Anxiety is both a mental and physical state of expecting a negative outcome. Mentally, it is characterised by increased apprehension and intense worry. Physically, it activates a multitude of unpleasant, physical bodily responses to an unknown danger – whether real or imagined. The cognitive (thoughts) of dread are in anticipation of a bad outcome. The …
When you are in a heightened state of anxiety, if someone was to ask you to ‘sit with the discomfort’ you would probably think that it was far too challenging. However, by doing so would mean you are a taking a huge step forward in changing your behaviour and overcoming your anxiety. But what does …
What is health anxiety? Health anxiety is an irrational worry about having an illness. Those affected by health anxiety have an obsessional preoccupation with the idea that they are currently (or will be) experiencing an illness. They might spend hours on the Internet researching health information. When they get a sore throat, they automatically think …
The problem of uncertainty Numerous studies have shown that an intolerance of uncertainty is a key factor in evoking anxiety. People who believe they cannot tolerate uncertainty often procrastinate, avoid situations, seek constant reassurance and/or carry out excessive checking. Ref – Carleton et al “Certain About Uncertainty” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22366534/ 2012 (accessed 22 January 2021) Because uncertainty …
Continue reading “Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – Skills to Beat Anxiety”
Lynn Garbutt offers CBT therapy at both ‘CBT and Counselling Kent’s’ Ashford and Egerton practice. Lynn provides some guidance below on how to manage anxiety during uncertain times. What is behind fear? It is common to feel uncomfortable when there is uncertainty about the future. Or, if we don’t feel in control of things happening …
If you were to ask someone to name two common mental health problems, chances are they will say anxiety and depression. Even though they are commonly referenced in conversation, people still struggle sometimes to determine the difference between these two conditions. This is because many people with anxiety also develop depression and vice versa. What …
Continue reading “The Difference Between Anxiety and Depression”
Myth – CBT is too mechanical Fact – While it’s true that CBT has many tools in its toolbox to help people move forward, it is far from mechanical. Cognitive behavioural therapy, like all effective therapies, emphasises the importance of a trusting, honest therapeutic relationship as the essential foundation. Furthermore, a good CBT therapist will …
Continue reading “Myths vs Facts around Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)”
People often contact CBT and Counselling Kent following a relationship break up. That’s because a romantic breakup can be one of the most traumatic experiences a person can go through. With the feelings often described or likened to as the stages of grief. It’s astonishing to think that nearly every one of us will experience …
What is self-esteem? Self-esteem is the way people think about themselves and how worthwhile they feel. Psychologists use the word self-esteem to describe whether someone likes them self or not. … Someone with low self-esteem might think that they are bad at things and are worthless. Having a good self-esteem is often associated with feeling …
Help for anxiety One of the most common reasons that people seek therapy is help for anxiety. People often believe that they have no control over it. Although we understand that it might feel like that, it actually couldn’t be further than the truth. We might ‘blame’ something for ‘making us feel anxious’. However, the …
