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How do the treatment approaches of cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy differ in their treatment of anxiety?

Mikal O'Keaveny

Cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy are two ways to help people who struggle with anxiety and other problems. They have some similarities, but also some differences.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, helps people change the way they think and act in order to feel better. This type of therapy can be helpful for people who struggle with anxiety because it focuses on helping them understand their thoughts and feelings. CBT looks at how thoughts and behaviors can contribute to anxiety and teaches people ways to challenge and change those thoughts and behaviors. For example, someone with anxiety might have a fear of going to the grocery store because they think they will have a panic attack. CBT would teach them how to challenge that thought by asking questions like, "Is that thought really true?" and "What evidence do I have to support that thought?" CBT might also teach them ways to cope with their anxiety, like deep breathing or relaxation techniques.

Psychodynamic therapy, on the other hand, focuses on helping people understand how their past experiences and relationships have shaped their current behavior and thoughts. In this type of therapy, the therapist helps the person explore their unconscious feelings and thoughts. Psychodynamic therapy might be helpful for people who have deep-seated anxieties that are related to past experiences, like childhood trauma or difficulty with relationships. Unlike CBT, psychodynamic therapy does not necessarily provide specific strategies for managing anxiety, but instead seeks to help people gain insight and understanding into their emotions.

So, in summary, CBT and psychodynamic therapy differ in their approach to treating anxiety. While CBT focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors to alleviate anxiety, psychodynamic therapy seeks to help people understand the root causes of their anxiety by exploring the unconscious mind. Both types of therapy can be helpful for people who struggle with anxiety, and it's important to talk with a mental health professional to determine which approach might be best for your individual needs.