Anxiety Therapy

Start turning the tide in your battle with anxiety today!

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In-Office and Remote Therapy for Anxiety

Struggles with anxiety can feel hopeless – especially during pandemic times. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. I provide individual and group therapy sessions to those challenged by anxiety - both in-person and virtually.

Speaking with a professional therapist within your comfort zone is remarkably helpful in learning how to take control of your emotions and alleviate feelings of anxiety

Our Process to Help You Cope with Anxiety

What happens in therapy for anxiety?

Anxiety shows up for people in different ways – and the path to changing the relationship with anxiety is unique to each client. Our approach to anxiety treatment looks like this:

  1. We’ll take a 15-20-minute pre-appointment phone call to discuss what’s going on.
  2. We’ll find out how certain emotions like anxiety are affecting your life.
  3. We’ll figure out a clear treatment program for your unique situation.
  4. In sessions, we will work on slowing down, building awareness, and connecting internally.
  5. We will work directly to learn different coping strategies to relax and build confidence in anxious situations.
  6. Eventually, clients will develop more effective problem-solving skills to alleviate feelings of anxiety in relationships with others.

Anxiety is a natural component of how our brains are programmed. We cannot “take away” anxiety from our minds - and it would be harmful to do so. Counseling helps give you the tools and treatment to reshape your internal relationship with anxiety.

What Does Anxiety Feel like to You?

Anxiety is a common emotion that all humans experience. Anxiety is fear - and fear helps us think ahead and prepare. Humans have survived for thousands of years thanks to anxiety-based reactions.

Sometimes, our “fear” can stay on ALL THE TIME - and be turned up to a level 10 when we need it to be at a level 2. When we are overloaded with anxiety, we feel incredible intensity inside – and these feelings can be brought on by a million different reasons.

What Are the Symptoms of Anxiety?

Anxiety is part of life – but the severity of the symptoms tied to anxiety is the indicator of whether or not you should seek treatment. Symptoms of anxiety generally fall into four distinct categories:

Physical

Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Insomnia
Muscle tension
Changes in eating/sleeping habits
Increased heartbeat
Restlessness
Cold and clammy hands
Dry mouth
Digestion issues
Recurring headaches

Behavioral

Constant feelings of agitation
Irritability
Inability to sit still
Excessive startle reflex
Struggles to perform day-to-day activities
Social isolation

Cognitive

Difficulties concentrating
Constantly playing “worst-case scenario”
Feelings of blankness
Irrational fears
Uncontrollable obsessive thoughts
Feelings of insanity
Excessive worrying

Psychosocial

Panic attacks
Depression
Feelings of helplessness
Feelings of worthlessness
Frequent mood swings
Dissociation
Flashbacks
Constant feelings of danger

Should I Go to Therapy for Anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal and helpful feeling we need in life – just in small doses. At times, our protective systems can get a little too overprotective - and we may need help to rebalance our inside world to only feel the fear/anxiety when needed.

There are a few key questions to ask yourself if you feel your anxiety is out of balance and are considering treatment.

  1. Is my anxiety causing me to lose sleep?
  2. Is my anxiety compromising my relationships with friends and family?
  3. Is my anxiety affecting my performance at work?
  4. Does my anxiety make day-to-day life difficult?

If you answered yes to any of these questions – and your symptoms are taking a toll on your daily life, it’s time to look into treatment.

What Happens if Anxiety Goes Untreated?

Anxiety is a cycle perpetuated by avoidance – both mental and physical. Anxiety can sometimes tell us to avoid anything that could trigger fearful situations or reactions. Common examples of avoidance include (but are not limited to):

Procrastinating a stressful task
Skipping work/school
Not talking to or engaging with people
Turning to drugs/alcohol to avoid uncomfortable feelings.

