Finding the Best Therapist for Anxiety: Criteria and Approaches

With a wide array of treatment options available, finding the best therapist for anxiety can feel overwhelming. A systematic approach, focusing on specific criteria, can help individuals make informed decisions.

Key Criteria for Selecting the Best Therapist for Anxiety

When seeking the best therapist for anxiety, consider these main criteria:

• Training and Specialisation: Ensure the therapist has specialised training in treating anxiety disorders. Look for training in Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and Havening, as these are research-validated approaches.
• Experience: The best therapist for anxiety should have a substantial practice devoted to anxiety treatment, ideally more than 50%.
• Therapeutic Approach: Different therapies suit different needs. Consider whether you prefer a mastery and control framework (traditional CBT) or an acceptance-based approach (ACT). Some therapies focus on symptom alleviation, while others emphasise broader life goals and values.
• Connection and Understanding: Choose a therapist who understands anxiety and communicates in a way that resonates with you. Trust your gut feeling about whether it’s a good fit.
• Professional Reputation: Seek recommendations from friends, family, physicians, or other mental health professionals.
• Warmth and Caring: A therapist who demonstrates warmth and caring can foster a more effective therapeutic relationship.
• Openness: The best therapist for anxiety should be open to exploring various treatment options and learning from you. They should not insist that their method is the only answer.
• Cost and Insurance: While not the primary criterion, consider the cost per session and whether the therapist is covered by your insurance plan.

Performance of Therapies and Coaching Approaches Relative to Criteria

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):
  • Focuses on acceptance, mindfulness, values, and quality of life.
  • Aims to foster psychological flexibility and movement towards client values.
  • Utilises metaphor, paradox, and experiential exercises.
  • Deemphasises anxiety reduction as the primary goal.
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) / Coaching for Anxiety:
  • Emphasises strengths, competencies, and resources.
  • Action-oriented and goal-focused.
  • Uses solution-focused questions, exception-finding questions, and scaling questions.
  • Focuses on positive emotions, previous successes, and future possibilities.
• Mindfulness-Based Therapies:
  • Help clients observe unwanted anxiety-related responses fully.
  • Provide more response options when experiencing anxiety.
  • Can be used as a cognitive defusion strategy.
• Havening Techniques:
  • Depotentiates traumatically encoded experiences in the amygdala.
  • Allows for the removal of the amygdala filter from the psychotherapeutic process.
  • Can be used alongside other techniques.

Steps to Take

1. Consult Your Physician: Rule out any physical causes for your symptoms.
2. Seek Recommendations: Ask for recommendations from trusted sources.
3. Research Therapists: Use online resources like PsychologyToday.com or GoodTherapy.org to find therapists in your area.
4. Schedule Initial Consultations: Arrange single appointments with two or three potential therapists to assess their approach and fit.
5. Ask Questions: Inquire about their training, experience, and therapeutic approach.
6. Trust Your Intuition: Choose a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and understood.
7. Commit to Progress: Remember that progress and a cure are your highest commitment. Don’t hesitate to switch therapists if you feel stuck.

Finding the best therapist for anxiety involves carefully considering their training, experience, therapeutic approach, and your personal connection with them. Different therapies and coaching approaches have their strengths, so it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your needs and preferences. By taking a proactive and informed approach, you can find the support you need to manage your anxiety and improve your quality of life.

Tags: Anxiety, Therapy, Therapist Selection, CBT, ACT, SFBT, Mindfulness, Havening Techniques