Hinsdale Therapy Group Anxiety Center
At Hinsdale Therapy Group, we have experienced therapists that provide focused treatment for PTSD, OCD, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia, and specific phobia.
Adult Anxiety Treatment
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 18% of the clinical population suffers from an anxiety disorder with an average age of onset at 11 years. Forty percent of Americans have experienced symptoms of anxiety at some point during their lives. These statistics speak only about people who have sought help for, or reported experiencing symptoms of, anxiety disorders, not about people experiencing transient and more routine feelings of anxiousness. While anxiety disorders are the most common of mental health concerns, fortunately treatment is widely available and effective for decreasing and eliminating symptoms. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the treatment most supported by research and is highly successful in decreasing symptoms of anxiety. CBT is a rather structured form of therapy that teaches people to increase awareness of thoughts and shift behavior or challenge and modify thoughts patterns in order to decrease anxiety. Additional treatments include exposure therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness. Within the Anxiety Center, therapists will rely heavily on CBT and incorporate aspects of other therapies to address the whole person and tailor treatment to the strengths and resources of each client. Clients will be provided education about their specific type of anxiety and the path for effective treatment of it. Principles of anxiety management techniques, stress management techniques, and mindfulness practices are taught to regain a sense of control and calm within body and mind.
Pediatric Anxiety Treatment
Children can experience heightened anxiety and anxiety disorders from a young age. While some anxiety is both normal and developmentally appropriate, severe anxiety that interferes in the child’s ability to function can occur. It is both reasonable and helpful to seek professional help when a child’s anxiety prohibits a child from engaging in typical activities or dictates avoidance of certain settings. Treatment with children draws from the same therapies as used for adults, including CBT, exposure therapy, ACT and mindfulness principles. Initially, psychoeducation is provided for the child and parent. Children, as young age 3, are engaged in the process with narrative therapy, including story-telling, coloring, and play. Strategies are taught to both child and parent and parent is instructed on how to act as a coach for the child. Therapists will provide assessment and support to the entire family as we appreciate the impact that such challenges for a child can place on the family.
We treat children who experience symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, separation anxiety, school refusal, social phobia and specific phobias as well as compulsive behaviors. We also help children who are experiencing anxiety resulting from difficulty adjusting to a change or stressful or traumatic experience.