What Kind of Therapy Is Best for Anxiety?

What Kind of Therapy Is Best for Anxiety?

Anxiety can feel all-consuming—racing thoughts, tension in your body, and the urge to avoid anything that feels overwhelming. When you're in it, it can be hard to know what will actually help. You may have asked yourself, “Is therapy worth it for anxiety?” The answer is: yes, and the type of therapy you choose can make a big difference.

At Tri Lotus Psychotherapy in Calgary, we often work with clients seeking anxiety relief. Two of the most effective and evidence-based approaches we use are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Let’s explore how each works—and why both can be powerful tools on your healing journey.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Changing the Cycle

CBT is one of the most well-known and widely studied therapies for anxiety. At its core, CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are interconnected. When anxiety shows up, it often triggers thoughts like:

• “I can’t handle this.”

• “Something bad is going to happen.”

• “If I avoid it, I’ll feel better.”

These thoughts then lead to behaviours like avoiding situations, canceling plans, or over-preparing. While these behaviours may offer short-term relief, they actually reinforce the anxiety long-term. The brain learns: avoidance = safety.

CBT helps break this cycle. A psychologist trained in CBT will work with you to:

• Identify anxious thought patterns

• Challenge and reframe unhelpful beliefs

• Gradually face feared situations in a manageable way

Over time, CBT builds confidence in your ability to cope—rather than avoid.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Making Space for Emotions

ACT takes a slightly different approach. Rather than challenging your thoughts, it helps you change your relationship with them. ACT teaches that anxious thoughts don’t need to control your actions. You can feel fear and still move forward.

Through ACT, you learn how to:

• Notice anxious thoughts and feelings without judgment (this is called defusion)

• Sit with discomfort in a way that doesn’t overwhelm you

• Reconnect with your values, and take meaningful action—even when anxiety is present

For example, if social anxiety tells you, “Don’t go to that event, you’ll embarrass yourself,” ACT encourages you to pause and ask: “Is this event aligned with something I value—like connection or growth?” If the answer is yes, ACT helps you take that step anyway, even if anxiety tags along.

How CBT and ACT Both Support Anxiety Relief

Though different in their approaches, CBT and ACT share some important similarities—especially when it comes to building mindfulness and self-awareness.

Both therapies help you:

• Become more aware of your internal experiences (thoughts, feelings, urges)

• Interrupt automatic patterns (like avoidance)

• Create space to choose how you want to respond

They also both promote long-term tools for anxiety relief, rather than quick fixes. Whether your anxiety is generalized, social, work-related, or tied to specific fears, these therapies can help you build resilience and regain a sense of control.

Is Therapy Worth It for Anxiety?

Absolutely. Many people in Calgary and beyond seek therapy for anxiety and find it life-changing. While self-help tools and coping strategies can be useful, working with a Calgary psychologist allows you to go deeper—to understand your patterns, develop sustainable skills, and receive compassionate support along the way.

At Tri Lotus Psychotherapy, we offer personalized therapy for anxiety using CBT, ACT, and other research-informed approaches. You don’t have to navigate anxiety alone—and therapy is not about getting rid of anxiety completely. It’s about learning to live a fuller, more meaningful life alongside it.

Ready to Begin?

If you’re looking for anxiety relief and want to explore what kind of therapy is best for you, our team of therapists at Tri Lotus Psychotherapy in Calgary is here to support you.

We’ll work with you to find the approach that fits you best—whether it’s CBT, ACT, or a blend of both. You can feel more grounded, more present, and more connected to what matters most.