Anxiety Therapy in Denver
Struggling with anxiety? You're not alone. We help children, teens, and adults build lasting tools to manage anxiety and feel more in control.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a symptom of perceived threat. It’s when our mind and body react to non-threatening situations in a manner that suggests something terrible is going to happen. This includes social gatherings, public transport or having to perform/speak in front of people.
A common worry is that the anxiety escalate into a full-blown panic attack.
Common Experiences of Anxiety
People who feel anxious experience muscle tension, restlessness, panic, or a sense of impending doom. They often experience intrusive thoughts such as fears of dying or of a heart attack, facing embarrassment or humiliation, or worrying about the possibility of something negative happening in the situation they are confronted with.
Physical Symptoms
These thoughts are often paired with uncomfortable physical sensations, including heart palpitations, sweating, dizziness, or shortness of breath. These can make it even more difficult to calm the mind, return to a rational way of thinking and see the moment and/or the situation for what it is.
Avoidance and Coping Mechanisms
Some people with anxiety disorders perform certain rituals such as checking door locks or handwashing or engage in avoidance behavior. Avoidance behavior refers to the avoidance of triggers like bridges, freeways, airplanes, or social situations, for example, in order to cope with anxiety.
For more information about anxiety disorders visit the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
The Anxiety Disorders
We Treat at CBT Denver
At CBT Denver, we specialize in different types of anxiety disorders and offer effective, researched-backed treatment methods for children, adolescents and adults. Here is an overview of some of the anxiety disorders we treat:
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Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder where individuals fear and avoid places or situations that might cause panic or feel difficult to escape, such as open spaces, crowds, or public transportation.
While some people with agoraphobia are able to face certain situations with discomfort, others may feel completely unable to leave their home.
Therapy can help individuals gradually confront these fears and build confidence through structured, supportive treatment.
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One of the most common anxiety disorders is known as General Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
It manifests itself as a persistent feeling of anxiousness and worrying, often about things that have not occurred – and most likely will not – or minor problems that are magnified in the mind of the affected.
GAD is typically treated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
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It is normal to worry about our health from time to time. It’s when these thoughts and fears are persistent and causing a lot of stress, that it could be classified as an Illness Anxiety Disorder.
Individuals experiencing Illness Anxiety Disorder are hyperaware of physical sensations and their surroundings, often exhibiting obsessive traits such as frequently scheduling medical check-ups.
On the other extreme, they might practice avoidance behavior, avoiding social situations where they might be at risk of contracting contagious illnesses (such as Covid or stomach bugs).
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses (obsessions) that can cause intense anxiety and distress.
Obsessions can be followed by repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that can become, themselves, extremely distressing.
OCD is currently designated as Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorder.
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Individuals with a panic disorder experience repeated episodes of intense fears that often come up unexpectedly.
Physical symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pains, dizziness and heart palpitations. These sensations can be so severe, they can be mistaken for a heart attack when experienced for the first time.
A panic disorder can deeply affect a person’s quality of life and lead to other phobias.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can be very effective in the treatment of panic disorders.
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) stems from an individual’s personal experience with a traumatic event. This may include people who have experienced the threat of death or injury to oneself or others such as assault, combat, accident, natural disaster, or abuse.
Although certain reactions to overwhelming experiences are expected, these reactions – if persistent over time – may interfere significantly with an individual’s functioning, relationships, and sense of self.
PTSD was classified as an anxiety disorder and is now re-classified as a Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorder. PTSD often co-occurs with anxiety disorders such as panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
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The pregnancy and postpartum period bring a whole host of changes, not just physically – hormonally and emotionally – but in terms of lifestyle too. These – and many other factors – can contribute to a heightened sense of anxiety and depression.
Given the vulnerability and stresses of becoming/being a (new) parent, these feelings can become very intense and support should be sought if they pertain.
Typical symptoms of Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety include inability to sleep or excessive sleeping, anger towards your baby, partner or other family members, obsessive-compulsive traits and anxiety, emotional numbness and excessive worry.
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Individuals who experience social anxiety feel a deep fear of social situations in which they may be judged or embarrassed, such as public speaking or performance scenarios, parties or eating in a social setting.
Social Anxiety is a common disorder that can heavily interfere with a person’s personal and professional life or educational trajectory. Avoidance behavior becomes a common trait, avoiding any situation that could be potentially triggering such as:
work conferences or school presentations
going out on a date
generally interacting with people (particularly strangers).
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A specific phobia is an intense, irrational fear of a particular object or situation, like heights, flying, or animals, that leads to avoidance and distress when faced with the trigger.
Treatment typically involves exposure-based therapy, where clients learn to face their fears gradually and safely.
With the right approach, many people find they can reduce their anxiety and reclaim everyday experiences.
Getting Started on the Right Path Towards Healing
If you feel you, a friend or a family member are struggling with anxiety – be it a specific phobia or a general anxiety disorder – get in touch.
All the treatments methods we offer are evidence-based and highly effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders. These include:
Our team of specialized professionals has extensive experience working with clients to determine the right treatment method and teach practical tools to reduce anxiety and improve quality of life.
Contact us
Learn More About Anxiety Treatment at CBT Denver
If you’re interested in learning more about our approach to mental health and anxiety therapy in Denver, including evidence-based treatments, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you explore what might be best for your needs through an initial phone consultation and answer any questions you have.
