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Anxiety

A little anxiety is normal

Worry behaviors are the brain’s way of keeping us safe. The brain responds automatically to perceived danger. But often the things that worry us aren’t really dangerous. Our worries are more about things that are new or feel uncomfortable. Worry makes small things feel really big. When this happens, negative thinking sets in and we begin to expect that bad things will happen. Short version: We’re really good at scaring ourselves.
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Common signs of anxiety:
  • Extremely uncomfortable, distressed or overwhelmed in stressful situations.
  • Wants excessive reassurance (have lots of “what if” concerns, nothing consoles/makes you feel better, logic doesn’t help).
  • Has physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, needing to go to the bathroom, feel like throwing up, feel too sick to go to school or work.
  • Perfectionistic, self-critical, has very high standards, nothing is “good enough”.
  • Worries a lot about how others perceive them.
  • Frequently avoids or refuses to participate in expected activities or to attend school; comes up with a lot of reasons why something can’t be done or they can’t go somewhere.

How does therapy help with anxiety?

The key to managing anxiety is learning how to recognize its early signals in order to slow and calm ourselves. Calming allows us to think. When the brain is in fight or flight, it’s reacting and reactions are so fast we almost don’t know we’re doing them.
Counseling helps manage anxiety in a variety of ways. In therapy, you will:
  • Become familiar with the physical signs of anxiety and identify the ones specific to you.
  • Learn how thoughts – especially negative thoughts – impact feelings and behavior.
  • Gain awareness of your thoughts and learn to use a variety of coping techniques and strategies.
  • Learn how to work through anxious feelings instead of ignoring them, avoiding situations that provoke them or constantly distracting ourselves.
  • Identify environmental factors that are holding your worries in placeI offer mindful, cognitive and play based approaches to managing anxiety.
The world is a busy, stressful place. We can’t change that, but we can manage worries, anxiety and stress by learning about what happens inside and what we can do about it.

How does therapy help with anxiety?

The key to managing anxiety is learning how to recognize its early signals in order to slow and calm ourselves. Calming allows us to think. When the brain is in fight or flight, it’s reacting and reactions are so fast we almost don’t know we’re doing them.

Counseling helps manage anxiety in a variety of ways. In therapy you will:

  • Become familiar with the physical signs of anxiety and identify the ones specific to you
  • Learn how thoughts – especially negative thoughts – impact feelings and behavior
  • Gain awareness of your thoughts and learn to use a variety of coping techniques and strategies
  • Identify environmental factors that are holding your worries in place.