Anxiety is both old and new. It has been a part of the human experience since humans became aware. It is new because it has many dimensions in an increasingly complex world. We are learning more about anxiety -- what it is and what causes it. Anxiety falls into at least two categories: that which is normal anxiousness about "real" and distressing events; and that which is an abnormal reaction to supposed and feared events that have not happened. This kind of anxiety can lead to repetitive and obsessive thinking and is out of context with the circumstances.
We are interested in the anxiety that is a reaction to the unknown, thereby creating distress which impacts day-to-day functioning.
In our society there is an expectation that individuals have the capacity to manage anxiety. By managing anxiety we employ such terms as "self-regulation" and "self-soothing." These concepts are related to the child learning, through his or her relationship with the caring parent, to manage feelings, perhaps especially, anxiety. The child carries this capacity into adulthood. The adult who has learned "containment" of feeling, the capacity to self-regulate and to self-soothe, has an enormous head start on managing anxiety.
Psychotherapy can be useful in learning techniques for self-regulation and self-soothing, containment and affect tolerance. Just as parents can be helpful in providing anxiety reductions skills, psychotherapy can enhance and re-focus these skills through the psychotherapeutic relationship.
Beach Counseling & Psychotherapy
6/12/08
Beach Counseling & Psychotherapy Associates
9 Beach Street Saco, Maine 04072
(207) 284-9113
www.beachcounseling.com
