This unique social setting is one of the things about this collaboration that makes it an effective form of treatment.
This kind of exposure therapy is very effective, especially since the group setting of the improv classes addresses many of the core fears that cause distress for those with social anxiety, said Evelyn Behar, assistant professor of psychology at University of Illinois at Chicago.
With cognitive behavioral therapy, “a person really learns to tolerate their anxiety well,” Behar said. “They learn to not be overwhelmed by anxiety…and experience anxiety like the average person.”
This kind of therapy isn’t for everyone, though. While approximately 36 people have found relief through the improv sessions, Pfeffer said about 12 participants dropped out. “The problem is that many people with severe social anxiety won’t even make the phone call” to start the program, Pfeffer said.
But the long-term benefits pay off for those who do follow through, he said. As compared to taking anti-anxiety medication, which patients may need to take continuously to treat their anxiety, effective cognitive behavioral therapy changes a person’s mentality toward anxiety.
“With meds, if people come off of them, there tends to be high relapse rates,” said Rick Zinbarg, professor and director of clinical training of the psychology department at Northwestern University. “Whereas gains in cognitive behavioral therapy tend to be maintained after the termination of therapy.”
Chacon said he can attest to that. Despite being on anti-anxiety medications, his social anxiety still persisted, he said. Now, Chacon relies on the techniques he learned in his improv classes.
“If I’m ever out, I’m able to rely on those experiences as a bank of successes I’ve made,” Chacon said. “I can think back and say, ‘You know, I was pretty good on my feet that one time in class, so I’m confident that I can do the same now.'"
Photo courtesy of The Second City.
Pages: 1 · 2
More Articles
- Hope: A Research-based Explainer by Naseem S. Miller, The Journalist's Resource
- Rosalynn Carter: Do What You Can To Show You Care About Others, and You Will Make Our World a Better Place
- The White House, President Joe Biden: Executive Order on Reducing Gun Violence and Making Our Communities Safer
- Ouch! Needle-Phobic People Scarred by So Many Images of Covid Shots; Facing the Fear (it's technically called trypanophobia)
- US Census Report: Young Adults Living Alone Report Anxiety, Depression During Pandemic
- By Nearly a 2-1 Margin, Parents Prefer to Wait to Open Schools to Minimize COVID Risk, with Parents of Color Especially Worried Either Way
- Grab That Museum Pass! Could Arts Engagement Have Protective Associations With Survival?
- From the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) For the Public: What You Need to Know About Vaping
- Kay Nielsen’s Enchanted Vision: The Kendra and Allan Daniel Collection
- GAO, VA Health Care: Improvements Needed in Suicide Prevention Media Outreach Campaign Oversight and Evaluation