What Types of Therapy Are Used to Treat Generalized Anxiety?
The most common and evidence-based therapy for Generalized Anxiety is Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and beliefs that fuel anxiety and distress. It also teaches practical coping skills such as relaxation techniques, problem-solving strategies, and gradual exposure to feared situations in a controlled, safe environment. CBT is structured, goal-oriented, usually time-limited, and designed to empower individuals to manage symptoms effectively and regain control over their lives.
Other therapeutic approaches include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which emphasizes mindfulness, acceptance of anxious feelings, and commitment to personal values without trying to eliminate anxiety entirely. Psychodynamic therapy explores unconscious emotional conflicts and past experiences that may contribute to anxiety symptoms. Supportive counseling and group therapy can provide additional emotional support and peer connection. The choice of therapy depends on individual preferences, symptom severity, and clinical recommendations to tailor treatment for optimal benefit.
