Anxiety course

Lesson 1 • Psychological Models of Anxiety

Surveys behavioural, cognitive, and psychodynamic explanations for anxiety development. Provides the theoretical lens used throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • The Biology of the Anxiety Response

Explains the nervous system pathways that produce anxiety symptoms. Connects physiology to the subjective experience clients and professionals encounter.

Lesson 3 • What Anxiety Actually Is

Defines anxiety as a functional alarm system and separates it from fear and stress. Grounds all subsequent content in accurate conceptual framing.

Lesson 4 • Recognising Anxiety Symptoms

Catalogues physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioural anxiety symptoms. Enables accurate identification before any intervention is applied.

Lesson 1 • Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia

Details the cycle of unexpected panic attacks, anticipatory anxiety, and avoidance. Shows how agoraphobia develops as a secondary complication.

Lesson 2 • Related Conditions: OCD and PTSD

Clarifies how OCD and PTSD share anxiety features yet require distinct conceptualisation. Prevents misclassification and guides appropriate intervention selection.

Lesson 3 • Social Anxiety Disorder

Examines fear of negative evaluation in social and performance contexts. Differentiates social anxiety disorder from shyness and introversion.

Lesson 4 • Generalised Anxiety Disorder

Covers the hallmark features of chronic, diffuse worry and its diagnostic thresholds. Distinguishes GAD from everyday stress and other worry-based presentations.

Lesson 1 • Functional Analysis of Anxiety

Applies behavioural analysis to identify antecedents, behaviours, and consequences maintaining anxiety. Produces actionable data for intervention targeting.

Lesson 2 • Cognitive Case Conceptualisation

Structures the client's anxiety using cognitive models linking beliefs, appraisals, and symptoms. Bridges assessment data to treatment planning.

Lesson 3 • Validated Anxiety Measurement Tools

Reviews widely used self-report scales and clinician-administered instruments for anxiety. Teaches selection, administration, and score interpretation.

Lesson 4 • Principles of Anxiety Assessment

Introduces the goals, ethics, and structure of a comprehensive anxiety evaluation. Sets the standard for all assessment activities in the course.

Lesson 1 • Motivational Strategies for Engagement

Applies motivational interviewing principles to resolve ambivalence about anxiety treatment. Increases commitment to effortful interventions like exposure.

Lesson 2 • Building a Strong Therapeutic Alliance

Covers the core relational conditions that predict treatment engagement and retention. Positions alliance-building as an active, ongoing clinical skill.

Lesson 3 • Delivering Effective Psychoeducation

Teaches how to explain the anxiety cycle, symptoms, and rationale for treatment in plain language. Reduces stigma and increases client motivation.

Lesson 1 • Identifying Automatic Thoughts

Trains professionals to help clients catch anxiety-driven automatic thoughts in real time. Builds the foundational skill for all cognitive interventions.

Lesson 2 • Cognitive Restructuring Methods

Teaches Socratic questioning, evidence examination, and alternative perspective generation. Provides the core toolkit for modifying distorted appraisals.

Lesson 3 • Cognitive Distortions in Anxiety

Catalogues the specific distortions most prevalent in anxiety disorders and their functional impact. Enables precise targeting of maladaptive thinking patterns.

Lesson 4 • Schema-Level Cognitive Work

Extends cognitive work to deep core beliefs that sustain chronic anxiety. Prepares professionals for complex, treatment-resistant presentations.

Lesson 1 • Between-Session Exposure Assignments

Structures homework exposures to maximize generalization and consolidate in-session gains. Teaches troubleshooting common adherence barriers.

Lesson 2 • Designing an Exposure Hierarchy

Teaches construction of individualized, graduated fear hierarchies using SUDS ratings. Ensures exposures are challenging yet achievable.

Lesson 3 • In-Session Exposure Delivery

Covers the practical steps of conducting imaginal and in vivo exposures within sessions. Addresses therapist behaviours that enhance or undermine exposure outcomes.

Lesson 4 • Behavioural Principles Underlying Exposure

Reviews extinction, inhibitory learning, and habituation as the mechanisms driving exposure efficacy. Provides the scientific rationale professionals communicate to clients.

Lesson 1 • Diaphragmatic Breathing Techniques

Introduces controlled breathing as a direct counter to hyperventilation and sympathetic activation. Covers correct technique, common errors, and practice protocols.

Lesson 2 • Sleep and Lifestyle Factors in Anxiety

Addresses how sleep disruption, physical activity, and nutrition interact with anxiety severity. Integrates lifestyle modification as a complementary regulation strategy.

Lesson 3 • Grounding and Sensory Techniques

Provides rapid grounding strategies for acute anxiety, dissociation, and panic. Equips professionals with tools for high-distress moments in and out of session.

Lesson 4 • Mindfulness-Based Regulation

Applies mindfulness practices to interrupt the anxiety cycle through present-moment awareness. Distinguishes mindfulness from relaxation and avoidance.

Lesson 1 • Termination and Step-Down Planning

Manages the therapeutic ending process to reinforce autonomy and prevent dependency. Covers step-down care options and booster session rationale.

Lesson 2 • Building a Personal Relapse Prevention Plan

Guides clients in creating individualized written plans that specify warning signs and coping responses. Converts treatment learning into a portable self-management tool.

Lesson 3 • Consolidating and Generalising Skills

Ensures clients can apply learned techniques independently across new situations and stressors. Addresses skill generalization as a deliberate treatment target.

Lesson 4 • Long-Term Wellbeing and Growth

Frames anxiety recovery within a broader positive psychology and post-traumatic growth perspective. Encourages ongoing wellbeing practices beyond symptom reduction.