Anxiety & Stress THERAPY

What is Anxiety?

I specialize in helping people manage anxiety and stress in their lives.

Anxiety is an emotion (like sadness, happiness, excitement, anger, etc.). It can be more or less intense and it fluctuates with time. It is temporary, and not dangerous in and of itself. Many factors can contribute to anxiety such as biology, hormones, genetics, physiology, and your direct environment. The best way to cope with anxiety, in my opinion and as shown in different research studies, is to take it with you as you go through life. That doesn’t mean that you have to be on high alert at all times and it’s not the same as trying to get rid of it. It means that you can notice the anxiety and continue functioning in your day without constantly struggling with it.

Common physical symptoms of anxiety include:

• Sweating

• Shaking or trembling

• Shortness of breath

• State of panic and/or disorientation

• Paralysis or feeling “frozen”

• Increased heart rate

• Racing thoughts

Anxiety can look and feel differently depending on the individual. Since people experience emotions internally, most people can’t tell that you’re feeling anxious. However, your physical appearance may sometimes give it away, especially if you’re trying to hide it. For example, you may blush, look down or away, tighten your body and muscles, and almost look like you’re trying to hide within yourself to escape. Sometimes, you may actually be looking to run and hide past the nearest exit. 

How do I treat anxiety?

I treat anxiety using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is an evidence based treatment that has been shown to be effective at helping people change their beliefs and behaviors. The first step is usually to identify your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors by monitoring them and then applying specific techniques such as cognitive restructuring and exposure. These are fancy-sounding strategies that, when applied correctly, help you change your current ineffective patterns and live a happier and healthier life by applying effective or useful patterns on an ongoing basis. 

If you’re looking to accept rather than change yourself or aspects of your life, or if you’re not sure whether to accept or change the situation you’re in, I also practice Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Contact me for a free 15-minute consultation to see if I can help you manage your stress and anxiety or to answer other questions you may have.