At the core of anxiety is a mistaken appraisal of danger in which threats are exaggerated, triggering an array of negative feelings that overwhelm patients and lead to avoidant behaviour. Therapists take aim at the three big components of anxiety—worry, physical arousal or edginess, and avoidance—by teaching one or more well-researched programs of skills that are custom-tailored to patients’ own worst thoughts. 

Clients are able to learn what kinds of thoughts and behaviours trigger their anxiety, how their own beliefs and statements about themselves contribute to their disorder, thoughts can magnify dangers they perceive. They also learn how to reduce the physical distress of anxiety and how to approach the situations that trigger their symptoms or general discomfort.