treatment options

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the most widely-used therapy for anxiety disorders. Research has shown it to be effective in the treatment of panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, among many other conditions.

Cognitive behavioural therapy addresses negative patterns and distortions in the way we look at the world and ourselves. As the name suggests, this involves two main components:

1. Cognitive therapy examines how negative thoughts, or cognitions, contribute to anxiety.
2. Behaviour therapy examines how you behave and react in situations that trigger anxiety.

The basic premise of cognitive behavioural therapy is that our thoughts—not external events—affect the way we feel. In other words, it’s not the situation you’re in that determines how you feel, but your perception of the situation. For example, imagine that you’ve just been invited to a big party. Consider three different ways of thinking about the invitation, and how those thoughts would affect your emotions. 

The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT - also known as "Tapping Therapy" or "Meridian Tapping Techniques (MTT)") was created by Gary Craig and works like emotional acupressure to quickly, gently and easily release the negative emotions and beliefs that are at the root of all our problems and pain.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a fairly new, non-traditional type of psychotherapy. It's growing in popularity, particularly for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD often occurs after experiences such as military combat, physical assault, rape, or car accidents.

Although research continues, EMDR remains controversial among some health care professionals. At first glance, EMDR appears to approach psychological issues in an unusual way. It does not rely on talk therapy or medications. Instead, EMDR uses a patient's own rapid, rhythmic eye movements. These eye movements dampen the power of emotionally charged memories of past traumatic events. 

NeurOptimal ® feedback. Neurofeedback (NFB) heals the brain. Psychotherapy heals the mind. Together, neurofeedback and psychotherapy can create lasting change and recovery. Neurofeedback improves brain function so you can better engage in the psychotherapy process and make more conscious, healthy decisions for yourself. 

Neurofeedback, also known as EEG Biofeedback, offers an additional treatment option for people with eating disorders, addictions, mood disorders, anxiety and attention deficit disorder. NFB has been around since the 1960's but it has not yet gained huge traction as a mainstream intervention, probably because the pharmaceutical industry holds the market on medication interventions. In addition, NFB equipment is expensive, so many clinicians shy away from using it. Nonetheless, there is a growing body of research showing neurofeedback efficacy in treating these disorders. In fact, The American Academy of Paediatrics has determined that NFB is a level two evidenced based practice in the treatment of ADHD. Neurofeedback also stabilizes the brain to reduce anxiety and depression, allowing for better, more lasting recovery from eating disorders and/or other addictions. It will not solve all your problems; and it can help stabilize your brain enough for you to do the recovery work necessary for lasting change. 

Reflexology is the application of pressure to areas on the feet, hands and ears. Reflexology is generally relaxing and may be an effective way to alleviate stress.

The theory behind reflexology is that these areas correspond to organs and systems of the body. Reflexologists believe that pressure applied to these areas affects the organs and benefits the person's health.

Reflexologists use foot charts to guide them as they apply pressure to specific areas. Sometimes these practitioners use items, such as rubber balls, rubber bands and sticks of wood, to assist in their work. Practitioners of reflexology include chiropractors, physical therapists and massage therapists, among others.