In Obsessive–Compulsive Behavior, Dr. Martin M. Antony demonstrates his approach to working with this common problem. Dr. Antony works within a cognitive–behavioral framework, which includes an exploration of the triggers that bring on the client's anxiety, prolonged exposure to these cues, and prevention of the client's compulsive behavior. The client is taught strategies for coping with anxiety that arises during the course of the practice.
In this session, Dr. Antony works with a woman in her 30s who exhibits compulsive behavior surrounding counting and order.
Dr. Antony's primary approach to treatment is cognitive–behavioral therapy, and his work is generally in the area of anxiety disorders (e.g., social anxiety disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobia) and related conditions (e.g., hypochondriasis, body dysmorphic disorder, perfectionism). Dr. Antony tends to use exposure-based strategies for dealing with fears of situations, objects, physical sensations, and thoughts. In addition, he uses cognitive strategies to teach clients to challenge their anxious thoughts and to replace them with more realistic interpretations and predictions regarding the situations they fear. Finally, relaxation-based strategies (e.g., progressive muscle relaxation, breathing retraining) are used to help clients to cope with generalized anxiety and stress.
In this particular video, the emphasis was on exposure-based strategies.
The typical client with whom Dr. Antony would use exposure therapy is a client who tends to avoid particular situations, objects, and experiences. Generally, exposure-based treatments have been found to be effective for a wide range of anxiety disorders and related conditions.
Martin M. Antony, PhD, is professor in the Department of Psychology at Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario. He is also director of research at the Anxiety Treatment and Research Centre at St. Joseph's Healthcare in Hamilton, Ontario. Dr. Antony has published 20 books and more than 100 scientific articles and book chapters in the areas of anxiety disorders and cognitive–behavioral therapy. His work has been recognized by awards from Division 12 (the Society of Clinical Psychology) of the American Psychological Association, the Canadian Psychological Association, and the Anxiety Disorders Association of America.
Visit Dr. Antony's web site for more information.
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