
Anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived danger, characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear. It can be a normal and helpful emotion in certain situations - for example, preparing for a presentation or recognizing that a relationship is not healthy for you. However, when anxiety becomes excessive, persistent, and interferes with your daily life, therapy can help you find relief and feel like “yourself” again.
You will often hear me say that those living with chronic anxiety are some of the bravest people out there. It’s not easy feeling on edge all of the time, navigating intrusive thoughts, feeling overwhelmed with self-criticism, or bracing for the worst. Whether you’re dealing with constant worry, panic attacks, or stress that feels unmanageable, I provide a safe, supportive space to explore what’s behind the anxiety—and how to move through it.
It takes lot of courage and willingness to engage in therapy for anxiety. The process asks you to face your fears and do things that may feel risky and anxiety-provoking. It also requires you to practice new skills (such as acceptance, tolerating uncertainty, and mindfulness) that you may notice some resistance to at first.
Sometimes therapy is hard. And, it’s also hard to live with overwhelming anxiety. I like to remind clients (and myself) that we get to “choose our hard” in life.
Anxiety relief is possible.
Together, we will address the thoughts, behaviors, and emotional responses that fuel anxious feelings in your body. We may explore the possible origins of these beliefs and support you in developing a more helpful mindset. We might also practice exposure exercises to certain situations or objects to gradually reduce anxious fears and enhance your confidence over time.
Alongside these conversations, we will also incorporate mind-body therapies involving your nervous system and stress responses. These therapies work by activating the body's relaxation response and reducing stress hormones (like cortisol), which can ultimately shift your focus away from anxious thoughts and more into the present moment.
Remember, anxiety itself is not inherently a bad thing, but debilitating anxiety sure makes life way less enjoyable. Therapy can help you shift your relationship with anxiety and increase your ability to handle challenges or uncertainty. If you’re ready to feel more grounded and in control, I’m here to support you on that journey.
