What is the Best Therapy for Anxiety?

Anxiety Disorders are considered to be one of the most common mental health illnesses in the U.S., affecting over 18% of the population ages 18 -54, according to John Hopkins Medicine. Anxiety can be general, so to clarify, it includes panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and additional phobias including agoraphobia and specific phobias). Suppose you’re in search of anxiety therapy in Sherman Oaks, consider contacting Avedian Counseling Center. They can provide support and guidance tailored to your specific needs.

There are various therapeutic approaches that are emerging to provide effective relief for anxiety, and one such innovative technique gaining attention is Thought Field Therapy (TFT).

What is Thought Field Therapy?

Thought Field Therapy (TFT) combines the principles from traditional Chinese medicine, cognitive psychology, and neuroscience. TFT is a non-invasive and drug-free therapy which aims to address emotional distress by tapping into the body’s energy system, neutralizing the body’s response to the anxious, traumatic or triggering thought. Dr. Roger Callahan was the founder, and the practice has evolved to additional forms of “tapping” therapy including Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT).

Picture the following: You have anxiety driving on the freeway and thus avoid driving long distances because of this. Driving on the freeway has several components to it, so we work together to specify if the anxiety persists primarily when entering the freeway, merging lanes, driving on the fast lane, driving next to a truck, or perhaps driving in the evenings. We start TFT with the scenario that seems most pressing and help reduce the body’s response to the thought of it, meaning, you can have the thought, but the body is no longer reacting with anxiety and the physical symptoms that come along with it. TFT helps neutralize anxious thoughts.

How Does Thought Field Therapy Work?

First, we start with identifying thought patterns which contribute to anxiety. At the start of treatment, we rate our Subjective Units of Distress (SUDS) on a scale of 1-10, 10 being very distressed, 1 being not at all. This allows us to measure if the treatment is working as it compares to your baseline SUDS. Make sure you don’t tap if there’s any chance of being pregnant since we are working with the body’s meridian points.

Next, we tap a particular sequence into specific meridian points on the body. TFT aims to clear energy blockages associated with negative thoughts. This tapping algorithm helps to restore the body’s energy system. The treatment is continued until a desired response is reached.

Lastly, through a series of guided exercises, TFT helps individuals reframe and recalibrate their emotional responses. This process can lead to a reduction in anxiety symptoms and an overall improvement in emotional well-being.

What are the benefits of Thought Field Therapy?

1. Quick results to anxiety and phobia relief

Rapid results are known to be what’s attractive about TFT. Many individuals report feeling relief from anxiety after a few sessions, making it a sought-out therapy for immediate relief.

2. Non-Invasive and Drug-Free

So many of my clients prefer not to be on medicine, even though it is needed and beneficial. A drug free approach to treat anxiety makes this treatment appealing to individuals who prefer holistic methods, or who may be sensitive to certain medications.

3. Customized Approach

TFT is highly adaptable, with therapists tailoring techniques to address the specific needs and triggers of each individual.

I personally love offering TFT and EFT to help with phobia, anxiety, trauma, and urges (addiction). Depending on the severity of the situation, treatments can last as short as ten minutes to several 50-minute sessions. TFT can also be offered as an adjunct treatment while one is in therapy. A therapist may call me to help the client work through a block or a phobia while they continue doing the more in-depth work. I’ve seen the basic TFT work 80% of the time, at which point I would try EFT to see if that’s more effective.

TFT is not as effective when one is exposed to certain “toxins” including foods, caffeine, odors such as perfume, and much more. Thus, TFT works best on an empty stomach, and when the individual is free and clear of scents.

As the demand for effective anxiety therapy in Sherman Oaks continues to rise, exploring innovative approaches like Thought Field Therapy can provide individuals with valuable tools for managing and overcoming their emotional challenges. By integrating the principles of energy psychology, TFT offers a holistic and personalized solution that aligns with the growing interest in alternative therapeutic methods. If you’re seeking a drug-free, non-invasive approach to anxiety relief, TFT might be the transformative solution you’ve been searching for.

If this technique interests you, visit the Association of Thought Field Therapists (ATFT) for a provider near you. Meet the skilled team at Avedian Counseling Center and contact us today at (818) 383-1399 to learn more.