How CBT Can Help with Anxiety (GAD)

CBT Therapy
March 26, 2025

Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, are some of the most common mental health problems affecting millions of people worldwide. 

If left unaddressed, these disorders can significantly impact a person's quality of life, leading to physical symptoms and chronic mental disorders.

  • Anxiety disorders can manifest as excessive worry, fear, or a constant state of unease.
  • Physical symptoms of anxiety can include rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling, and difficulty sleeping.
  • Chronic, untreated anxiety can lead to conditions like chronic post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues.

Let's take a closer look at how cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help with anxiety.

How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Works

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely accepted form of treatment for various adult anxiety disorders. 

It focuses on identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts, cognitive distortions, and negative thought patterns that trigger anxiety.

  • CBT involves cognitive restructuring, a process where the client learns to identify and challenge their negative thoughts.
  • Behavioral experiments are often used in CBT, where clients test out their fears or beliefs in real-life situations to see if they hold true.
  • CBT also includes teaching relaxation skills such as progressive muscle relaxation to help manage physical sensations associated with anxiety.

If you are struggling with anxiety, a qualified mental health professional can help you learn the skills necessary to manage your symptoms. 

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective and evidence-based treatment option for many people that is often recommended by experts. 

With CBT, you can gain better insight into the thoughts and behaviors that cause your anxiety, and develop tools to help control it.

Effectiveness of CBT for Treating Anxiety Disorders

Randomized controlled trials have consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of CBT for treating anxiety disorders

This approach has been proven successful in treating conditions such as PTSD, OCD, and social anxiety disorder.

  • CBT has been found to reduce the severity of anxiety symptoms and improve overall mental health.
  • Cognitive behavioral treatments often include exposure therapy, where clients are gradually exposed to the situations they fear to help them realize that their fears are unfounded.
  • CBT can be delivered by a qualified CBT therapist, either one-on-one or in a group setting.

It's important to note that CBT is not a one-size-fits-all approach and it can take some time to find the right therapist.

What Happens If an Anxiety Disorder Is Not Addressed?

If anxiety is not addressed, it can lead to serious mental health problems. 

It can affect a person's daily life, relationships, and physical health. Unchecked, anxiety can also lead to more severe disorders such as chronic posttraumatic stress disorder.

  • Untreated anxiety can lead to depression, substance abuse, and other mental disorders.
  • Physical health can be affected, with individuals experiencing headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and chronic pain.
  • Those struggling with untreated anxiety may isolate themselves, impacting their social and professional lives.

All in all, you don't have to live with untreated anxiety any longer. 

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective treatment approach for managing and reducing symptoms of most anxiety disorders. 

To find out more about CBT and how it can help you, contact a qualified mental health professional today.

Frequently Asked Questions about CBT for Anxiety

How does cognitive therapy techniques help with anxiety?

Techniques such as cognitive restructuring and exposure therapy help individuals confront and change their negative thoughts and fears. This can result in reduced anxiety symptoms.

Can CBT help with physical symptoms of anxiety?

Yes, CBT can help manage physical symptoms of anxiety by teaching relaxation skills and helping individuals understand how their thoughts and behaviors can influence physical sensations.

Who can provide CBT?

CBT should be provided by a trained professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or a CBT therapist.

Does CBT work for everyone with anxiety?

While CBT is effective for many people with anxiety, its success can depend on various factors, including the individual's commitment to the process and the skill of the therapist.

CBT vs DBT vs Play Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Play Therapy are all effective therapeutic approaches, each with its own unique focus, methodology, and areas of application.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. 

It's an evidence-based approach to treatment that helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and develop more adaptive beliefs and behaviors. 

CBT is often used to treat conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and phobias.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT, while based on CBT, places a greater emphasis on emotional and social aspects. 

It's particularly effective for individuals who struggle with emotional regulation, self-destructive behaviors, and interpersonal conflicts. DBT focuses on skills like mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. 

It has been proven particularly effective for treating borderline personality disorder but can also be used for other mental health disorders.

Play Therapy

Play Therapy, on the other hand, is a form of therapy typically used with children to help them express their experiences and feelings through a natural, self-guided, self-healing process. 

As children's experiences and knowledge are often communicated through play, it becomes an important vehicle for them to know and accept themselves and others.

Each of these therapeutic methods has its strengths and is suited to different types of situations and clients. 

CBT and DBT are more structured and are typically used with adults, while Play Therapy is often used with children to help them express their feelings and experiences in a safe, therapeutic environment.

The choice among CBT, DBT, and Play Therapy depends on several factors, such as the client's age, the specific issues they're facing, their personal preferences, and the therapist's expertise. 

A trained therapist can guide individuals in determining which type of therapy is best suited to their needs.

Conclusion

It's important to seek treatment for anxiety disorders, as they can significantly impact a person's life. 

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective form of treatment that has been proven to reduce symptoms and improve mental well-being.

When seeking treatment, it's important to look for practitioners who have experience in treating anxiety disorders and are qualified in cognitive-behavioral therapy. 

With proper treatment, individuals can learn to challenge their fears and make lasting changes in their lives.

Although there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating anxiety, it's reassuring to know that help is available. 

People don't have to suffer in silence - by seeking professional help they can take back control of their lives and find peace.

CBT can be an empowering experience, as individuals learn to challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs in order to make positive changes. 

With the right support, anxiety disorders can be effectively managed and people can live fuller lives with fewer worries.

Resources 

https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/q-and-a/whats-the-difference-between-cbt-and-dbt

https://theconversation.com/cbt-dbt-psychodynamic-what-type-of-therapy-is-right-for-me-171101

Author
Jennifer Luttman, LPC, ACS

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.

Common Questions about CBT Therapy

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