Anthony* was a new father struggling with anxiety. He desired to understand what was happening to him and eager for help. He started therapy for the first time in his life and was able to gradually understand the different things that made his anxiety worse or better. He thought back through his life and began to understand some deep wounds he'd been carrying. Anthony learned specific coping skills that helped him keep control over his anxiety and as a result change the deafening negative self-talk that had left him defeated for years.
The anxiety continued to decrease over the ensuing months and his outlook and self-confidence skyrocketed. He began to believe the positive things about himself and make more consistent connections with others. He gradually stopped needing therapy as he had acquired the skills, he needed to care for himself. When the anxiety returned a few months later, he returned for therapy - discouraged and feeling that he made no progress. However, at the end of one session, he remembered all the things that helped him and had a plan to implement them. At the next session, he reported that the setback had ended, and he understood what to do when the anxiety inevitably creeps back in.
*Name changed for privacy
