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By Leo A. Kominek, Ph.D. previous page
The deepest level of acceptance is the consequence of progress in the acceptance of discomfort and the "anxious self " as described above. It will happen when you no longer care much if you feel anxiety. By this I mean that you have developed coping skills to such an extent that you have gained the confidence these skills will keep any anxiety you feel within a tolerable range, for you. This deep level of acceptance will occur once you have mastered the skills of proper breathing, relaxation, countering unrealistic thoughts, and practiced graduated exposure in facing your fears. At this stage you will no longer be concerned about feeling symptoms of anxiety, but simply do whatever you choose to do, as if you had no anxiety. The paradox of this type of deep acceptance is that you usually no longer experience the symptoms of anxiety when you near this state of total acceptance. Subsequently, you are free of any restrictions you used to impose on yourself. You can honestly ask yourself if you would do a certain thing if you did not have anxiety. Then if the answer is "YES", you can then proceed and do it. This is the ultimate acceptance and freedom from any bonds that you felt your anxiety disorder placed upon you.
I see acceptance at all levels as a very critical skill for the successful use of CBT in your recovery from an anxiety disorder. The concept of acceptance encompasses the use of all the techniques offered by CBT to help you cope with anxiety. Acceptance requires practice, persistence, and courage. Recovery may not happen overnight but it will happen. Best of Luck!
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