Anxiety Therapy & Treatment

Anxiety is one of the most common, but under recognized mental health condition.  Under ordinary circumstances anxiety is a good thing, and helps alert us to potential dangers in the world (a car driving erratically, a person walking behind us at night, smelling smoke).  However, for an estimated 10% of adults, their anxiety is excessive to the situation and can cause considerable distress.

Anxiety leads some people to have difficulty talking to or introducing themselves to others, and they often avoid social interactions as a result.  Anxiety can make it difficult to address concerns with bosses, coworkers, or spouses.  People with anxiety often report having repetitive thoughts about what worries them, often keeping them up at night.  Anxiety can also lead to tension, difficulty relaxing, and even headaches.

Fortunately, there are several ways to help people with their anxiety.  Some of these approaches will help you understand and change the way you think about situations that make you anxious.  Other approaches focus more on examining the origin of the anxiety, and processing through those experiences.  There are also relaxation techniques that can help address the physiological symptoms (racing heart, difficulty breathing) that often accompany anxiety.  For some people consultation with a physician regarding medications can be beneficial.

Since everyone is different, with unique experiences, there is no single “right” therapeutic approach for your anxiety.  Rather, over the course of treatment you will come to find which approaches best fit your personality and your experiences.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational and informative purposes only.  It is not intended to be used to help diagnose or treat anxiety, and does not establish a professional relationship.  Only a qualified mental health professional can render a diagnosis and provide adequate treatment for anxiety.