Those suffering from anxiety, a highly treatable mental health illness, can get the help they need from a number of mental health professionals, including social workers, psychologists, counselors and psychiatrists. It is important to remember that treatment and therapy for severe anxiety should only be undertaken by a trained and licensed mental health professional. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America, or ADAA, reports that success of treatment can vary. Some people may respond after a few months, while others may take more than a year. As such, the treatment should be tailored to your individual client's specific needs.
Step 1
Begin cognitive-behavioral therapy. According to the ADAA, cognitive-behavioral therapy is a highly effective treatment for anxiety disorders; it provides patients with a sense of control over their own recovery. Also, the benefits of cognitive-behavioral therapy can usually be seen within 12 to 16 weeks.
Step 2
Identify negative thought patterns. Help your client understand her thought process. HelpGuide.org notes that cognitive-behavioral therapy will help identify the negative thinking patterns and irrational beliefs that fuel her anxiety. Have your client maintain a journal of her negative thoughts throughout the week. Teach her to write positive thoughts that counter each one of her negative thoughts. Develop your client’s ability to challenge and replace negative thoughts throughout her day.
Step 3
Gain insight into what triggers his anxiety symptoms. Help your client assess the things in his life that may be triggering his anxiety, such as certain friendships, children, a significant other, work, school or world events. Identify the changes your client can make in order to reduce his triggers. Help him develop techniques to deal appropriately with the triggers he cannot avoid, such as relaxation techniques or communication techniques.
Step 4
Expose your client to his feared situation or object. The ADAA reports that exposure therapy, a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy, entails gradually exposing your client to his anxieties in safe environment and allowing him to become less sensitive over time.
Step 5
Consult with your client’s doctor or psychiatrist about the use of medication in her treatment. According to the American Psychological Association, medications have a role in the treatment of anxiety disorders; when medications are used your client should be managed collaboratively by a therapists and physician. Address concerns your patient might have about medication usage. Discuss any potential side effects. Bring any concerns or displayed side effects to the attention of the doctor or psychiatrist.
Step 6
Evaluate the treatment process. It is always important to evaluate treatment to see if you are really making changes in the life of your client. Severe anxiety may be hard to treat, but changes should be seen within the first couple of weeks. Ask your client how she is feeling about the treatment process. Note if your client feels treatment is addressing her concerns. Make necessary improvements and changes to the treatment to better meet your client’s needs.
