The Anxiety Cycle in 2 Minutes

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Understanding the anxiety cycle not only gives us a clear explanation of what causes our anxiety to increase, but it also shows us the key to decreasing anxiety. So just as the brain learns that something is “dangerous” when we avoid it, it can learn that something is actually safe when we face it and survive. This simple act breaks the anxiety cycle. Our brain’s inherent ability to rewire itself like this is called neuroplasticity.

This basically means we can change the physical structure of our brain by changing how we think and how we act. In essence, the most powerful and effective way to combat the anxiety cycle is to distinguish between real and perceived danger, and then to gradually face those fears instead of avoiding them. When we do this, our brain learns we are safe and decreases our anxiety.

The full-length video on the anxiety cycle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTuX_ShUrw0

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Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC, and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health.

About Me:
I’m Emma McAdam. I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I have worked in various settings of change and growth since 2004. My experience includes juvenile corrections, adventure therapy programs, wilderness therapy programs, an eating disorder treatment center, a residential treatment center, and I currently work in an outpatient therapy clinic.

In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.
And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschris....t.org/comeuntochrist

If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.
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