Robert A. Contadino

Counseling may help. First, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis. Make sure your friend first visits her primary physician to get a physical exam. Anxiety can be a symptom of a variety of conditions. If her primary doctor agrees that her anxiety is not due to an underlying physical condition, your friend can see a counselor/therapist who has experience in treating anxiety conditions. She can call several therapists to find one who has experience treating these conditions. In addition, your friend needs to feel safe and confident with the therapist. Most likely, a therapist who has experience with behavioral and/or desensitization techniques would be helpful. Keep in mind that anxiety can be a symptom related to a variety of conditions. This is why it is important to get an accurate diagnosis first. Your friend may need a therapist who is competent to treat a variety of conditions that have anxiety as one of its symptoms. It is very fortunate that your friend has you to help her. Having a compassionate, empathic friend like yourself may be the vital part of her getting the help see needs. You and your friend together can do a search under "mental health" to find local listings of therapists/counselors and mental health clinics in your area. You may also have a local listing of state and county mental health boards who can make an appropriate referral. Thank you for your question. Please write or call again if I can be of additional help. I would like to receive a follow-up report if you and your friend are willing to let me know if your friend received the help needed. Robert A. Contadino, LPCC, M.A., Ph.D. Cincinnati, Ohio

I don't practice CBT. I can not offer a recommendation without knowing more about your daughter and also you. Why do you ask specifically about CBT as compared to many other theoretical and technical orientations?