Supporting Anxiety: Evidence-Based Tools for Therapists
Anxiety is one of the most common and complex challenges faced by clients across all ages—and it doesn’t always look like worry or fear. As occupational therapists, music therapists, and mental health providers, we often encounter anxiety disguised as avoidance, irritability, or sensory overwhelm. Understanding the nervous system and applying evidence-based, client-centered strategies is essential to helping clients build resilience and feel safe in their bodies.
In a recent Grow Beyond meeting and Talk After the Tea episode, I explored this topic in depth. Here’s a quick overview of what we covered—and how you can apply it in your own practice.
What Does Anxiety Look Like?
Anxiety presents differently in each population:
Children may display clinginess, meltdowns, or stomachaches.
Older adults might experience sleep disruption, irritability, or restlessness—especially after stroke or illness.
Caregivers often feel trapped in cycles of overwhelm, guilt, or anticipatory worry.
The key for us as providers is to recognize how the nervous system is reacting, even if clients can’t verbalize what they’re feeling.
Evidence-Based Approaches That Work
We explored several frameworks that support anxiety management across the lifespan:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT focuses on recognizing unhelpful thoughts and replacing them with more balanced ones. While therapists may not deliver CBT directly, we can reinforce these tools through visual supports, daily routines, and collaborative problem-solving in OT or music therapy sessions.
2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT offers powerful skills for managing big emotions—including mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation. These are particularly helpful for teens and caregivers. As therapists, we can integrate DBT-inspired tools like body scans, music-based mindfulness, or sensory calming kits.
3. Polyvagal Theory & Sensorimotor Strategies
Polyvagal theory helps us understand how the body’s autonomic nervous system responds to perceived safety or threat. Many of our clients live in a heightened state of “fight, flight, or freeze.” Through co-regulation, rhythmic movement, breathwork, and sensory input, we can help shift them into a state of safety and connection.
Want to Dive Deeper?
Watch the full video here: Talk After the Tea
If you’re a therapist looking to expand your anxiety toolbox—or support others through teaching and collaboration—join us at Grow Beyond Therapy Collective. We offer:
Peer-led learning groups
Case study discussions
Networking opportunities
Support for building your practice and your confidence
You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. Let’s grow beyond burnout and into community.
Follow us on Instagram:
@growbeyondcollective
