Anxiety is a common mental health condition that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. While there are various treatment options available, including medication and traditional therapy, some individuals may find relief through alternative approaches like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). At Onward Health & Wellness, we offer DBT-informed care to support individuals in Salem, Oregon, who are struggling with anxiety.
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety is characterized by persistent and excessive worry or fear that can interfere with daily activities and relationships. Common types of anxiety disorders include:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
The Role of Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Anxiety Treatment
While anxiety disorders vary in their presentation and severity, DBT can be an effective treatment option for individuals struggling with anxiety-related symptoms.
Developing Mindfulness Skills
Mindfulness practices are central to DBT and can help individuals with anxiety develop a greater sense of awareness and acceptance of their thoughts and feelings. By practicing mindfulness, individuals can learn to observe their anxious thoughts without judgment, reducing their impact on overall well-being.
Enhancing Distress Tolerance
Anxiety often involves experiencing intense distress in response to perceived threats or triggers. DBT teaches specific skills to help individuals tolerate and manage distressing situations effectively, reducing the urge to avoid or escape uncomfortable feelings.
Building Emotion Regulation Skills
Anxiety can be accompanied by intense emotions such as fear, worry, and panic. DBT equips individuals with tools to identify, understand, and regulate their emotions, empowering them to respond to anxiety-provoking situations in a calm and controlled manner.
Improving Interpersonal Effectiveness
Anxiety can strain dialectic behavioral therapy and lead to social withdrawal or avoidance. DBT focuses on improving interpersonal effectiveness by teaching communication skills, assertiveness, and boundary setting, helping individuals build and maintain supportive connections with others.
Integrating DBT into Anxiety Treatment at Onward Health & Wellness
At Onward Health & Wellness, we understand the debilitating impact that anxiety can have on individuals’ lives and tailor our treatment approach to address their specific needs. Our compassionate therapists provide evidence-based care, integrating DBT principles into personalized treatment plans to support clients in managing anxiety effectively.
Through a combination of individual therapy, skills training groups, and ongoing support, we empower our clients to overcome anxiety and live full, meaningful lives. Our goal is to help individuals build resilience, cultivate self-compassion, and develop the skills they need to thrive in the face of anxiety.
Conclusion
Dialectical Behavior Therapy offers a comprehensive and empowering approach to managing anxiety by addressing the underlying issues contributing to symptoms. By developing mindfulness skills, enhancing distress tolerance, building emotion regulation skills, and improving interpersonal effectiveness, DBT empowers individuals to overcome anxiety and live with greater peace and confidence. At Onward Health & Wellness, we are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive DBT-informed care to support our clients on their journey towards recovery.
