Starting online therapy for anxiety can be nerve-wracking. You may be wondering if it will work for you, how to find the right therapist, and what to expect. You may also wonder how to make the most of anxiety treatment. Making the most out of your anxiety treatment will help you get the most benefit from it and help you feel better faster. Here are tips on how to make the most of anxiety treatment.
Finding an Anxiety Therapist in Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida
It’s important to keep in mind that finding a therapist can be difficult and anxiety-provoking, especially when you are already overwhelmed with anxiety. A great start is to ask friends or family if they know someone who might be a good fit for you. If that doesn’t give you any leads, you can search on an online directory like Psychology Today. You can do a filtered search to find a therapist who meets your criteria.
Most therapists offer a free phone consultation so that you both can talk and get a sense of whether or not the person will be a good fit for you. If talking on the phone gives you anxiety, you can skip it!
Avoid Procrastination
Many practices offer convenient online scheduling and intake forms. However, anxiety tends to make us procrastinate and avoid. This means this could lead you to not start anxiety therapy. If you are having trouble taking the step to start therapy, enlist the help of a trusted friend or family member. This way they can help you make the appointment and be there for support. You may also be hesitant because you’re worried you will have to reveal your entire life story. You never have to discuss something you don’t feel comfortable discussing. You have the freedom to share as much or as little as you want in therapy.
Before Your First Session
This may come as no surprise but may feel anxious about your first session. Anticipate this feeling and try to be accepting of it. Especially if you’ve never been to therapy before. It can also be easy to get cold feet before your first session and wonder if you really need therapy. Sometimes the act of scheduling a therapy appointment provides enough relief for individuals suffering from anxiety that they then begin to wonder if they really need therapy.
If this happens, reflect on all the ways anxiety has interfered in your life. This can be a great motivator for following through with scheduling but also going to your first therapy session. But also remember, this is a big step in managing your anxiety and you should feel proud of yourself for taking it!
Be Patient With Yourself
Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight. You’re learning new ways to cope with your anxiety and it will take time to see results. If you’re wanting to see progress quickly, then it’s important to schedule weekly sessions initially. This way you can learn new coping skills for anxiety and put them into practice right away. Give yourself credit for the progress you make and be patient with yourself.
Implementing What You’ve Learned
During your anxiety treatment, you will actively discuss and practice various skills with your therapist in session. It will be up to you to practice these skills outside of the session and put them into use in your everyday life. You can seek out additional resources that you find helpful through Youtube, podcasts, books, online groups, forums, etc. to supplement what you’ve learned in therapy. The more you practice these skills, the more benefit you will get from anxiety treatment.
After Anxiety Treatment in Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida
After anxiety treatment, you will hopefully have new skills to manage your anxiety. However, it’s important to keep in mind that some anxiety is normal. And you should expect some regression at times. There is no cure for anxiety but that doesn’t mean treatment can’t be helpful. Learning new ways to reduce excessive anxiety and how to respond when this anxiety shows up can be beneficial long term. This way it doesn’t derail you when it does show up.
These skills will be with you even once therapy ends. However, if you feel like you’re stuck handling it on your own, therapy can always be an option to revisit. The door is always open.
Anxiety treatment can look different for everyone. It depends on what works for you and what you’re comfortable with. But the goal is to help you manage your anxiety in a way that works for you. Making the most of it will help you reduce your anxiety long term. So that you can calm some of the chaos but keep the benefits anxiety provides.
Make the Most of Your Anxiety Treatment With Online Therapy For Anxiety in Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida
Starting anxiety treatment can feel daunting but it doesn’t have to be. You can make the most of your anxiety treatment by being open to learning new skills, being patient with yourself, and implementing what you’ve learned. At Evercare Counseling you will have a skilled therapist to help you bring calm to the chaos of anxiety. To get started with online therapy for anxiety follow these simple steps:
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- Contact us to schedule an appointment
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- Meet with a caring therapist
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- Begin learning new skills to reduce anxiety!
Other Therapy Services Offered at Evercare Counseling
Evercare Counseling offers a range of mental health services to help provide you with more support. These services include anxiety therapy, ERP therapy, OCD treatment, therapy for women, and Christian counseling. Online therapy is provided throughout Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida. For more about us check out our FAQs and blog!
