Anxiety #5
We have explored various approaches and teaching strategies for those who struggle with anxiety. Everyone experiences anxiety, to some extent. Anxiety is, at times, a critical feeling to alert someone to become more aware of their surroundings and/or to motivate them to engage in an activity that will help them prepare for future stressors (e.g. studying, practicing, planning). It is also true that anxiety can be present at a degree that is debilitating to a person’s day to day functioning. This may look like avoiding situations, being consumed by worry thoughts, and/or anger outbursts to expel the internalized feelings.
So what do you do then? Therapy may be the best next step.
When you begin looking for a provider, I highly encourage you to first call the office to see if you can have a free consultation phone call. This will give you a chance to connect, learn about their personality and approach, and consider if this will be a good fit for your child. Being a good fit does not mean they always agree with you, or that they won’t challenge you. Instead it means there is a feeling of being understood, and you and your child feel safe. From a logistical standpoint, it also may mean the provider accepts your insurance, has fees that are manageable, and has time slots that fit your schedule. Try and commit to a few sessions, once you find a therapist, in order to give the structure and relationship time to grow. Also, be okay with being challenged or nudged to an extent that is open and honest, while not overwhelming. Monitor if you feel comfortable and confident communicating openly! And if you do not, see if that is a guard you have or a disconnect with the therapist. Challenge yourself to communicate, communicate, communicate!
Therapy can vary depending on the person’s history, trauma experiences, presenting anxiety, age, and family dynamic. One of the most effective therapeutic approaches, we have discussed in previous posts, is CBT. Dr. Christner, at the NASP February 2023 conference, discussed how the typical CBT approach (activating event – belief – thought), does not always work for kids, as they are acting more than thinking. Therefore, CBT can and should be modified to focus on automatic thoughts and intermediate beliefs, as opposed to core beliefs. This can look like finding and challenging cognitive distortions and deficiencies. Therapists can also approach from four life domains: social domain, cognitive ability, affect/physiological responses, and observed behaviors.
Dr. Kaufman hosted Dr. Richard Ryan, on his podcast, in September 2021 and discussed Self-Determination Theory and Human Motivation. Self-Determination relates to anxiety, in the way that it helps understand one’s basic psychological needs and their overall wellness. It consists of one’s autonomy, competence, and relatedness, which then indicates how motivated they are in feeling they can make choices or changes to make life more enjoyable. This idea can help parents and caregivers model healthy living. This also taps into Dr. Scott Sells family approach. He noted that anxiety affects nearly 33% of adolescents, with an onset age of 11. He shares when treating children with anxiety, they often (more than 50% of the time), live with a parent who has anxiety. This means, therapy may look like incorporating parental teaching in how they can approach and respond to a child exhibiting anxiety.
This blog went on for longer than I had planned. However, I wanted to thoroughly wrap up the blog posts on Anxiety. I also wanted to highlight that there are varying, research-based approaches that have shown a decrease in anxiety in children (CBT, Transdiagnostic, Family Education, and more!). Therefore, no matter how much you or your child is struggling, there are things that can help! We just touched the surface today.
I hope this helps you feel empowered to reach out to a provider, when/if needed. This may mean a pediatrician, community agency, school, or a provider you find online!
Bryanna