Avoidance provides short-term relief for our anxious feelings – but often enables anxiety in the long run with worsening symptoms. If people do not work to change their patterns of avoidance, these loops will usually stay the same. Untreated anxiety can have constraining effects. The long-term consequences may include (but are not limited to):

Depression
Drug abuse and addiction
Increased social isolation
Self-loathing
Physical health problems
Development of additional mental problems
Self-harming behaviors
Suicide

People dealing with overprotective or overactive anxiety can combat these issues head-on with professional treatment services.

Treatment Programs for Anxiety

The goal of our therapy sessions is to pinpoint the best way to cope with your feelings of anxiety. Depending on the need, there are several treatment options available to help create a healthier internal balance. These include (but are not limited to):

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Counseling

(Psychotherapy or Talk Therapy)

Counseling is an intentional process of helping people change their internal world by altering troubling patterns. I work with clients to create plans and goals to deal with anxiety. We’ll find ways to:

  • Regulate emotions
  • Manage stress
  • Understand behavioral patterns
  • Change your relationship with anxiety so it feels less intense inside.

As a counselor, my mission is to create a welcoming environment where clients feel comfortable in confronting their battle with anxiety. Sessions last about 50 minutes but may run for 75 or 90 minutes.

group therapy

Group Therapy

Social connection acts as a buffer to feelings of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Our goal in group therapy is to help clients:

  • Boost awareness of anxiety within their inner world
  • Improve relational coping skills
  • Develop emotional resiliency and perspective

As a group facilitator, I strive to create atmospheres of inclusivity, social connection, relational honesty, and fun for clients. Sessions last about 50 minutes but may run for 75 or 90 minutes.

Family Having Fun Outdoors

Family Therapy

These treatment sessions are typically for adolescent clients and their families when anxiety is out of control. The goal of family therapy treatment is to:

  • Improve communication
  • Develop stronger problem-solving skills
  • Ease symptoms of anxiety as a group.

In family therapy, my sessions are built on an environment of understanding and compassion – not blaming and finger-pointing. Sessions last about 50 minutes but may run for 75 or 90 minutes.

anxiety medication

Medication

Medication is sometimes necessary in conjunction with counseling. My clients are always 100% in charge of what they choose to put in their bodies. Should they choose to try medication to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, we will have a thorough conversation of all possible outcomes.

If clients decide this treatment is the best option for them, I will provide referrals for specialists in brain chemistry and health.

Resources Available for Anxiety

To learn more about anxiety – and the symptoms you may be experiencing – there are many, many resources available online. Some of the top sources of information to turn to are:

Frequently Asked Questions

Speaking with a psychotherapist is the best way to understand how anxiety impacts you. The professional will help you understand your symptoms or reactions to stressful situations, then determine a helpful plan of treatment – as well as a healthy course of action to take

Common factors that contribute to anxiety include family history, past childhood experiences or traumatic events, intense life situations, life changes, life disruption, current events, stressful global situations, and more.

Symptoms of anxiety can range from physical and behavioral symptoms to cognitive and psychosocial. Physical symptoms include shortness of breath, sweaty palms, dry mouth, and more. Behavioral symptoms include restlessness, excessive startle reflex, social isolation, etc. Cognitive symptoms include struggles to stay focused, irrational fears, excessive worrying, and so on. Psychosocial symptoms include panic attacks, depression, dissociation, etc.

There are many treatment options available for anxiety – including (but not limited to), psychotherapy, family therapy, group therapy, meditation, yoga, support groups, and medication.

Depending on your situation, coupled with intentional efforts, feelings of anxiety can begin to lessen in weeks or months. Each client is different. Some, who have been living with anxiety for many years, can take more time to readjust their internal patterns and alleviate intense feelings.

Let’s Get in Touch

Dealing with anxiety takes commitment and effort. The intentional effort of caring for one’s self has healing and life-changing effects over time. 

My professional treatment services are here to give you the guidance you need to change your relationship with anxiety - and get you back in the driver’s seat of your life.

Reach out today for individual or group therapy sessions by filling out the form below.

Treatment can be done in-person, over the phone, or via Zoom.

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If you or someone you know have questions about mental health therapy opportunities with David please fill out the information below.

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