Deconstructing Anxiety Training for Therapists
Many psychotherapeutic approaches for anxiety disorders are effective (Bandelow et al., 2015), with Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) generally better than other approaches (van Dis et al., 2020). The Deconstructing Anxiety model is a new synthesis of evidence-based techniques, highlighting empirically demonstrated common themes as most helpful.This model teaches clinicians how to identify the root causes of anxiety, rather than addressing more superficial layers of the problem.
Employing CBT, psychodynamic, mindfulness and positive psychology approaches, this model aims to address the resistances that keep anxiety alive, and transform them into a sense of purpose, meaning and fulfillment.The program presents a method for discovering the single “core fear” (i.e., “schema” in CBT) at the root of all anxiety, helping clients find this core fear when they appropriately deconstruct a problem. Core fears have been proposed for social phobia (Moscovitch, 2009) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (Gillihan et al., 2012) and are viewed as necessary to address for treatment to be effective. The psychodynamic theory postulates that we develop our primary defenses to protect ourselves from these fears, but always at a high cost.
This leaves us constantly holding vigil, on the lookout for the resurfacing of the threat. When this process spins out of control, an anxiety disorder develops. Various approaches are offered to address the anxiety disorders based on the clinician’s assessment, and include an emphasis on exposure therapy (CBT), as well as mindfulness, and a process for taking actions toward a positive future (learned optimism) to enhance “flourishing” and establish “flow.”Seminar participants will learn to use different evidence-based approaches to treat anxiety under this framework.
Session Highlights
- Discover the single “core fear” at the root of all suffering
- Learn how our best strategies for resolving the fear backfire
- Discover the ”Master Key to Healing: Doing the Opposite”
- Unravel the “Resistance to Resistance”
- Embark on a Vision Quest to transform fear into Fulfillment
Key Takeaways For Clinicians
“Deconstructing Anxiety Training provides clinicians with a new framework for understanding the underlying causes of anxiety and emotional suffering. This Deconstructing Anxiety Training explores how core fears and defensive patterns influence thoughts, emotions, and behaviors across a range of anxiety disorders. Through Deconstructing Anxiety Training, therapists will learn practical strategies to identify fear-based responses and help clients develop healthier ways of coping.
The course highlights how Deconstructing Anxiety Training can improve case conceptualization, treatment planning, and long-term therapeutic outcomes. By participating in Deconstructing Anxiety Training, clinicians gain tools to address the deeper drivers of anxiety rather than focusing solely on symptom reduction. This Deconstructing Anxiety Training integrates evidence-based concepts and practical interventions that can be applied across diverse clinical settings to support meaningful and lasting change. Research and educational programs built around this model emphasize understanding core fears as a pathway to more effective anxiety treatment. Learn more about anxiety disorders and evidence-based treatment approaches from the American Psychological Association.
Todd Pressman, PhD