Anxiety

You feel stressed, worried, overwhelmed, and anxious. Some nights you can’t fall asleep because you’re so worked up. It’s hard for you to be in the moment and enjoy life because you’re always worried something bad will happen.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety happens when our brain gets stuck in fight, flight, or freeze mode. It often feels like something is wrong or out of control even when rationally we know we ‘should’ be fine. When we are truly anxious, we are unable to turn off that sense of distress even when we look around and see with our own eyes that there is nothing immediately threatening our well-being. Anxiety is exhausting and defeating. Anxiety is like an app’ constantly running in the background, using your energy even when you aren’t paying attention. It quietly drains your energy, leaving you with less energy, creativity, and the ability to have fun or get things done that are important to you.

Common Symptoms of Anxiety:

Anxiety looks different from person to person because as humans, we’re unique. But, people who have an anxiety disorder  usually have some or most of these symptoms:

  • Trouble focusing or your mind racing

  • Overthinking things or fixating on fears

  • Feelings of ‘high stress’ last for several weeks or happens when your life is mostly calm

  • Often feeling tired and experiencing sleep difficulties

  • Feeling like your brain is going fast most days, but you are not getting much accomplished

  • Irritability or sadness is affecting your job, parenting, or relationships

  • Feeling like there’s not enough time or you don’t know where to begin

  • Commonly feeling defeated, hopeless, or frustrated

What is a panic attack?

A panic attack is a sudden and intense episode of extreme anxiety or fear. It typically manifests with a rapid onset of symptoms that can be both physical and psychological. During a panic attack, individuals may experience symptoms such as a pounding or racing heart, shortness of breath, chest pain, trembling or shaking, sweating, dizziness or lightheadedness, hot or cold flashes, a sense of impending doom or danger, and a feeling of being out of control. Panic attacks can be very distressing and may last for a few minutes to an hour. They can occur unexpectedly or be triggered by specific situations, and individuals who have experienced panic attacks may develop a fear of having future attacks, leading to increased anxiety and avoidance behaviors.

Panic attacks typically include some of these signs or symptoms:

  • Sense of impending doom or danger

  • Fear of loss of control or death

  • Rapid, pounding heart rate

  • Sweating

  • Trembling or shaking

  • Shortness of breath or tightness in your throat

  • Chills

  • Hot flashes

  • Nausea

  • Abdominal cramping

  • Chest pain

  • Headache

  • Dizziness, lightheadedness or faintness

  • Numbness or tingling sensation

  • Feeling of unreality or detachment

Therapy can be highly beneficial in helping individuals manage and overcome anxiety and panic attacks. Here are some ways in which therapy can help:

  1. Understanding and Awareness: Therapy provides a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore and gain insight into the root causes and triggers of their anxiety. I can help you develop a deeper understanding of your thoughts, emotions, and behavioral patterns associated with anxiety.

  2. Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used to treat anxiety. Together we will identify and challenge irrational or negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety. I will help you to develop more balanced and adaptive thinking, which in turn reduces anxiety symptoms.

  3. Relaxation and Coping Strategies: I will teach you various relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation. These techniques can help reduce physical and psychological symptoms of anxiety and promote a sense of calmness and well-being.

  4. Exposure Therapy: For clients with specific phobias or panic disorders, exposure therapy can be effective. The client is gradually exposed to feared situations or objects in a controlled and supportive manner. Over time, repeated exposure helps clients build tolerance and decrease their anxiety response.

  5. Stress Management: Therapy can assist individuals in developing effective stress management skills. I teach clients techniques such as time management, problem-solving strategies, and assertiveness training. By enhancing overall stress-coping abilities, individuals can better manage anxiety symptoms.

  6. Support and Validation: Simply having a compassionate and nonjudgmental therapist can provide significant emotional support. I offer validation, empathy, and understanding, which can alleviate feelings of isolation and help my clients feel heard and supported in their journey towards anxiety reduction.

  7. Lifestyle Changes: I work with my clients on identifying lifestyle factors that contribute to anxiety, such as poor sleep, unhealthy eating habits, or lack of exercise. I provide guidance on making positive lifestyle changes that can have a positive impact on anxiety symptoms.

  8. Hypnotherapy for Anxiety and Panic Attacks: With hypnotherapy, we have direct access to your subconscious mind and are able to go to the root of your issue and heal it. Through the process of hypnotherapy, we are able to go to the exact origin of your issue, identify how it is affecting you in your present life, and heal it.