Therapy for Anxiety
Do you often find yourself in a thought spiral of worries and fears stuck on replay? Perhaps you still can’t forget that one awkward comment you made in a social setting 3 months ago? Or you’re laying up at night feeling panicked by that growing to-do list in your head?
Anxiety is more than just a feeling of nervousness or worry; it's a complex and often overwhelming experience that can impact every aspect of our lives. From our mood to our relationships, anxiety has a way of weaving itself into the fabric of our existence, casting a shadow over even our most joyful moments. The well-intentioned “don’t worry about it” or “it will all work out”, doesn’t really do the trick.
As a therapist specializing in anxiety, I understand the profound effect it can have on individuals. Constant worry, racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, planning for every potential outcome; it’s an exhausting inner monologue. But anxiety isn't just confined to our minds; we feel the tension in our body - the tightness in our chest, the knots in our stomach. It can seep into our relationships, when loved ones don’t understand, or don’t know how to show up for us in our moments of anxious thoughts. It can affect our work performance, making it difficult to concentrate, meet deadlines, or perform at our best. And perhaps most importantly, it can diminish our overall quality of life, robbing us of the ability to be fully present, and find joy and fulfillment in our experiences.
We often try to eject and pull “out” of our feelings, or bury them away, rather than move through them. “Let me just stay busy and productive and distracted and eventually this anxious feeling will go away because I’ll have nothing left to be anxious about”. We dive into distractions - hobbies, achievements, relationships, etc. - to avoid the overwhelm of sitting with our thoughts and feelings.
My goal is to walk alongside you in allowing those feelings a bit of breathing room (I know, it sounds uncomfortable, but stay with me). I find that when we meet our anxiety with curiosity, versus judgment, we make a lot more progress. Instead of shaming our anxious voice and shoving it down, we can engage in some reflective questions:
Is this anxious worry based on facts or fears/feelings? Am I looking at all of the facts, or through a more narrowed (anxious) lens? What facts am I leaving out?
Am I filling in the blanks of what will happen? What am I basing this on? Is this outcome realistic? How likely is it on a scale from 1-10?
Are there other outcomes or stories that could be true? How likely are these on a scale from 1-10?
What beliefs about myself, the world, and others are fueling these anxious feelings? What belief could I replace this with?
When we explore the meaning, purpose and origin of these worries and thoughts, we have a better understanding of where they stem from and how they are trying to protect us. We can then assess whether these beliefs and narratives are still true and realistic, and if not, identify a new narrative with new stories, new beliefs and new possibilities.
Whether you're struggling with generalized anxiety, panic attacks, or social anxiety, know that you're not alone. With the right support and guidance, it's possible to manage your experience with anxiety to achieve the peace, self-trust and confidence that you’re looking for.
I believe that therapy is a collaborative journey, and I'm here to walk alongside you - reflecting patterns, sharing tools, and celebrating progress. Together, we'll explore the root causes of your anxiety, develop personalized coping strategies, and work towards a future filled with hope and resilience.
If you're ready to take the first step, I invite you to reach out and schedule a consultation. Together, we can embark on a journey of healing and transformation, empowering you to live the life you deserve.