Counseling for Anxiety

Anxiety can make everything feel harder than it has to be. You do not have to suffer alone.

Author and therapist Sissy Goff defines anxiety as a “state of perpetual worry and constant pressure.” So many of us can relate to that definition in these challenging times because anxiety has never been more prevalent than it is today. If we asked a room full of people if they’d experienced worry or pressure on any given day, its likely most of the hands would go up! Anxiety may feel like an insurmountable obstacle, but however complicated the world has become over recent years, anxiety is a very well researched condition and is very treatable. We have been trained to work with clients who are suffering from the daily burden of anxiety and can help you feel like yourself again.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal response to a stressful or dangerous situation. Our body and brain are designed to respond with anxiety when we are under threat of psychological, emotional or physical harm. The body releases chemicals that set off a chain reaction in the brain and body to respond to this threat and all of this is a normal part of being human. But what happens when we feel like this everyday? Or multiple times a day? What happens when our brain is no longer only reacting to danger, but to neutral situations that don’t normally make us feel stressed? In therapy you will begin to understand how this neurobiological process is playing out in your own mind and body and then will learn valuable tools to help you combat the mental and physical manifestations of anxiety. 

For people who suffer from symptoms of anxiety, the experience can affect every aspect of daily living. Because our minds and bodies are so intricately connected, sometimes anxiety can cause physical manifestations that have a profound effect on your quality of life. Have you been struggling to get adequate sleep? Have you had chronic indigestion or headaches? Do you experience muscle aches or fatigue? While we always advise our clients to consult with their medical doctor first to rule out other causes, all of the above symptoms could be related to anxiety! We work with clients to develop a comprehensive treatment plan using evidence based therapies for anxiety that may include lifestyle changes and psycho-education as well as cognitive behavioral therapy and other highly effective modalities. 

Are you experiencing symptoms of anxiety?

The common experience of anxiety is both cognitive (mental) and physical (somatic). In other words, you may experience anxiety in your mind, but you probably also experience it in your body if you’re paying attention. Most people who struggle with anxiety experience cognitive symptoms such as chronic worry, racing thoughts or perfectionism. Anxiety is also often experienced in the body in the form of stomach or headaches, racing heart, or difficulty settling down for sleep. 

Common symptoms of anxiety include:

-trouble falling and staying asleep

-accelerated heart rate or heart palpitations

-intense fear or worry

-racing thoughts

-physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, or muscle tension

-perfectionism

-panic attacks

-social avoidance