THERAPY FOR ANXIETY

Are you feeling tired, restless, or unusually irritable?

Are you having trouble concentrating? Finding yourself constantly distracted?

Are you having trouble falling and staying asleep?

Are your fears or worries interfering with your day to day functioning?

 These are all symptoms of anxiety.  Some anxiety is inevitable, but when anxiety interferes with your quality of life, you search or hope for something to change in order for you to feel and function better. 

 Any of these symptoms can be brought on or made worse by situations or circumstances that happen at different periods in our lives.  The current COVID-19 pandemic is creating and exacerbating these symptoms for people around the world.  Whether it’s related to COVID-19 or something else going on in your world, anxiety that is messing with your quality of life is a perfect and common reason for people to consider therapy. Recognizing and wanting to better understand and change the negative impact of your worry is a first step toward feeling better.  It’s a vulnerable and courageous thing to do.  So thank yourself for being willing to consider trying it.

Tools for treating anxiety

Cognitive Behavior Therapy tools for treating anxiety often focus on addressing what is going on, internally and externally, and how we are experiencing and perceiving the world.  This approach includes specific interventions that are taught and practiced, and ultimately, utilized consistently to help improve our quality of life.  DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) are two evidence-based models of CBT therapy.  I utilize elements of both these models in my practice.

Psychodynamic therapy focuses on why we are experiencing and perceiving the world and ourselves, with the intention of better understanding ourselves and exploring what we might do to feel and function better in our lives.  IFS (Internal Family Systems) is a psychodynamically based therapeutic model, elements of which I incorporate into my practice.

Mindfullness practices are integral elements of both DBT and ACT and serve as a foundation to my therapeutic approach.  MSC (mindful self-compassion) has been especially helpful for addressing COVID-19 related symptoms of anxiety.

Hesitations? Questions? Uncertainty?

Depending on your past experience, whether or not you’ve been in therapy before, or this is the first time you’re considering it, you may be feeling positive hope or considerable doubt about whether it will be helpful.  Common concerns include financial or time/schedule limitations.  You might be worrying about how to even describe what you’re hoping for, or where to begin.  These are all understandable questions and concerns.  Together, we will map out a plan of treatment which will include expectations, goals, and measurable objectives.  I will actively listen, I will ask lots of questions, I will make observations and suggest strategies.  My intention is to always meet you where you are, to validate whatever you are going through, compassionately and non-judgmentally. 

I am a Baby Boomer!  I have dealt with symptoms of anxiety during different life transitions.  My many years of life experience, including 2 previous careers, inform my sensitivity to issues of cultural and spiritual diversity.  Your willingness to engage in therapy is a life affirming form of self care.  I appreciate the opportunity to work with you.

If you’re struggling with anxiety reach out today for your free 15 minute consultation!