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Anxiety Therapy: 5 Benefits of Counseling for Anxiety

Anxiety therapy is something to consider when you're struggling with anxiety. Learn five benefits of counseling for anxiety to help you move forward at HealthyPlace.

Anxiety therapy is an option for treating anxiety; indeed, counseling for anxiety can be very beneficial in helping you overcome worries and replace them with things that you find important and valuable. If you've thought about seeing a counselor but are unsure whether it's worth it, you're not alone. Deciding whether to seek professional help can sometimes cause more anxiety. Consider the following five benefits of anxiety therapy to help you determine whether counseling for anxiety is right for you. 

You may have noticed the use of both "therapist" and "counselor" for professional anxiety (and other mental health) help. There are many types of mental health professionals ("Types of Mental Health Counselors: Finding a Good One"). Counselors and therapists are among them, and the terms are often used interchangeably. A counselor/therapist provides talk therapy to allow you to work through your anxiety. Regardless of whether someone uses the term "counselor" or "therapist," there are benefits to seeing one. 

5 Benefits of Anxiety Therapy

Counseling for anxiety can be liberating. Here are five benefits of anxiety therapy:

  1. Therapists offer a safe space to talk about anxiety and other issues that may be related. Stigma and judgment don't exist in a counseling office, as counselors chose their profession because they want to help people overcome difficulties--whatever those difficulties may be. 
  2. A counselor can help pinpoint your anxiety treatment focus. Sometimes it's important to dive into someone's background, but that isn't always the case. Other areas of focus can include your thoughts and/or emotions. The strongest focus might be on anxiety-driven behaviors that are holding you back. There's a lot to anxiety and anxiety treatment, and counselors listen to you to know where to begin.  
  3. You'll start to think beyond anxiety. Anxiety is a huge problem that can disrupt your life. Focusing on that problem can keep you stuck. A therapist will help you develop and implement solutions so you can move forward.  
  4. You can regain self-confidence and a deep belief in yourself and your capabilities. In therapy, you'll gradually stop worrying that you are inadequate and begin to develop skills that help you finally believe in yourself. That, in turn, reduces anxiety.
  5. You can get gentle guidance in reclaiming the life you want. Talking with a counselor can help you clarify your values and dreams. Then, he or she can help you set goals and create action steps to build that life. 

Thoughts to Ponder When Considering Counseling for Anxiety

Professional anxiety help can offer the above benefits and more. If you're considering therapy, consider other information, too, such as:

  • The most important part of counseling is the relationship you have with a therapist. If you don't feel that you connect with him or her, it's okay to find a different therapist. 
  • Counseling for anxiety isn't a quick-fix or a cure-all. It involves work and dedication on the part of the client. 
  • Many different approaches to therapy exist. Some counselors use multiple approaches, while others specialize in just one. If your therapist uses only cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for example, but you feel that it doesn't help you, it's okay to find a counselor whose approach fits you. 

Anxiety therapy offers numerous benefits, including the five we just explored. Whether to seek professional help for anxiety is a personal decision. When considering it, think carefully about how you and your life could benefit from counseling for anxiety. 

APA Reference
Peterson, T. (2019, January 17). Anxiety Therapy: 5 Benefits of Counseling for Anxiety , HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, March 28 from https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/anxiety-schmanxiety/2019/1/anxiety-therapy-5-benefits-of-counseling-for-anxiety



Author: Tanya J. Peterson, MS, NCC, DAIS

Tanya J. Peterson is the author of numerous anxiety self-help books, including The Morning Magic 5-Minute Journal, The Mindful Path Through Anxiety, 101 Ways to Help Stop Anxiety, The 5-Minute Anxiety Relief Journal, The Mindfulness Journal for Anxiety, The Mindfulness Workbook for Anxiety, and Break Free: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in 3 steps. She has also written five critically acclaimed, award-winning novels about life with mental health challenges. She delivers workshops for all ages and provides online and in-person mental health education for youth. She has shared information about creating a quality life on podcasts, summits, print and online interviews and articles, and at speaking events. Tanya is a Diplomate of the American Institution of Stress helping to educate others about stress and provide useful tools for handling it well in order to live a healthy and vibrant life. Find her on her website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

megan alder
September, 24 2020 at 8:27 am

My husband has been telling me to go to therapy because of my anxiety issues, and I'm unsure about it. I like that you recommend going to therapy so a counselor can help to pinpoint the reasons for having anxiety. I will start looking for a therapist I can go to take care of myself.

Jonathan Hansen
September, 15 2020 at 11:56 am

It's interesting that you mention that speaking to a counselor for your anxiety can help give you more confidence in yourself. I have been suffering from anxiety for many years, so I'm considering speaking to a mental health counselor about it. I'm going to search for a reputable provider of mental health counseling in my area that I can use.

September, 30 2020 at 5:01 pm

Hi Jonathan,
I definitely believe in the therapeutic process. I like that you mentioned searching for a reputable provider. It's important to research local therapists to find someone who is a good fit for you. Sometimes, it takes a few tries to find someone you're comfortable with. You want to feel good about your therapist, so taking the time to find the right one is important.

Jocelyn McDonald
June, 26 2019 at 1:38 pm

My sister has pretty severe anxiety, and I suggested she go to counselling to help manage this. Your article had great points about the benefits of therapy like this, and I liked how you said counselling can help my sister regain her self-confidence, which in turn reduces anxiety. Thanks; I'll share this with my sister to help her consider anxiety counselling.

June, 26 2019 at 2:45 pm

Hi Jocelyn,
I'm really glad you found this information useful. Your sister is fortunate to have a loved one who is so supportive and seeks information for her. Good luck to both of you. Even severe anxiety can get better with patience and perseverance.

Tiffany Locke
January, 28 2019 at 7:58 pm

I like that you talk about how there are many types of mental health professionals, such as counselors and therapists, who can help with anxiety. When choosing one, it would probably be a good idea to research local mental health counselors and therapists so you can find one that is experienced with similar conditions. Once you've narrowed down the options, it might be a good idea to set up an appointment with the ones you're considering in order to meet with the potential professionals to ask questions and to discuss your condition to find one that you're comfortable with who can help.

January, 30 2019 at 12:16 pm

Hi Tiffany,
Thank you for sharing this very useful advice. While the idea of doing this might feel daunting and anxiety-provoking, it is well worth it. Finding and connecting with the right professional can make the relationship and the process so much more successful than. It can be hard to know how to do this, so thank you for sharing these tips.

Lizanne Corbit
January, 21 2019 at 6:56 pm

Sometimes I truly believe that one of the greatest benefits of counseling for anxiety is the safe space it provides to discuss it. So often we don't know how to talk about it with others, or we don't want to burden them with it, or be judged for it, but counseling provides a place where that can be done. Wonderful point that you can also gain insight and help to begin thinking beyond the rigid lens of anxiety.

January, 21 2019 at 10:03 pm

Hi Lizanne,
Yes! I think the safe space with a professional who truly listens is a significant part of the healing process. Everyone has the potential to overcome anxiety (and other struggles, too), and it's helpful and more pleasant with a professional ally to communicate with.

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