Anxiety

What it looks like in your head: constant worry, racing thoughts, fear or dread, distraction, difficulty focusing, difficulty with memory, restlessness, the endless “what ifs.” 

What it looks like in your body: racing heart, shortness of breath, muscle tension, discomfort in your stomach, difficulty sleeping, increased appetite/snacking, heaviness in your chest, trembling, pacing, fidgeting. 

What to expect from therapy: our goal will be to really understand your anxiety response and how to manage it. Treatment will help by:

• Learning how to return to the here-and-now rather than constantly thinking about the “what ifs” of tomorrow

• Letting go of control and worry and focusing on what you can change instead. 

• Learning how to read your own anxiety and what you can do in the moment to prevent it from getting worse

• Getting a new perspective and adjusting your expectations 

• Teaching you concrete mental and physical exercises that help reduce the symptoms of anxiety

• Examining and changing behaviors that might be contributing to your anxiety (e.g., avoidance)

• Completing worksheets and practicing applying the skills you learn

Approaches used: Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy