiety disorder today at (866) 824-9389.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best approach to treatment for generalized anxiety disorder?
Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the best-studied and most effective treatments for generalized anxiety disorder. It is also well-documented that many people benefit most from a combination of CBT and medication for GAD.
Individualized treatment is crucial, as everyone with an anxiety disorder is unique. Sometimes, symptom management can take trial and error. We will help you find the approach to GAD treatment that works for you.
What can I expect from my first CBT session for GAD?
During your first CBT session for generalized anxiety disorder, a therapist will focus on getting to know you. They might ask questions about your current symptoms, personal history, and treatment goals. This is also an opportunity to get to know your therapist and start building trust.
If you have any questions about what to expect from cognitive behavioral therapy for generalized anxiety disorder at this time (or at any other point in your work together), a therapist will answer them.
Is generalized anxiety disorder really treatable?
Yes, generalized anxiety disorder is highly treatable. Research on cognitive behavioral therapy for generalized anxiety disorder shows that it has positive long-term outcomes. A meta-analysis found that rates of remission (complete recovery) for GAD treated via CBT were over 50 percent post-treatment and 65 percent at follow-up.
Is cognitive behavioral therapy for generalized anxiety disorder covered by insurance?
Yes. As an evidence-based treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy is widely covered by health insurance plans. Our center in Kentucky provides cognitive behavioral therapy for generalized anxiety disorder, covered by nearly all health insurance plans.
Please call Roaring Brook Recovery to verify your insurance coverage for anxiety treatment today. We’re here to make getting help for anxiety disorders accessible, regardless of your situation.
Is CBT an individual or group therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used in individual and group therapy sessions. Both types of treatment sessions can be advantageous. We provide individual therapy and group therapy in Kentucky.