Treatment for Generalised Anxiety Disorder

One of the most common reasons that clients seek treatment at my NLP and CBT practice Hertfordshire is for anxiety and panic related problems, such as generalised anxiety disorder, panic attacks and agoraphobia. Often, panic attacks are associated with other conditions such as generalised anxiety, phobia or depression. In this case, the appropriate course of action is to address these underlying issues first – the panic attacks usually subside, as these other issues are resolved.

Having worked in the NHS as a senior mental Health Occupational Therapist, I tended to come into

contact with people experiencing what is considered to be severe mental health problems. It is these people that the mental health system and services are geared towards supporting and rightly so. However, until entering private practice, I was unaware of the number of people living day to day with the often, debilitating effects of panic and anxiety disorders, with what appears to be, little or no support from overstretched NHS services.

NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) recommends Cognitive Therapy for the treatment of anxiety, panic attacks and panic disorder. Their research has shown it to be more effective than any drug treatments. Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) involve the patient seeing a therapist on a one-to-one basis for hour-long sessions. The total treatment course is typically between 6 and 12 sessions, with one session a week.

During NLP and CBT Herts, I work with people experiencing anxiety, panic attacks and agoraphobia, usually over an 8 week period, seeing them once a week. This is flexible, and more or less sessions are carried out depending on the unique need of the individual. Obviously reducing the cost of treatment for the client is to be aimed for, particularly as I often work with people who have stopped working due to their problem.

I have found that clients that are really committed to mastering their anxiety and panic can experience the change they desire, by sticking to the 8 week CBT/NLP programme in Hertfordshire. It is rewarding for me to work with people with these problems because the results are usually very positive.

Karen Hastings is a senior mental health Occupational Therapist and practices privately in Hertfordshire. Karen is also a master NLP practitioner and uses a range of cognitive approaches to support people in overcoming anxiety, panic and agoraphobia. Karen is registered with the HPC. For more information visit http://www.karenhastings.co.uk.