TEAM-CBT on Anxiety

TEAM-CBT is one of several types of therapy that I practice. It has its roots in traditional CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy), but it also integrates techniques from over 12 different types of therapy—making it very comprehensive. TEAM-CBT can treat mood disorders (i.e. depression, anxiety, bipolar), relationship issues, and other life challenges. There are 5 main models in TEAM-CBT, with over 100 different techniques, which allows me to focus on the methods that yield the best results for each client. Using anxiety (one of my primary specialties) as an example, I will illustrate the five models of TEAM-CBT. Regardless of whether we work on anxiety or another challenge, I would use a similarly comprehensive approach as the models described below.

The Cognitive Model

The cognitive model intervenes at the level of thought. It operates on the theory that our thoughts create our feelings; as a result, if we can change our thoughts, we can change our feelings. Usually, when we are feeling anxious, there are many thinking errors in our thoughts; in CBT, we call these cognitive distortions; it means that our thoughts are not accurately reflecting reality. When we learn to identify these thinking errors and replace our negative/anxious thoughts with more realistic thoughts, we can often drastically reduce our anxiety.

The Exposure Model

The exposure model intervenes at the level of behavior. It operates on the theory that our avoidance of what we fear is the cause of our anxiety. Through confronting our fears in a therapeutic way, we can discover that any fear is conquerable; the more we face our fears, the more power we wrestle away from them and reclaim for ourselves. While exposure therapy can be scary in the beginning, most clients end up loving it and actually finding it quite fun when their anxieties vanish. This model is often coupled with Response-Prevention or ERP. Response-Prevention involves the removal of certain behaviors that may seem reassuring, but over the long term actually increase anxiety.

The Motivational Model

The motivational model intervenes at the level of motivation and resistance. It operates on the theory that we all have some very good reasons to hold onto our anxiety or symptoms, even while also wanting to be rid of them. It is essential to address our motivation and resistance, before diving in and trying to make change. The resistance might be some mixed feelings about healing from our symptoms or doing the work involved to get there or both.

The Hidden Emotion Model

The hidden emotion model intervenes at the level of emotion. It operates on the theory that our repressed or unconscious emotions or conflicts are the source of our anxiety. Through uncovering these hidden emotions and finding a way to constructively express them, we are often able to feel immediate relief from anxiety.

The Communication Skills and Interpersonal Model

While the other models above are intrapersonal models, meaning it is work focused inwardly, this model acknowledges that there is also often an external and interpersonal aspect to most challenges. This model helps us to learn how to express any emotion, particularly difficult emotions, to another person in a tactful, respectful, kind and productive way. This model also looks at patterns in relationships to help us understand how to change those patterns.