Affordable Anxiety Therapy in Toronto
Anxiety
All human beings will occasionally experience anxiety which is a natural response and a necessary warning adaptation in humans. Anxiety if not monitored can become a pathologic disorder when it is excessive and uncontrollable, requires no specific external stimulus, and manifests with a wide range of physical and affective symptoms as well as changes in behaviour and cognition.
Anxiety Disorders
A trained psychotherapist in Toronto can help you understand anxiety disorders which may include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia), specific phobia, panic disorder with and without agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) , posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety secondary to medical condition, acute stress disorder (ASD), and substance-induced anxiety disorders.
Anxiety Symptoms
It is currently believed that anxiety symptoms and the resulting disorders are due to disrupted modulation within the central nervous system. Physical and emotional manifestations of this dysregulation are the result of heightened sympathetic arousal of varying degrees. Several neurotransmitter systems have been implicated in one or several of the modulatory steps involved. All of the disorders are affected in some way by external cues and how they are processed and reacted to.
Psychotherapy for Anxiety
An important part of any intervention with a patient with an anxiety disorder is education. When it comes to treating anxiety disorders, research shows that therapy is usually the most effective option. That's because anxiety therapy–unlike anxiety medication–treats more than just the symptoms of the problem. Therapy can help you uncover the underlying causes of your worries and fears; learn how to relax; look at situations in new, less frightening ways; and develop better coping and problem-solving skills. Therapy gives you the tools to overcome anxiety and teaches you how to use them. The length of therapy will also depend on the type and severity of your anxiety disorder.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety
Cognitive behavioral therapy examines negative patterns and distortions in the way we look at the world and ourselves. One will also examine behaviours and how they react in situations that trigger anxiety. Please see information on Behaviour, the brain , the mind, what is psychotherapy. Our thoughts–not external events–affect the way we feel.
There is no quick fix for anxiety. Overcoming an anxiety disorder takes time and commitment. Therapy involves facing your fears rather than avoiding them, so sometimes you'll feel worse before you get better. You can also support your own anxiety therapy by making positive choices. Everything from your activity level to your social life affects anxiety. Set the stage for success by making a conscious decision to promote relaxation, vitality, and a positive mental outlook in your everyday life.
