Anxiety may be a normal human sentiment or reaction but it could become overwhelming and lead to other problems such as depression, according to an expert in the field.
Robyn Vertongen, a Senior Clinical Psychologist at the Massey University Psychology Centre Clinic said common anxiety symptoms included fearing the worst, sudden sense of panic and being self-conscious.
She said depression can result from a build-up of life’s stresses.
“Financial strain, losses and immigration are common precursors to depression among people we see at the clinic. People think they should just shake it off but find it more difficult than it sounds. CBT teaches skills and coping strategies to help people deal with anxiety or depression and the patterns they develop around these, so that it doesn’t take over their lives.”
Group therapy is now available at the University’s clinic in the Albany Campus.
It is considered to be more effective than individual treatment.
Ms Vertongen said the popularity of the Cognitive Behaviour Therapy groups held last year prompted the Centre to expand its service to provide more group therapy programmes this Semester.
There would be two sessions each for anxiety and depression, with day and evening options available over the next eight weeks.
“The therapy provides a sense of normality by helping people to understand that a certain amount of anxiety is a function of our evolutionary adaptation and a necessary survival mechanism,” Ms Vertongen said.
Facilitator and Registered Clinical Psychologist Mieke Sachsenweger agreed.
Sharing common difficulties helps manage anxiety or depression, she said.
“Participants last year appreciated the non-judgemental approach of the therapists. One participant reported that he learnt to cope better with ‘frightening’ anxiety,” she said.
Ms Vertongen will run the courses with Ms Sachsenweger and seventh-year clinical psychology intern Isabelle Miclette.
Dr John Berks, a psychiatrist from Community Alcohol and Drug Services on sabbatical at the school, is also part of the team.
The psychology centre is based in Albany village and provides a range of community programmes.
For more information call (09) 4418175
Email: h.mcmaster@massey.ac.nz
