Biological and Psychological Factors of Anxiety Emmanuel Ansah Owusu MACP Program, Faculty of Behavioural Sciences, Yorkville University PSYC6104-A Biopsychosocial Approach to Counselling Dr. Victoria Kress January 4,2024 The Biopsychological Factors of Anxiety In my first meeting with the counsellor, I discussed how I had been battling with strong anxiety since childhood. I told him my father was also dealing with great anxiety until I lost my parents to tribal war at the age of eight and kept having reflection on the scene where I saw them in a pool of blood. I was highly maltreated and subjected to family rejection and child labor. The constant anxiety has become exhausting and overwhelming. I feel irritated, fatigued, with an increased heart rate, and sleep problems. I usually drink caffeinated beverages per day to energize myself, which I see it to be bad habit. I don't normally have the desire to get involved in social activities because of the fear of being maltreated so I have developed the habit of constant isolation. Biological Factors contributing to anxiety During my first meeting with the counsellor, he asked me for the pronoun he could use to address me and gave me the opportunity to introduce myself and present my case. I presented my issue, and the counsellor listened to me with non-judgmental position and gave me unconditional positive regard and empathy(slay-Westbrook,2017). This proved a reliable therapeutic relationship and provided safe environment, accepted, and respected regardless of All the obvious disparities between me and him (shebib,2020). To be specific, we discussed how biological factors such as genetics and diet could contribute to anxiety. The counsellor asked me if there is any immediate family member who suffered or is suffering from anxiety, and I told him my father did, as well as few family members. After discussing my family history, the counsellor noted how there are both genetic and environmental factors that could be associated with anxiety. Mr. Smith did not diagnose me of any biological factors, but he passionately explained how there could be underlying genetic factors contributing to my anxiety symptoms. Concerning diet, the counsellor mentioned consuming high doses of stimulants such as caffeine could worsen and support anxiety symptoms(karen,2021). He suggested I visit my family physician for a blood test and other genetic examination. “Learn to recognize the general symptoms and signs of mental disorders such as psychosis (hallucinations and delusions), uncontrollable emotions (anxiety and depression), and disturbances in thinking. Then make appropriate referrals, support treatment, and promote medication compliance” (Shebib, 2023, p.350). Truly, with medical diagnoses, counselors can work with clients to develop a treatment plan that will yield expected results. Psychological Factors Contributing to Anxiety The counsellor showed self-awareness through active listening and showed empathy by not being judgmental so there was a foundation of respect. Respect is a deep understanding of the individual’s views, perspectives, and experiences (Slay-Westbrook, 2017). The discussion continued with the counsellor describing the psychological factors that could also be contributing my anxiety, including trauma, self-esteem, social Isolation. The counsellor mentioned that the childhood traumatic events I experienced, the death of my parents and the child labor I was subjected to could have tremendous contribute to my anxiety. In dealing with my trauma and low-self-esteem, the counsellor asked me what I am good at just to find my strength in creativity. He then guided me through self –care approaches such as Strength -Based Therapy and Behavioral Activation Therapy which involves the integration of client's strength in healing process(kress). The Strength -Based Therapy centers on the client’s existing Strength that can help the healing process. I understood that this method was used to improve my mindset and shape my world view. So that i can trust my abilities. This approach is best in solving the issue of Low-self-esteem. It highlights a client's strengths and their ability to care for themselves which can accumulate over time (Kress) which can in turn impact self-esteem. The counselor also discussed with me how Isolation worsens my anxiety, and she encouraged me to engaged in regular exercise and social activities. Exercise serves as an effective coping behavior because it is adaptive and encourages functioning (Pinel & Barnes, 2021). References Skills labs, Dr. Victoria Kress, Christine McAllister, Chelsey Zoldan, Module 4, Therapeutic Relationship, "Integrating Client’s Strength into The Session" Slay–Westbrook, S. (2017). Respect-focused therapy: Honoring Clients Through the Therapeutic Relationship and Process. (1st Edition Page 8). Routledge. ISBN:9781138906907 Shebib, B. (2023). Choices: Interviewing and Counselling Skills for Canadians (8th ed.). Pearson Education Canada. https://online.vitalsource.com/books/9780136964322 Martin, K. (2021, September 15). What to Know about Caffeine and Anxiety. Medical News Today. Https://www.medicalnewstoday.com Pinel, J. P. J., & Barnes, S. J. (2021). Biopsychology (11th global ed.). Pearson.
