Anxiety is a common experience among many adults. But even more so when facing high-stakes exams such as the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), the Bar Exam, Real Estate Licensing Exam, the EPPP, and many others. The pressure to perform well on these tests can lead to debilitating stress and hinder an individual’s performance. However, psychotherapy offers effective strategies to combat exam-related anxiety and enhance overall performance. Drawing upon research, empirical evidence, and the insights of Dora Garcia-Shelton, LMFT, a seasoned psychotherapist based in Irvine, CA, this article delves into how psychotherapy can be a crucial tool for adults grappling with anxiety related to licensing exams.
Understanding the Challenge
Licensing exam anxiety goes beyond just nervousness; it can significantly impact a person’s cognitive function and undermine their performance. Research, such as Hembree’s meta-analysis on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for test anxiety, demonstrates that targeted interventions can yield significant benefits. Techniques like cognitive restructuring and relaxation training empower individuals to manage their anxiety effectively and approach exams with more overall confidence.
In the case of one patient’s recent experience, they came to Dora Garcia-Shelton, LMFT with “uncontrolled anxiety around the upcoming Bar exam.” This patient described themselves as so anxious that they were considering deferring the exam to February of the following year. However, when using the anxiety-management techniques they were presented with by Dora Garcia-Shelton, LMFT, both leading up to and during the exam, they reported that they were able to complete the exam questions and pass the bar. Garcia-Shelton shares, “By implementing strategic studying techniques, you can reduce test anxiety. Practicing studying and test-taking in therapy in order for you and your therapist to work through any mental blocks, anxiety or physical symptoms coming up during studying on a consistent basis will allow you to implement these helpful strategies during your test as they will become second nature for you.”
The Role of Psychotherapy
Whether through CBT or mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), psychotherapy equips individuals with the tools to navigate exam anxiety successfully. Cuijpers et al.’s meta-analysis underscores the efficacy of psychotherapy in treating anxiety, including anxiety specifically related to exams. By addressing underlying psychological factors, therapy supports lasting improvements in mental well-being and performance.
Dora Garcia-Shelton emphasizes, “Shifting our mindset perspective on not only test preparation but our ability to foster a winning mindset can create game-changing results leading to passing exams that we might think of as impossible obstacles. Working together to discover, re-discover, and/or reignite your already ingrained strength and resilience will help you approach your exam with renewed confidence based on your own past evidence of resilience and strength.”
Tailored Solutions for Adult Learners
Exam anxiety affects adults across various professions, from aspiring lawyers preparing for the Bar Exam to nurses facing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Real-life patient experiences, like that of the individual who sought help from Dora Garcia-Shelton, LMFT in Irvine, CA, underscore the transformative potential of working with a therapist to manage anxiety. This individual, who struggled with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and was considering deferring the Bar Exam, found tremendous relief and success through therapy. Garcia-Shelton explains that “Additionally, learning and implementing quick stress management techniques such as sensory awareness, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness may help individuals increase scores by grounding themselves in the moment so they can keep their momentum in place during the test.”
Real-World Success Stories
The impact of psychotherapy on exam anxiety is not just theoretical; it is supported by real-world results. Hagen and Owens’ meta-analysis on college students with test anxiety demonstrates the tangible benefits of interventions like relaxation training and cognitive restructuring. By addressing both the psychological and academic dimensions of test anxiety, therapy promotes improved performance and a healthier relationship with an individual’s professional goals.
Looking Forward
As the landscape of licensing exams continues to evolve, so must our approach to addressing exam anxiety in adults. Whether through traditional psychotherapy or innovative interventions, the key lies in empowering individuals to feel they can confront their anxiety and reclaim control over their professional futures.
In Conclusion
In the realm of licensing exams, anxiety can be a significant hurdle for adult learners. However, psychotherapy offers a source of hope, providing evidence-based interventions and personalized support to help individuals overcome exam-related stress and excel in their professions. From the MCAT to the NCLEX-RN and beyond, the benefits of psychotherapy extend across the entire range of licensing exams. By embracing therapy, adults can navigate exam anxiety with confidence and achieve their goals. Garcia-Shelton, LMFT emphasizes her positive perspective on overcoming test anxiety through psychotherapy. “Test anxiety is a journey that with the right set of tools such as: being receptive to challenging negative thought patterns, by being consistent with shifting from having a failure mentality to a growth set mentality you can absolutely conquer!”
About Dora Garcia-Shelton, LMFT
Dora Garcia-Shelton believes that therapy is a process of self-discovery that can lead to a more fulfilling life. When life is out of balance, our health and our relationships suffer. Therapy can help restore that balance and improve quality of life. Using mindfulness, strength-based support, and a variety of evidence-based practices including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dora helps her clients gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors, develop an empowering personal treatment plan to reach their personal goals, and confidently present their truest self to the world.
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949-478-1253
Dora@ochealthpsych.com
CA License LMFT135548