by Miles Gilliom, Ph.D.
When we feel anxious, we are less likely to enjoy ourselves, try new things, or fulfill our responsibilities. Thus, anxiety is often a disruptive emotion. This was not always the case, however. Thousands of years ago, when our ancestors faced perilous dangers on a daily basis, intense fear served an adaptive purpose. If, for example, someone encountered a hungry saber tooth tiger, they were more likely to survive if their heart rate and breathing accelerated, their muscles tensed, and their senses focused solely on the source of danger.
The world is a safer place now, but some individuals still react to everyday challenges as if they were face to face with a saber tooth tiger. Severe anxiety problems typically begin in childhood. Anxiety does not have to be a lifelong issue, however, as research shows that anxious children can be taught to manage their feelings.
Among the most powerful interventions for childhood anxiety is cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. CBT for anxiety includes several components. First, the child learns to recognize physiological changes that signal increasing anxiety. By attending to changes in heart rate, respiration, body temperature, and muscle tension, the child can identify and respond to anxious feelings before they can become overwhelming. Second, the child learns to pinpoint his or her “what-if” thoughts. These might include “What if I fail?” “What if others laugh at me?” or “What if I get hurt?” Negative expectations about the future fuel anxious feelings but often go unidentified. Third, the child learns skills to reduce anxiety and increase confidence. One skill is the ability to examine “what if” thoughts objectively--to use facts to decide whether a feared outcome is likely to happen. If the feared outcome is unlikely, as is usually the case, the client can replace the “what if” thought by focusing on more likely outcomes. Other skills include relaxation training to reduce tension in times of stress and problem-solving to deal with stressors directly. Finally, the child engages in a series of challenges in which he or she gradually faces feared situations while using newly acquired coping skills.
CBT for anxiety usually is provided within the context of individual therapy. 3-C Family Services is proud to offer a new program, STrategies for Anxiety Reduction, or STAR, that teaches CBT skills in a group setting. There are several advantages to a group format. First, many anxious children feel different from their peers and benefit from the knowledge that they are not alone in their struggles. Group members can also provide support as each participant works to overcome his or her fears. Second, many anxious children worry about social situations, and group therapy offers a supportive environment in which to address this problem directly. Third, group therapy costs far less than individual therapy but can be equally effective.
Does your child struggle with anxiety? 3-C Family Services can help. Contact Melissa B. Scibor, Marketing & Group Coordinator, at 919-677-0101 ext. 520 or at groups@3cfs.com to find out more information.
Posted on January 06, 2010