Many clients struggle with debilitating anxiety disorders. Medications can help but come with potential side effects. So what options are available before going the pharmaceutical route? Actually, there are a great number of them!
In this workshop, you will learn a wide range of holistic, evidence-based techniques for managing anxiety. These are practical strategies that will empower your clients to successfully regulate their nervous system. Together in this interactive, experiential training, we’ll explore tools such as mindfulness, deep breathing, bilateral stimulation, emotional acupressure, aromatherapy, self-hypnosis, guided imagery, and dietary considerations. By expanding your knowledge and skill set, you’ll be able to provide the most effective treatment possible to your clients, whether they are dealing with social anxiety, panic, or phobias.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Define the different types of anxiety disorders
- Determine how anxiety is physiologically triggered in the body
- Describe the role of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems in promoting and reducing symptoms of anxiety
- Implement evidence-based interventions for managing and/or eliminating anxiety
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Understanding Anxiety Disorders
- Define anxiety as an emotional and physiological response to perceived danger
- Review major anxiety disorders: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, OCD, Panic Disorder, PTSD, Phobias, and Social Anxiety
- Examine the symptoms, prevalence, and gender differences in anxiety presentation
- Understand how anxiety impacts cognition, emotion, and physical health
Objective #2: The Physiology of Anxiety
- Explore the role of the autonomic nervous system in anxiety: sympathetic vs. parasympathetic response
- Understand how the SAM (Sympathetic Adrenomedullary) and HPA (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal) systems activate stress responses
- Identify how chronic stress disrupts nervous system regulation
Recognize how mental, physical, and behavioral systems become dysregulated
Objective #3: The Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Systems
- Examine how over-activation of the sympathetic system fuels anxiety
- Understand the role of cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine
- Highlight the parasympathetic system’s function in calming and recovery
- Discuss bi-directional influence between anxiety and neurochemistry
Objective #4: Evidence-Based Interventions for Managing Anxiety
- Practice Bilateral Stimulation (BLS): butterfly hugs, havening, tapping, and object passing
- Apply Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT): tapping to regulate emotions
- Utilize mindfulness practices: meditation, diaphragmatic breathing, physiological sighs
- Introduce Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): values clarification, defusion, and psychological flexibility
- Apply Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): challenging thought distortions such as catastrophizing, filtering, and fortune-telling
- Implement Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD symptoms
Objective #5: Expressive Tools and Therapeutic Writing
- Use journaling to reduce anxiety and externalize thought patterns
- Practice structured writing prompts, free writing, and gratitude journaling
- Engage in creative writing and bilateral doodling for regulation and integration
Objective #6: Holistic and Lifestyle Approaches
- Explore diet-related triggers: caffeine, sugar, alcohol, food dyes
- Introduce anxiety-reducing nutrients and supplements: magnesium, B-complex, omega-3s, herbs, and teas
- Use aromatherapy with essential oils such as lavender, valerian, and clary sage
- Discuss CBD oil and its role in reducing sympathetic nervous system activation
Objective #7: Nervous System Regulation and Body-Based Techniques
- Explain the vagus nerve and its role in parasympathetic activation
- Teach vagus nerve stimulation: cold exposure, humming, deep breathing, gargling, yoga, massage
- Incorporate yoga and somatic exercises to promote grounding and balance
- Consider the use of weighted blankets for calming sensory input
Objective #8: Guided Imagery and Visualization
- Use guided imagery and hypnosis to promote relaxation and shift internal state
- Emphasize the power of imagination in calming physiological systems
Objective #9: Integration and Client Empowerment
- Reinforce that anxiety can be addressed through multiple access points: cognitive, emotional, physical, and spiritual
- Empower clients to develop individualized coping plans that align with their values and preferences
- Encourage integration of evidence-based techniques with holistic healing tools
Additional Resources and References
- Share recommended books on anxiety, mindfulness, ACT, and nutrition
- Provide online articles, videos, and research studies for continued education
- Guide clients toward further exploration of supportive mind-body-spirit practices
Social workers completing this course receive 3 General Skill Building asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 General Skill Building continuing education training.
Instructor: Dreya Blume, LCSW
Recording Date: April 22, 2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3hrs General continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com