The negative reinforcement cycle of anxiety helps explain how anxiety can persist and even worsen over time. It involves a series of behaviors and responses that maintain or reinforce the experience of anxiety.

Soothing anxiety can sometimes reinforce it, not because the act of soothing itself is inherently problematic, but because of the way individuals may go about soothing their anxiety and the unintended consequences that can result. Here's how this can happen:

The question of whether today's kids have more anxiety than previous generations is a complex and debated topic. There is evidence to suggest that anxiety rates among children and adolescents have increased in recent years, but it's important to consider multiple factors before making broad generalizations. Here are some key points to consider.

Hormonal changes can have a significant impact on anxiety disorders due to the complex interplay between hormones and the brain's neurotransmitter systems. Fluctuations in hormone levels can influence mood, emotions, and the body's stress response. Here's how hormonal changes can affect anxiety disorders.

Fertility trauma, often referred to as reproductive trauma, encompasses the emotional and psychological distress that individuals or couples may experience due to difficulties or challenges related to fertility, conception, pregnancy loss, or unsuccessful assisted reproductive treatments. This trauma can deeply impact a person's emotional well-being and may contribute to lifelong anxiety and other mental health issues.

At Kairos Wellness Collective, we use creative and fun interventions to work with OCD and anxiety disorders. One of our most popular group interventions is Dungeons and Dragons (D&D).

There are numerous apps available that aim to support anxiety treatment by providing tools, resources, and techniques to help individuals manage their anxiety symptoms. Here are some popular apps that have received positive reviews for their effectiveness in anxiety treatment:

It's important to note that the therapeutic relationship and the skills and expertise of the therapist are vital factors in the effectiveness of treatment. Finding a therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders, has experience with evidence-based treatments, and with whom you feel comfortable and supported can greatly contribute to positive therapeutic outcomes.

YAMA (You and Me Alone Time) is a parenting practice that involves setting aside dedicated, one-on-one time between a parent and child. It is a time for the parent and child to connect, bond, and engage in activities without any distractions or interruptions.

It's important to note that the line between coaching and therapy can sometimes be blurred, and there can be overlap in the approaches and techniques used. Some professionals may even offer a combination of coaching and therapy approaches depending on the needs of the individual. Ultimately, the choice between coaching and therapy for anxiety should be based on the severity of symptoms, specific goals, and personal preferences. Consulting with a qualified professional can help determine the most suitable approach for individual circumstances.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment that has been proven effective for various mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders. Here are some studies that have provided evidence for the use of DBT in treating anxiety. Overall, these studies provide evidence that DBT is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.

The stages of therapeutic change are a framework for understanding the process of personal growth and change that occurs during therapy. With Anxiety Treatment, it is incredibly important that the client and therapist align as to which stage the client finds themselves in. A therapist may push a client away from entrenched patterns, but cannot force changes. Very importantly, a client must realize that what they have been doing thus far has not been serving them.

Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based form of therapy that focuses on helping people become more mindful and emotionally aware, while also learning to accept their thoughts and feelings without judgment or criticism. This type of therapy has been found to be effective in treating a wide range of issues, including anxiety disorders.

The digital world has become a part of everyday life for many young people, and technology has become an integral part of the way they interact with the world. As technology use continues to grow, so too does concern about how it may be affecting the brains and mental health of this age group. Ultimately, it is essential that young people are aware of the potential impact of technology and how to use it responsibly. Taking steps towards mindful and responsible technology use can help ensure that young people stay safe and healthy in today’s digital world.

For an adolescent, a sense of agency is very important.  However, very few can initiate to select their own practitioner, and thus, we are left with setting up first appointments with clinicians that we can only guess will be a good fit.  Here are my top suggestions for matching your teen with the right clinician:

Make sure the therapist has significant experience working with adolescents

Anxiety is a complex mental and physiological phenomenon that can have lasting effects on the human brain. Anxiety can affect the way we think, feel, and behave by impacting both short-term and long-term memory, cognitive processing speed, decision making abilities, and emotional regulation.

Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback that helps to re-train the brain and build new neural pathways. Neurofeedback, also known as brainwave biofeedback, is a technology that was invented in the 1960s. While Neurofeedback has been around for decades, recent advances in technology have made it much more accessible and effective than ever before. It is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative therapy for people looking for improved brain health and cognitive functioning.

EFT works to balance the body's subtle energy system by tapping on specific meridian points while tuning into particular emotional issues.

EFT can also be used as a preventive measure in order to reduce the risk of developing anxiety disorders in the aftermath of traumatic events.  Regular practice will help to create a more balanced and peaceful lifestyle, allowing you to live life with an increased sense of calmness and peace.

EMDR facilitates healing by stimulating bilateral eye movements, tones, taps, and other forms of stimulation to bring about change at the neurological level. EMDR has been found to be an effective treatment for many people who have experienced trauma and have developed anxiety as a result.

Brain neurology is an exciting field of study that holds many mysteries, such as the cause of human happiness or emotional well-being. In recent years, science has discovered and studied primary brain chemicals related to happiness—dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin.   Let’s take a look at what these brain chemicals are and how they can affect anxiety.