An anxiety and OCD therapist can help you identify your symptoms’ causes and offer many effective treatments. These include medications, Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), Exposure and response prevention (ERP), and EMDR. These therapies can help you manage your symptoms and live a more fulfilling life.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
TMS uses magnetic impulses to change brain activity. The treatment targets the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), which regulates mood and executive functioning. This area also helps regulate internal thoughts. TMS increases the connectivity between these two parts of the brain, resulting in improved functioning of both parts independently. This treatment can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is non-invasive and does not require anesthesia.
There are several types of TMS. Deep TMS is the most effective for severe cases of OCD. In one study, patients treated with deep TMS showed significant improvements in symptoms after only three sessions. However, you must note that you may need multiple sessions to see the best results.
Exposure and response prevention (ERP)
Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is the first-line treatment for OCD and anxiety disorders. It involves psychoeducation and challenging patients to confront their obsessive thoughts and compulsions. The patient is exposed to situations or physical sensations that trigger their anxiety. Exposure and response prevention helps the patient learn to control their compulsions so that they do not occur as often.
ERP involves creating an exposure hierarchy – a list of situations that trigger anxiety in a person. These triggers are ranked from least to most distressing. Then, the therapist helps the client face these situations gradually and in their own time. As the client improves, they can move on to more challenging exposure exercises.
EMDR
An anxiety and OCD therapist may offer EMDR services to help people with their condition. This treatment involves exposure and response prevention techniques to eliminate or reduce obsessive thoughts and behavior. The process is typically done in an outpatient setting and requires weekly visits. It is important to note that EMDR does not work for every individual. A licensed therapist should discuss your treatment options and work with you to determine the most effective techniques.
An EMDR session lasts 90 minutes. During the session, the therapist will move his or her fingers in front of the client’s face and have them follow them with their eyes. In this way, they can help the patient remember the unpleasant event and emotions and body sensations. The therapist will then guide the client to shift their focus from the event to more pleasant thoughts.
Medication
Medication may be helpful if you suffer from anxiety or OCD symptoms. However, you should consider other options before turning to medication. Therapy can help you retrain your brain to handle stressful situations without relying on medications. You should also maintain a healthy lifestyle, get adequate sleep and exercise, and surround yourself with supportive people for the best results.
