The Anxiety Trap: Cycle of Avoidance

This reflective activity helps participants understand the Cycle of Avoidance, a common pattern in anxiety where short-term relief from discomfort reinforces long-term anxiety. By recognising the stages—Anxiety, Avoidance, Relief, and Intensification—participants can begin to break the loop by identifying where avoidance takes place in their own lives and what it’s costing them.
 
This exercise builds awareness of:
The connection between anxiety and avoidance
Short-term vs long-term effects of avoidance
Alternative coping strategies
This activity works well as a 1-1 therapeutic tool, a group discussion prompt, or a worksheet-based reflection.