What might be a typical coping strategy taught in therapy for anxiety?

Problem-solving techniques are often taught in therapy for anxiety because they empower individuals to actively address the sources of their anxiety. These techniques involve identifying specific problems causing distress, breaking them down into manageable parts, and developing actionable steps to resolve them. By utilizing problem-solving strategies, individuals can gain a sense of control over their situation, reduce feelings of helplessness, and cultivate a proactive mindset.

In contrast, catastrophizing thoughts, avoidance of triggers, and overthinking situations are often maladaptive responses that can exacerbate anxiety rather than mitigate it. Catastrophizing leads to exaggerated perceptions of potential negative outcomes, avoidance prevents individuals from facing their fears and can reinforce anxiety, and overthinking creates a cycle of indecision and heightened anxiety. Learning effective problem-solving techniques, therefore, serves as a constructive way to cope with anxiety by fostering resilience and encouraging direct engagement with challenges.