Therapy for Anxiety

Evidence-based therapy for anxiety and related concerns

When anxiety feels like it is running the show

Anxiety does not always look dramatic. It can show up as persistent overthinking, difficulty relaxing, feeling on edge, or constantly anticipating what’s wrong even when situations are objectively satisfactory. Many people with anxiety are capable, responsible, and self-aware, yet feel worn down by how much mental and emotional energy anxiety requires.

How anxiety often shows up

Anxiety may present in any of the following ways:

• Mental replaying or difficulty quieting your mind

• A sense of urgency or pressure, even at rest

• Physical tension, restlessness or fatigue

• Avoidance, over-preparing or overthinking decisions

• Feeling responsible for preventing negative outcomes

Why anxiety makes sense

Anxiety often develops as a way of staying safe, prepared or in control. For many people, it once served an important purpose. Over time, however, these strategies can become exhausting and limiting, especially when the environment has changed, but the nervous system has not yet caught up.

How therapy can help

In my practice, anxiety treatment focuses on understanding the patterns that keep anxiety going and developing more flexible ways of responding. Rather than trying to eliminate anxiety entirely, the work involves changing your relationship to anxious thoughts, physical sensations, and urges, so the emotion no longer drives automatic fear-based patterns of behavior.

Therapeutic targets

Together we may focus upon the following:

• Identifying triggers and recurring anxiety patterns

• Understanding how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interact

• Developing skills for emotional regulation and grounding

• Practicing responding differently to anxiety, rather than reacting automatically

• Clarifying values and increasing tolerance for uncertainty

Approach

We identify patterns that keep anxiety going, such as over-thinking, avoidance or self-criticism and develop practical strategies to interrupt those cycles. In our work together, we focus on building a healthier relationship with anxious thoughts and sensations. Progress may also involve building skills for regulating emotions and grounding when anxiety feels overwhelming.

Is this a good fit?

Anxiety therapy may be a good fit if you are reflective and motivated, but feel stuck in ruminative cycles and struggle to shift out of this emotional state independently. This work often resonates with people who tend to overthink, hold themselves to high standards or feel responsible for managing outcomes.