[dkharmony2002]

I have several clients that have different diagnosis that fall under the anxiety umbrella, including panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. I am looking for the best way to inspire change and to educate my clients.

[Melanie]

My psychologist was talking about how she leads a group of people with anxiety and makes them do random tasks together. They have to work as a team to accomplish specific goals (like building tents and such) ... each member is given a job based on their specific type of anxiety and the problems that they find the hardest...Apparently it forces them to find comfort in a setting that would usually be hard for them. Don't know if that helps YOU at all, but just thought I'd throw it out there.

I find some behavior therapy techniques work best.Systematic Desensitization is a relaxation technique. Walk your clients through some relaxation exercises. (Close your eyes, imagine you are on a beach...the air is cool, the waves are crashing in the distance, the sun feels warm on your skin) Once they are relaxed, instruct each person to make a list of anxiety-provoking situations (ranging from least provoking-->most provoking) have your clients imagine themselves in each situation and discuss ways in which they could respond. Group feedback is great because clients will be able to relate to each other and offer support for the client. These exercises are a healthy way to confront anxiety provoking situations without the client actually being in them. The idea is to get comfortable with the ideas/situations to be able to carry them out in real world situations.If clients start to feel anxious, direct them back to a relaxed state.