Anxiety Therapy
Online Anxiety Counseling
You get that somewhat indescribable feeling in the pit of your stomach on Sunday night (for some of us it’s Sunday day) before the workweek starts—you can’t pinpoint anything specific that you’re stressed about but it’s just this cloud of unknown that is hovering over you– the Sunday Scaries. Work is obviously one of the most common areas of stress and anxiety.
Stress and anxiety aren’t limited to work. Maybe you keep looking to the future to try and figure out how you will overcome every conceivable obstacle that hasn’t actually happened yet. We have a huge imagination so our brain can concoct some pretty out there scenarios that aren’t even close to reality. This isn’t fun.
Anxiety can also affect relationships. It may be causing you to stop spending time with friends and family because your thoughts are overwhelming and take up all of the energy that you could be using to connect with others.
Living with anxiety sucks but there is hope. Anxiety therapy can empower you to understand the ‘why’ behind it. When you know the ‘why', it makes it easier to understand the ‘how’ for making things better and feel freedom from the anxiety that has taken over your life. And honestly, sometimes there isn’t really a ‘why’ (at least that you’re consciously aware of) and you’ll need to just reassure yourself that the thought isn’t reality. You can figure out what’s happening and find the best ways to move forward so that anxiety doesn’t hold you back.
You’re Not Alone
You’ve been around the block a few times at this point in your life and are aware of how common anxiety is. Anxiety can still feel lonely and it can feel like no one can understand what you’re going through. Close to 20% of the adult population in the U.S. have a problem with anxiety.
It’s normal to have physical responses when confronted with something scary or especially challenging— like an increased heart rate, fast breathing, sweaty palms etc. The problem comes in when someone shifts their lifestyle or decisions because of their anxiety and keeps them from doing things they need to do, such as looking for a new job or asking for a promotion.
You May Still Have Some Concerns
I’m Afraid Of Opening Up A “Can of Worms” In Therapy Related To My Anxiety
This is a normal fear. The idea of delving into some difficult past experiences during therapy can be overwhelming. Let me assure you that we will go at your own pace. I never push clients to discuss things that they’re not ready for. I take a very client centered approach so you’re able to have control over the pace and direction of the therapy process. It’s also helpful to know that it’s a possibility you may actually feel worse before you feel better. Therapy can bring up some difficult emotions and painful experiences that you may haven’t thought of in a long time. I typically take the approach of teaching coping skills before engaging in any trauma work so that you can self-regulate when processing trauma or things that cause you anxiety.
I’m Always Going To Have Anxiety, This Can’t Be “Fixed”
I totally hear you on this one. With therapy, the focus isn’t on being “fixed”. It’s really more about feeling better and comfortable in your own skin. You may need to make some lifestyle changes to help with your anxiety such as learning some mindfulness skills to let go of thoughts more easily that cause anxiety, making changes to your schedule or adding things to your routine to have a better work/life balance.
I Shouldn’t Need Therapy, So Many Other People Have Problems That Are Much Worse, I Should Be Able To Handle This On My Own
Pain is pain. We’re all human and have struggles. You have a right to feel what you feel and there is no scale. Many people feel guilty or ashamed about seeking help because they feel their struggles aren’t “big enough.” There tends to be a belief in society that suffering must meet certain thresholds to be “worthy” of help. Even if it’s a “small problem”, it’s still affecting your well-being and it’s worth exploring. This may just be a season in your life when you need guidance and that’s totally okay. We all need it sometimes. It’s great that you have the insight and intuition to seek help.
Testimonial
Through her warm and compassionate nature, Robin creates a safe and welcoming environment which allows clients to develop a deeper connection with themselves. Robin allows her clients to explore and connect with their creative sides through the use of play, helping her clients find joy in aspects of everyday life.
Ariana Ruiz LPC
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