Anxiety is a common struggle among Christians, especially during these uncertain times. While prayer and faith can provide comfort, it’s important to seek professional help when anxiety starts to interfere with daily life. However, choosing the right type of counseling for anxiety can make you, well, anxious. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most effective types of counseling for anxiety, including trauma-informed counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Brainspotting, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Internal Family Systems (IFS), all from a Christian perspective.
5 Popular Types of Counseling for Anxiety:
Trauma-Informed Counseling:
If you have a history of trauma, trauma-informed counseling may be the best choice for you. This approach is designed to help clients feel safe and supported while addressing the effects of trauma on their lives. At Cornerstone Christian Counseling, we use a trauma-informed approach that acknowledges the role of the body and the brain in healing from trauma. Our therapists are trained to help you develop coping strategies, identify triggers, and process traumatic memories in a safe and supportive environment. While not all anxiety stems from traumatic events, it is possible that the anxious thoughts in your mind are actually the result of something that happened a long time ago.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
CBT is a popular counseling type that focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. This approach teaches you to identify and challenge irrational thoughts and develop coping strategies to manage anxiety. CBT can be especially helpful for Christians who struggle with anxiety related to perfectionism, guilt, or negative self-talk. When you feel comfortable incorporating faith, our therapists use a faith-based approach to CBT that incorporates biblical principles and scriptures to help you develop a healthy perspective on your anxiety.
Brainspotting:
Brainspotting is a relatively new counseling type that has shown great promise in treating anxiety and trauma (and it’s slowly becoming one of our largest specialties as a practice). This approach uses eye movements to help clients process traumatic memories and release negative emotions. Brainspotting is especially helpful for clients who have difficulty talking about their trauma or anxiety. Oftentimes, we use Brainspotting in combination with other counseling types to provide a holistic approach to healing.
View Christian Counselors That Specialize in Brainspotting
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):
EMDR is another popular type of counseling for anxiety and trauma. This approach uses eye movements to stimulate the brain’s natural healing process, allowing you to process traumatic memories and reduce the intensity of anxiety. EMDR is especially helpful for clients who have experienced a specific traumatic event, such as a car accident or assault. At Cornerstone Christian Counseling, many of our therapists are trained in EMDR and can help you process traumatic memories in a safe and supportive environment.
View Christian Counselors That Specialize in EMDR
Internal Family Systems (IFS):
IFS is a type of counseling that helps clients explore the different parts of themselves and how they contribute to their anxiety. This approach teaches you to identify and communicate with your “parts” to better understand your emotions and develop a more compassionate and integrated sense of self. IFS can be especially helpful for Christians who struggle with conflicting beliefs or values that contribute to their anxiety. Some of our therapists use IFS in combination with other counseling types to provide a holistic approach to healing.
Choosing the right type of counseling for your anxiety can be a daunting task, but with the help of a Christian counselor, you can find the support and guidance you need to manage your anxiety and find healing. Whether you choose trauma-informed counseling, CBT, Brainspotting, EMDR, IFS, or a combination of these approaches, know that there is hope and help available for your anxiety. At Cornerstone Christian Counseling, our therapists are committed to providing clinically excellent counseling with a Christian perspective to help you overcome your anxiety and live a more fulfilling life.
