Anxiety can narrow a person’s world in ways that aren’t always visible. Everyday situations become harder. Thoughts loop. The body feels on alert for no clear reason. Yet despite how common it is, anxiety often goes untreated. According to the World Health Organization, only about one in four people with anxiety disorders receive treatment.
At Ottawa Therapy Group, we understand how isolating it can be to live with anxiety. Our approach to psychotherapy is grounded in respect, clinical insight, and a commitment to helping you find relief.
When people ask “can psychotherapy help anxiety?” they’re often hoping for easy answers that could apply to their situation. The reality is, therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it shouldn’t be.
Our counselling & psychotherapy clinic works with adults, youth, couples, and families facing everything from generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder to social anxiety and separation anxiety disorder. Treatment at our clinic is highly personalized, built on evidence-based practices and delivered with care.
Is Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Helpful for Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Psychotherapy Is a Proven Treatment for Anxiety
Decades of research support the effectiveness of psychotherapy for anxiety.
It’s a highly structured, time-limited approach that helps people understand the connection between anxious thoughts, physical symptoms like muscle tension, and behavioural consequences. CBT typically involves cognitive restructuring and learning coping skills to reduce anxiety over time.
For many patients, these tools create real, sustainable change. From public speaking anxiety to obsessive compulsive disorder, CBT for anxiety can target a wide range of symptoms and diagnoses.
Different Therapeutic Modalities Address Unique Needs
CBT is not the only path forward. Some clients respond better to approaches like acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), which focuses on values, mindfulness exercises, and flexible thinking.
Others may benefit from emotion-focused therapy, psychodynamic counselling, or mindfulness based stress reduction. Exposure therapy, including virtual reality exposure, can help individuals with phobias and panic attacks confront their fears gradually and safely.
The right treatment plan depends on your goals, preferences, and how anxiety shows up in your daily life. A trained mental health professional will help you navigate these options.
Therapy Builds Skills That Last Beyond Sessions
Therapy for anxiety isn’t about eliminating symptoms overnight. It’s about building resilience and confidence. Sessions often focus on recognizing cognitive distortions, understanding triggers, and practicing behavioral skills like progressive muscle relaxation or identifying personal values.
These tools help manage anxiety long after therapy ends. For people dealing with posttraumatic stress disorder or major depressive disorder in addition to anxiety, integrated treatment can also support broader healing.
Working with a mental health provider who understands complex, overlapping mental health conditions can be key to long-term progress.
Confidential, Compassionate Support Makes a Difference with Ottawa Therapy Group
There is value in simply being heard. In person therapy and online counselling options at Ottawa Therapy Group provide a confidential space to explore anxiety symptoms without judgment. Our therapists meet clients where they are.
No expectation to have the “right” words. Just honest, supportive dialogue. Clients often report feeling less anxiety after having a space to explore what triggers anxiety and how to respond differently. That kind of shift matters. It helps people reconnect with daily life in ways they didn’t think were possible.
Choosing to start psychotherapy is not always easy. But it is a meaningful first step toward change. At Ottawa Therapy Group, we offer compassionate, evidence-informed anxiety therapy tailored to each person’s needs.
Our team of experienced psychologists, social workers, and counsellors support clients with a range of mental health issues, both online and in person. If you’re curious about what therapy might look like for you, or how to begin, then contact us today. We’re here when you’re ready.
