Treatments

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Light On Anxiety offers empirically-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and related modalities in individual therapy sessions, group therapy, and intensive outpatient treatment. We help you in moving past anxiety and related mental health conditions as rapidly and effectively as possible.

How Is CBT Different From Traditional Talk Therapy?

Light On Anxiety

Evidence Based CBT Treatment Modalities

Light On Anxiety utilizes empirically-supported, action-oriented, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-based treatment modalities. We provide you with the tools to decrease anxiety and increase life satisfaction, including cognitive therapy to learn to “talk back” to worry thoughts, guided exposure therapy to feared stimuli, and behavioral activation support to assist you in  engaging in valued living.

Consider Light On Anxiety your brain gym. A little bit of consistent, hard work will go a long way in earning you a lifetime of freedom from anxiety and OCD.

Behavioral Activation (BA)

Behavioral Activation is a therapeutic approach that encourages individuals to engage in meaningful activities to combat depression and anxiety. By focusing on increasing positive behaviors, it helps to break the cycle of avoidance and inactivity, leading to improved mood and overall well-being.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It teaches individuals to cultivate awareness and acceptance of their thoughts, emotions, and sensations, promoting greater self-awareness and emotional regulation.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness and acceptance strategies. It helps individuals learn to regulate emotions, improve interpersonal skills, and cope with distressing situations more effectively.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than trying to control or avoid them. It emphasizes acceptance, and values-based action to promote psychological flexibility and well-being.

Interoceptive Exposures

Interoceptive exposures involve gradually exposing individuals to physical sensations that provoke anxiety or discomfort. It helps desensitize individuals to bodily sensations associated with anxiety, panic, or other distressing emotions.

In Vivo Exposures

In Vivo exposures involve facing feared situations or stimuli in real-life settings. It helps individuals confront and overcome their fears, gradually building confidence and reducing avoidance behaviors.

Imaginal Exposures

Imaginal exposure involves systematically confronting and processing feared thoughts or memories in the imagination. It helps individuals confront traumatic experiences or intrusive thoughts, reducing their emotional impact and promoting healing.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

ERP is a core component of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) used to treat anxiety disorders, OCD, and related conditions. Through repeated exposure, individuals learn to tolerate anxiety and reduce the power of their fears, leading to symptom improvement and increased confidence in managing challenging situations.

Light On Anxiety Books

Self-Guided CBT: Your Path to Freedom From Anxiety

Frequently Asked Questions

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, time-limited, and evidence-based form of psychotherapy that helps individuals understand the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It focuses on identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts and developing practical skills to manage anxiety.

During a CBT for anxiety therapy session, the therapist and client work collaboratively to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to anxiety. The session typically includes a check-in to discuss recent experiences and progress, a review of any homework assignments, and the establishment of a session agenda. The therapist guides the client through cognitive restructuring exercises to reframe unhelpful thoughts, and may include in vivo exposure exercises to gradually confront anxiety-provoking situations. The session concludes with planning practical homework assignments to reinforce skills learned, ensuring the client can apply these techniques in their daily life.

CBT for anxiety disorders involves identifying negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to anxiety, challenging and re-framing these thoughts, and gradually exposing oneself to anxiety-provoking situations in a controlled manner to reduce avoidance behaviors and build coping skills.

CBT is typically a short-term treatment, often lasting between 12 to 20 sessions. The exact duration depends on the severity of the anxiety disorder and the individual’s progress.

Yes, numerous studies have shown that CBT is highly effective for treating anxiety disorders. It is considered a gold-standard treatment, with many individuals experiencing significant reductions in anxiety symptoms and improvements in their quality of life.

Yes, CBT can be effectively combined with medication for treating anxiety disorders. This combination can be particularly helpful for individuals with moderate or severe symptoms. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

During your initial assessment, your therapist will evaluate your symptoms and discuss your treatment options. CBT is suitable for many individuals with anxiety disorders, but your therapist will help determine the best approach for your specific situation.

Benefits of CBT for anxiety disorders include evidence-based techniques, development of practical coping skills, long-term symptom relief, improved quality of life, and the ability to address a wide range of anxiety-related issues.