Integrative Approaches to Treating Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Pt3
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
There are a variety of sub-theories underneath this style â all of which have some connection to Freudian psychoanalytic psychotherapy. The main theory is that forces in the unconscious (likely related to our past) can influence the way we experience the world, often leading to anxiety. Since it involves talking through feelings and searching for answers, the methods used by these professionals are similar to the other styles of therapy. There is less research support for this type of therapy, but that is likely due to the difficulty of studying this approach in comparison with CBT â rather than it being ineffective.
Humanistic/Existential Therapies
A final style of psychotherapy for anxiety would be from this perspective, which represents a variety of theories. Most therapists doing any form of this therapy would have an orientation and style unique to them, with the focus of the content being on the therapeutic relationship, creating meaning in the clientâs life and working with client strengths to create change. This type of therapy can take longer than CBT and also has been less researched in anxiety disorder â likely because it is very difficult to study since each case is treated uniquely.
Hypno-Psychotherapy Treatment
Hypno-psychotherapy assists patients with anxiety disorders by treating their symptoms as well as uncovering and releasing the root causes for the phobias. Hypnopsychtherapy is an especially effective treatment when dealing with pain or anxiety from impending medical or dental procedures. Many studies report that hypnosis reduces anxiety before surgery and enhances recovery afterward by giving the patient a feeling of self-control.
The goal of hypno-psychotherapy is to change the negative fixed ideas that fuel anxiety by replacing them with positive, realistic coping thoughts that are imprinted into the subconscious mind.
For anxiety disorders, hypno-psychotherapy can help uncover the root causes for the phobias so they can be brought into awareness and processed. Patients can explore experiences or negative fixed ideas that are now triggering anxiety, reprocess the memories, and reframe them to desensitize their emotional responses to the anxiety triggers.
