Exploring Emotion-Focused Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder
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Authors
Kavanagh, Julia
Issue Date
2025-09-11
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
emotion-focused therapy , generalized anxiety disorder , major depressive disorder , outcomes , mechanisms of change , obstacles to change
Alternative Title
Abstract
This capstone examined the evidence of emotion-focused therapy in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder among adults aged 18 and older. Both disorders pose significant public health concerns due to their high prevalence and persistent impact on quality of life. A narrative literature review and thematic analysis of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies published between 2017 and 2025 were conducted. Three themes emerged from the analysis: mechanisms of change, client outcomes, and obstacles and limitations to change. Findings demonstrate the promise of emotion-focused therapy in treating generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder; however, more research is needed to strengthen and validate these results. Implications for clinicians, policymakers, funding bodies, and researchers are discussed, along with recommendations for future research to address empirical gaps.
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Citation
Publisher
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
openAccess
openAccess