This course offers a foundational exploration of anxiety disorders, focusing on their origins, classifications, and assessment. Students will develop a deep understanding of the biological, psychological, and social underpinnings of anxiety, examining how anxiety functions as both a normal adaptive response and, when dysregulated, a debilitating clinical condition.

The course reviews the major types of anxiety disorders, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobias, and Separation Anxiety Disorder, as defined by DSM-5 and ICD-11 diagnostic criteria. Emphasis will be placed on differentiating anxiety disorders from normative worry and stress, and on recognizing developmental, cultural, and contextual variations in presentation.

Students will also gain practical skills in assessment techniques, including clinical interviewing, standardized self-report measures, behavioral observation, and differential diagnosis. Case studies and real-world examples will be used to enhance diagnostic reasoning and early identification of anxiety-related concerns.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand the foundational theories and mechanisms underlying anxiety.
2. Identify and differentiate among major types of anxiety disorders.
3. Recognize the signs and symptoms of anxiety across developmental stages and cultural contexts.
4. Apply appropriate assessment tools and techniques to evaluate anxiety symptoms.
   

• This course provides a comprehensive overview of evidence-based interventions for treating anxiety disorders across the lifespan. Drawing from the latest clinical research and treatment guidelines, students will examine the most effective therapeutic approaches for disorders such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobias, and Separation Anxiety Disorder.

  The course covers core treatment modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based interventions. Students will learn how to select and tailor these treatments based on symptom presentation, severity, comorbid conditions, and individual client needs. Additional focus is given to treatment planning, therapeutic alliance, cultural considerations, and measuring treatment outcomes.

  Through case studies, role-plays, and applied learning, students will gain practical skills for delivering structured, goal-oriented anxiety treatment while maintaining a trauma-informed and person-centered approach.

  Learning Objectives:

  By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand the theoretical foundations and mechanisms of change behind evidence-based anxiety treatments.
2. Develop competency in delivering CBT, exposure-based, and third-wave behavioral therapies for anxiety.
3. Formulate individualized treatment plans based on assessment data and clinical presentation.
4. Apply culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate treatment adaptations.
5. Evaluate treatment progress and adjust interventions using measurable outcomes.

• This course is designed to equip mental health professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to assess and treat complex and treatment-resistant cases of anxiety. While foundational anxiety treatments are often effective, many clients present with multifaceted symptom profiles, comorbid conditions (such as depression, trauma, or substance use), and entrenched cognitive-behavioral patterns that complicate the treatment process.

  The course explores how to recognize and address complexity in anxiety presentations, including chronic or overlapping diagnoses (e.g., GAD with comorbid PTSD), somatic manifestations of anxiety, personality dynamics, and the impact of developmental trauma or attachment disruptions. Emphasis is placed on case formulation, flexible treatment planning, and modifying evidence-based interventions to meet the needs of clients who do not respond to standard protocols.

  students will engage with advanced clinical tools, real-world case studies, and discussion of ethical and cultural considerations in treating anxiety in high-complexity presentations. Attention is also given to therapist self-awareness and clinical decision-making when working with challenging cases.

  Learning Objectives:

1. Identify clinical features and risk factors that contribute to treatment complexity in anxiety.
2. Formulate nuanced, individualized case conceptualizations for complex anxiety presentations.
3. Integrate and adapt evidence-based interventions for clients with comorbid or treatment-resistant anxiety.
4. Understand the role of trauma history, personality structure, and systemic factors in maintaining anxiety symptoms.

• This course provides a practical and clinically grounded approach to the treatment planning and implementation process for individuals experiencing anxiety disorders. Students and practitioners will learn to develop personalized, evidence-based treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of clients with conditions such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobias, and other anxiety-related presentations.

  The course emphasizes comprehensive assessment, goal setting, and selection of appropriate interventions, with a focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based strategies. Students will gain hands-on experience in designing structured treatment plans, selecting measurable outcomes, adapting protocols to fit complex or comorbid presentations, and maintaining therapeutic progress over time.

  Through interactive case studies, session planning exercises, and implementation tools, this course prepares clinicians to move from diagnosis to action with confidence and clinical integrity.

  Learning Objectives:

  By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Conduct thorough assessments to inform targeted treatment planning for anxiety disorders.
2. Develop clear, measurable treatment goals aligned with client needs and diagnostic presentation.
3. Select and apply appropriate evidence-based interventions across anxiety subtypes.
4. Modify treatment strategies for clients with comorbidities or complex symptomatology.
5. Monitor treatment progress and make data-informed adjustments to maintain clinical effectiveness.