Discover how occupational therapists and psychologists combine strategies during anxiety management therapy to help participants reduce the impact of anxiety.
Introduction
At present, the term “anxiety” is heard often, but the most unfortunate reality behind it is that around 4% of the global population was affected globally by anxiety in 2019, increasing to 4.4% in 2021. Anxiety is a condition of feeling fear, dread, and uneasiness. Managing anxiety is crucial, as it can significantly impact a participant’s everyday life. To address this effectively, Occupational Therapists and Psychologists collaborate, utilising a range of strategies and approaches in anxiety management therapy.
The Role of Occupational Therapists in Anxiety Management Therapy
Occupational Therapists are a group of professionals who specialise in addressing mental health issues through physical, functional, and sensory approaches to support daily living. They combine their unique set of skills with evidence-based strategies from allied health mental health practice.
Sensory-Based Anxiety Support
Occupational Therapists use sensory interventions such as weighted blankets or vests to provide calming deep pressure, stress balls and fidget tools for tactile stimulation, and controlled and monitored exposure to sound, light, and visuals. These strategies help regulate and calm the participant’s nervous system.
Routine and Structure
In this strategy, the participant is guided to organise the day with a consistent routine to wake up, take meals, exercise, and perform other daily tasks. It helps them to reduce unnecessary anxiety triggers.
Activity Engagement
Occupational Therapists encourage participants to engage in meaningful activities such as painting, gardening, exercises, and music. These activities provide a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction, and distraction from anxious thoughts.
Environmental Modifications
Occupational Therapy also focuses on creating supportive environments with reduced noise, comfortable lighting, and minimal overstimulation. Such adjustments foster a calm and safe space that can help lower anxiety levels.
How Psychologists Address Anxiety through Strategies
Psychologists are uniquely qualified and well-trained professionals who specialise in helping individuals manage anxiety. They approach anxiety management with therapeutic interventions, encouraging participants to speak and intervene, such as;
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
This is the most common approach to addressing anxiety. It helps participants identify negative thought patterns that fuel anxiety and replace them with more constructive, positive thoughts. Through this intervention, the participants learn to cope with anxiety triggers.
Exposure Therapy
This intervention involves exposing the participant gradually to the feared or anxiety-triggering subjects or objects. With repeated exposures, the participants desensitise themselves to triggers, reducing the anxiety response. It enables them to face their fears with greater confidence.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
In ACT, psychologists guide participants to deal with anxiety rather than trying to eliminate it. ACT supports the participants to live with anxiety without letting it control their decisions and lives.
Psychoeducation
Psychologists educate the participants about anxiety, including why it occurs, how it can be managed, and what can be done to live a peaceful life. Psychoeducation empowers participants to understand their condition and take informed, proactive steps to address anxiety.
The Collaboration Makes the Process More Effective
Anxiety management therapy often relies on the collaborative effort of the Occupational Therapists and the Psychologists. To address anxiety effectively, the combination of approaches implemented by both professionals associates both the body and mind of the participants, letting them fully engage in the process of managing anxiety. Together they implement shared approaches, including:
- Setting client-centred goals
- Mindfulness practices such as breathing exercises, mindfulness walking, and incorporating mindfulness into daily tasks
- Stress coping techniques
- Lifestyle balance, including scheduling and planning daily, weekly, and monthly routines, as well as maintaining consistent leisure activities.
This interdisciplinary collaboration enhances the effectiveness of the therapeutic approach, making the participants more resilient, confident, and capable of managing anxiety in their daily lives..
Aligning Mind and Body to Manage Anxiety
When the mind and body are supported together, anxiety management therapy becomes more successful and effective. Occupational Therapists and Psychologists bring their disciplinary approaches together to address anxiety, supporting the participants to live their lives without fear and manage stress effectively. If you or your child needs help with managing anxiety, do not let delayed actions take over the mind. Language for Life offers anxiety management therapies in collaboration with experienced Occupational Therapists and Psychologists. Discover the benefits of an integrated approach and take the first step towards a more balanced, empowered life.
References
- Anxiety percentage (WHO, Statista)
- Anxiety definition (MedlinePlus)
- The role of Occupational Therapists (HomeWoodHealthCentre)
- The role of Psychologists (Therapy Center of NY)