Anxiety
There is a natural urge to see anxiety as something that needs to be gotten rid of. The physical symptoms of anxiety feel awful. The heart racing, the tingling, the stomach pain, or the heaviness. Of course all we can think about is how to make those feelings go away. So we think in terms of 'battling' anxiety.
The problem with this is that anxiety is a part of us. So when we are in conflict with anxiety, we are in conflict with ourselves. And anxiety is a useful part of ourselves. Anxiety is a very simple part of the brain (the "Reptile Brain") saying "I don't know what is going on, but it feels like something threatening is happening." Because that part is simple and because it is trying to protect us, the Reptile Brain is communicating in the only way it knows: by giving us physical sensations to get our attention.
So if anxiety is a part of us, then it has to be worked with like a valued team member. When we instead try to get rid of anxiety, all we really do is push it back under the surface. Under the surface it grows and comes back louder next time.
Role of therapy in working with anxiety
A therapist then can help you switch your feelings about your anxiety. This can be done by discussing your unique life circumstances, and trying to find what role anxiety plays in it. Through reframing, reflective listening, and other techniques, the therapist can assist you in thinking of your circumstances differently. The therapist can help you come to terms with the vital role anxiety plays in our lives.
More resources on anxiety
The problem with this is that anxiety is a part of us. So when we are in conflict with anxiety, we are in conflict with ourselves. And anxiety is a useful part of ourselves. Anxiety is a very simple part of the brain (the "Reptile Brain") saying "I don't know what is going on, but it feels like something threatening is happening." Because that part is simple and because it is trying to protect us, the Reptile Brain is communicating in the only way it knows: by giving us physical sensations to get our attention.
So if anxiety is a part of us, then it has to be worked with like a valued team member. When we instead try to get rid of anxiety, all we really do is push it back under the surface. Under the surface it grows and comes back louder next time.
Role of therapy in working with anxiety
A therapist then can help you switch your feelings about your anxiety. This can be done by discussing your unique life circumstances, and trying to find what role anxiety plays in it. Through reframing, reflective listening, and other techniques, the therapist can assist you in thinking of your circumstances differently. The therapist can help you come to terms with the vital role anxiety plays in our lives.
More resources on anxiety
Click here or call/text 585-270-1889 to book a session or find out more.