Anxiety Counseling in Bethlehem, PA—Counselors and Therapists at Thriveworks (Lehigh Valley)
Everyday stress and anxiety is normal. Think: spilling coffee in your lap, arguing with your spouse, or preparing for a presentation at work. All of these are likely to make our blood boil and our anxiety go up, up, up. Again, this is completely normal. However, there is a fine line between the occasional stress and anxiety and the anxiety that is characteristic of a mental health disorder.
There are different types of anxiety, such as generalized anxiety, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and panic disorder. These disorders are characterized by different symptoms, but each is rooted in that crippling anxiety… whether it’s the general feeling of dread or it’s anxiety that rises to the surface when you’re in large crowds. The good news is that whatever the cause of your anxiety, a Thriveworks counselor can help. They can assess your symptoms, offer diagnosis, and work with you to come up with a plan that will help you live a happier, healthier life moving forward.
How Can Counseling or Therapy Help?
Therapy has proven to help people with a variety of challenges, of which includes mental health challenges like anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is specifically effective in the treatment of anxiety, as this approach focuses on helping clients to change their harmful thinking patterns which can bring about unwanted anxiety.
For example, a cognitive behavioral therapy can help an individual who has panic disorder learn that his or her panic attacks are not heart attacks (which is a common misconception); or they can help someone with social phobia realize that people aren’t watching their every move. The therapist might also use exposure-based treatment, which treats anxieties or phobias rooted in specific objects or situations. In exposure-based treatment, the individual will gradually confront their fear until they see that it is not a threat.
What Will I Learn in Anxiety Counseling?
We are all guilty of letting unhelpful thoughts make their way in and wreak havoc on our lives. Sometimes we can’t help but anticipate the worst and worry about all that could go wrong. That said, it is possible to shake this harmful habit. And your counselor at Thriveworks Bethlehem can help you do so! Here are a few tips they might offer to help you control your anxious thoughts:
1) Accept that everybody worries, and it’s okay. None of us will ever be able to completely stop worrying, as worrying is a natural part of life. But there is a line that you shouldn’t cross and that’s worrying about worrying! Find comfort in the fact that we all worry and don’t let it drive you crazy.
2) Channel the negative into the positive. Now that you’ve accepted that worrying is normal and you probably aren’t going to completely stop the habit of worrying, you can focus on channeling the negative into something positive. Your counselor will offer some effective strategies for doing so like exercising, journaling, dancing, or even singing! They’ll help you find something that works for you.
3) Focus on what’s in your control. Your counselor will also lead you in learning to focus on what’s in your control… rather than the unforeseen events and the external factors that you can’t control. There’s nothing you can do to ensure traffic is steady on your way to work or your flight arrives on time—so stop worrying about it! I know it’s easier said than done, but your counselor will help you accomplish this mission.
Schedule an Appointment with a Thriveworks Bethlehem Counselor Today in Lehigh
The providers at Thriveworks Bethlehem are skilled, caring professionals who want to see you succeed in life. And if you’re struggling with any kind or degree of anxiety, they want to help. Do you think you could benefit from working with a counselor or therapist? If the answer is yes, make an appointment today. To schedule a session, all you have to do is give us a call at 484-241-2848. A scheduling specialist will help you get all set up with a provider who can best help you and your unique situation. We hope to hear from you soon, and we look forward to working with you!
