An anxiety disorder can be treated well. To begin with, we investigate what kind of fear controls your life. Depending on this, we propose a treatment that consists of:

• finding the cause of the fear,
• linking this fear to possible events,
• reducing possible chronic overload.

We teach you how to recognize physical reactions. And how you can influence those reactions with breathing exercises and other exercises. Depending on your situation, we break through certain patterns, such as avoidance, drinking behavior, escape behavior, use of medicines or hard work.

The treatment reduces anxiety, physical problems, worries and improves sleep. Avoidance behavior also decreases.

Therapies for anxiety disorder

A psychologist can apply different forms of therapy during the conversations. The most commonly used therapy for anxiety disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy.

Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing unhealthy thinking and behavioral patterns that maintain fear. You will learn how to break through and change these harmful patterns, so that you experience less fear. You will also learn to identify factors that contribute to your feelings of anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy may also include exposure therapy, where you are gradually exposed to the object or situation that is causing your anxiety under the guidance of a psychologist. This builds confidence, allowing you to better control the situation and the symptoms of anxiety after a while.

ACT therapy (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) is a form of behavioral therapy. With ACT you learn in a flexible way to deal with unpleasant feelings of fear, to take a healthy distance from fearful thoughts (Acceptance) and to take targeted action to lead a worthwhile life (Commitment), a life without fear. The essence of ACT is that fighting unavoidable circumstances comes at the expense of a valuable life.

If your anxiety disorder is caused by a traumatic event, the anxiety can also be treated well with EMDR therapy. During the treatment, you think back to the shocking event, while you follow the therapist’s finger with your eyes. The ‘working memory’ is burdened with this, so that the traumatic memory fades into the background and your feelings of anxiety diminish.

Breathing and relaxation exercises (body-oriented therapy) can also be used as support to learn to reduce your anxiety.

It is possible that one form of therapy is used, but a combination of different types of therapy is also a good option. At the start of the treatment process, you discuss with your therapist which form of therapy is best for you and your symptoms, and what feels comfortable for you. In this way, the treatment is tailor-made, so that you feel seen, heard and helped by us.

Contact Psychologen Amsterdam

Do you recognize your symptoms and do you need help or do you just have a question about the treatment of your anxiety disorder? Then call for an appointment or send a message to Psychologen Amsterdam.