Serving West Michigan Since 2015
Module 5: Tracking Avoidance & Safety Behaviors
Module 5 will introduce you to the concept of maladaptive behaviors and maladaptive behavior tracking.
Key Therapy Concepts
Maladaptive Behaviors
-
Background: Maladaptive behaviors related to anxiety are actions that people do to try to reduce their anxiety, but these actions often make things worse in the long run. They might avoid situations, do compulsive activities, or use other ways to feel temporarily better. However, these behaviors prevent them from facing their fears and can keep the anxiety going or even make it worse over time.
Avoidance Behaviors
-
Background: Avoidance behaviors are actions people use to stay away from things that make them anxious or afraid. For example, they might avoid certain places, situations, or people to prevent feeling anxious. While these behaviors might reduce anxiety for a short time, they are maladaptive because they stop people from facing their fears and can make anxiety worse over time.
Safety Behaviors
-
Background: Safety behaviors are actions people do to try to prevent or reduce their anxiety in a situation they find scary when avoidance is not possible. For example, they might carry something for protection or repeat certain thoughts to feel safer. Although these behaviors might help feel a little better temporarily, they are maladaptive because they stop people from learning that the situation is actually safe and can make their anxiety worse over time.
Module 1: Key Module Concepts
Maladaptive Behavior Tracking
-
Background: Maladaptive behavior tracking is an advanced CBT technique that involves identifying harmful behaviors done when triggered by anxiety. These behaviors should be directly related to the anxiety disorder or issue you are seeking help for. The goal of this process is to recognize what your specific maladaptive behaviors look like when you are triggered.
-
How this helps with treatment: By identifying maladaptive behaviors, you and Dr. Nabors will be able to create future exposures that help you engage less in these behaviors that reinforce your chronic anxiety.
Module 1: Homework Packet