Anxiety and Stress Management

When Worry Takes Over Your Life

Anxiety and stress are common experiences that many people encounter in today's fast-paced world. Increased self-awareness and learning to navigate stress is crucial for fostering mental well-being and enhancing the overall quality of life.

If you're reading this, you might be tired of feeling like anxiety is running your life. You're not alone, and more importantly, you don't have to stay stuck in patterns of worry, overwhelm, and constant stress.

Understanding Anxiety and Stress

Anxiety manifests in various forms, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and social anxiety. Excessive stress, often stemming from work, relationships, or major life changes, can lead to feelings of overwhelm and impact daily functioning. Recognizing the signs of anxiety and stress is the first step towards effective management.

Different Types of Anxiety I Work With

Generalized Anxiety: The persistent "what if" thoughts that make it hard to relax or enjoy life

High-Functioning Anxiety: When you appear successful on the outside but feel anxious and overwhelmed internally

Social Anxiety: Fear of judgment or embarrassment in social situations

Performance Anxiety: Worry about meeting expectations or being evaluated by others

Life Transition Anxiety: Worry about major changes - see my [life transitions page] for more detailed support with identity changes, career shifts, and major life adjustments

Signs You Might Be Struggling with Anxiety or Chronic Stress

Does this sound familiar?

Physical Symptoms:

  • Racing heart or feeling like your heart is pounding

  • Shortness of breath or feeling like you can't catch your breath

  • Tension in your shoulders, neck, or jaw

  • Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep

  • Digestive issues or changes in appetite

  • Feeling restless or unable to sit still

Emotional and Mental Symptoms:

  • Constant worry or "worst case scenario" thinking

  • Feeling on edge or easily irritated

  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

  • Feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks that used to feel manageable

  • Avoiding situations that make you anxious

  • Feeling like you're always "waiting for the other shoe to drop"

Behavioral Changes:

  • Procrastinating on important tasks

  • Over-preparing or over-researching to feel "safe"

  • Seeking constant reassurance from others

  • Difficulty saying no or setting boundaries

  • Using substances, shopping, or other behaviors to cope

The Hidden Patterns Behind Anxiety

Many of my clients are surprised to learn that their anxiety often serves a purpose - it might be trying to keep them safe, help them perform well, or avoid disappointing others. Sometimes anxiety develops as a response to past experiences where you learned that being hypervigilant was necessary for survival or acceptance.

For high achievers and perfectionists, anxiety often becomes intertwined with their identity and success. You might worry that if you're not anxious, you won't be motivated or you'll make mistakes.

How Therapy Can Help with Anxiety and Stress

My Approach to Anxiety Treatment

I understand that everyone's experience with anxiety is unique. What works for one person may not work for another, which is why I use a personalized, integrative approach that addresses both the symptoms and underlying patterns.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Particularly effective for anxiety that stems from past experiences or trauma. EMDR can help reduce the emotional charge of memories that may be fueling current anxiety.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Instead of trying to eliminate anxiety completely, ACT helps you develop a different relationship with anxious thoughts and feelings, allowing you to take meaningful action even when anxiety is present.

Somatic and Body-Informed Therapies: Anxiety lives in the body as much as the mind. These approaches help you learn to recognize early warning signs of anxiety and develop tools to regulate your nervous system.

Mindfulness-Based Practices: Learning to observe anxious thoughts without getting caught up in them can dramatically reduce their power over you. Mindfulness helps you stay grounded in the present moment rather than getting lost in worry about the future.

What Makes My Approach Different

We don't just manage symptoms - we explore patterns. While learning coping skills is important, I'm interested in understanding why anxiety shows up for you and how it might be connected to deeper beliefs about safety, control, or worthiness.

We work with your whole system. Anxiety affects your thoughts, emotions, body, and behavior. My holistic approach addresses all these aspects to create lasting change.

We honor your pace. Some people benefit from intensive work, while others need a gentler approach. We'll find what works best for you.

What Recovery from Anxiety Looks Like

Healing from anxiety doesn't mean you'll never feel worried or stressed again - that would be unrealistic and even unhealthy. Instead, recovery means:

  • Anxiety becomes informational rather than overwhelming. You can listen to what it's trying to tell you without being controlled by it.

  • You develop confidence in your ability to handle difficult situations. Even when you don't know what will happen, you trust in your resilience.

  • Physical symptoms decrease significantly. Your body feels more relaxed and at ease most of the time.

  • You can be present in your life. Instead of constantly worrying about the future, you can enjoy current moments.

  • Decision-making becomes easier. You can make choices from a place of clarity rather than fear.

  • Your relationships improve. When you're not constantly anxious, you can be more present and authentic with others.

  • You sleep better and have more energy. Your body isn't constantly in fight-or-flight mode.

Alternative Approaches: Walk and Talk Therapy

For some people, traditional office-based therapy can feel too intense or confining when dealing with anxiety. Walk and talk therapy offers a different approach where we meet outdoors and walk while we talk.

Benefits for anxiety include:

  • Natural movement helps regulate the nervous system

  • Being in nature has proven calming effects

  • Some people find it easier to open up while walking

  • Physical activity can help process anxious energy

You Don't Have to Live with Constant Worry

If anxiety has been running your life, please know that change is possible. You don't have to accept constant worry, overwhelm, or physical symptoms as "just the way you are."

With the right support and tools, you can develop a completely different relationship with anxiety - one where you feel empowered rather than controlled by worry.

Ready to take the first step toward freedom from anxiety? Contact me to schedule a session and start to reclaim your peace of mind and confidence.