grief counseling for an entire family

Posted on: 18 December 2019

If worry is preventing you from enjoying your best life, it's time to get help. Behavioral therapy can provide you with the tools you need to overcome the worry that's been holding you back. It's normal to feel some type of worry from time to time. However, when that worry becomes so overpowering that you can't cope with day-to-day activities, behavioral therapy can help you develop ways to work through those issues that are causing you the worry. In addition to seeking help through behavioral therapy, here are some steps you can try on your own. 

Categorize Your Worries

When it comes to worries, they can often be placed into two distinct categories: rational and irrational worries. Rational worries are those that are likely to happen, such as having your utilities disconnected you fail to pay your bill before the final due date. Irrational worries are those that aren't likely to happen, such as being fired simply because your boss has asked to speak to you. When you categorize your worries, you're able to step back and determine which issues require your attention and which ones need to be set aside. 

Consider All Possible Outcomes

Some worries come from personal fears or phobias you may have. For instance, if you're afraid of speaking in public, you may worry that you'll forget what you're supposed to say while you're in front of an audience. Or if you're afraid of being in big crowds, you may worry that you'll get lost. When you're faced with those types of worries, take the time to consider all the possible outcomes. For example, think about the positive and negative outcomes of the situations you're facing. For example, it is possible that you'll forget your speech; however, it's also possible that your speech will be a rousing success. When you consider all the possible outcomes, you give yourself the opportunity to see the potential positive that could come from the experience. 

Weigh Outcomes From Past Experiences

If there are normal daily activities that cause you to worry, take the time to weigh the outcomes from past experiences. For instance, if you're worried that you're going to be struck by a car while crossing the street, consider the number of times you've crossed that same street. If you cross the same street on a daily basis without accident or injury, you may be able to put your worries to rest by focusing on that detail. 

Be Willing to Openly Discuss Your Worries

Finally, if worry is causing you to miss out on life, and you've decided to participate in behavioral therapy, be willing to openly discuss your worries and how they're affecting you. Your therapist can help you develop a treatment plan that will allow you to gain control over your worries. 

For more information on behavioral therapy, contact a therapist.