ANXIETY Therapy

There are a variety of reasons to seek out anxiety treatment options. It's normal and part of being human to experience some level of anxiety. However, if you're noticing a higher level of discomfort with connecting, being out and about or feeling like your most confident self, it may be beneficial to receive counseling to provide anxiety relief. Here are some examples:

• A higher level of Irritability than normal
• Feeling exhausted
• Excessive worry or nervousness
• Struggle to concentrate
• Increased tightness in chest
• Stomach or digestive concerns (IBS)
• Consistently needing reassurance from others
• Panic attacks
• Having a hard time reducing stress

One study found that attending therapy for anxiety reduced symptoms by over 50%. Utilizing a therapeutic relationship to share concerns, fears, and process worst case scenarios can reduce anxiety's power. 

First and foremost, having a safe, neutral person to process anxiety can be life altering. Secondly, part of dealing with anxiety means increasing confidence. Recognizing strengths, belief in self and definitions of success may help combat anxious symptoms. 

Lastly, therapy for anxiety should involve developing a set of tools including trigger recognition, coping mechanisms, and a solid array of treatment options for when anxiety arises outside of therapy. 

Utilizing evidence based care in therapy is crucial. I strive to utilize the most up to date treatment approaches when helping clients obtain anxiety relief. Some of these modalities include:

• A combination of CBT and Motivational Interviewing techniques involves breaking down and understanding behaviors while also utilizing tools for change
• Mindfulness techniques involves practicing and learning tools with a mind body connection to reduce anxiety
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy techniques involves connecting with ones value system to develop strength and awareness
• Confidence building techniques as a tool to reduce insecurity and build self-worth
• Self-Care Planning and Coping Tools involves creating a tailored, personal plan to help reduce stress, manage emotions and improve well-being

• Will therapy actually reduce my anxiety?   Research shows attending therapy for anxiety reduces anxiety. By providing evidenced based treatment for anxiety, I have seen numerous clients step into their strengths and feel more in control of their lives. Anxiety is treatable and anxiety relief is possible.

• Going to therapy for my anxiety is giving me anxiety!  This is understandable and completely normal. Starting therapy can feel intimidating. One of the best ways to reduce anxiety is by facing it and therapy is a great way to start practicing. As your therapist, my first goal is to help you feel comfortable and safe so we can start working on reducing your anxiety. I'm not going to judge and understand how painful anxiety can be. My job is to help you feel better, not make it worse.

• Do I have to take medication to reduce anxiety?   I have seen numerous clients reduce anxiety without medication. I have also seen clients benefit from medication for anxiety but it's absolutely not required. I'm the last therapist to push medication on folks but if this was requested, I would provide you with a referral for a trusted provider as I do not prescribe medication. There are a variety of interventions to try before medication needs to be considered. 

Anxiety treatment options may involve learning tailored breathing exercises to reduce heart rate, processing the facts and separating emotional brain from factual brain or even homework assignments where you simply recognize shifts in your body from anxiety. Developing a tailored plan to reduce anxious symptoms will be the utmost priority in therapy as all tools don't fit all. Examples of work with previous clients in Denver include:  

• A client in their early 20s (fresh out of graduate school during the pandemic) now has their dream job and feels confident managing anxiety symptoms
• A client in their late 20s who struggled with perfectionism and self-doubt is now able to feel good about their accomplishments and has altered their view of success
• A client in their early 30s who struggled to go out in public due to anxiety from being in crowds now goes out to eat solo and actually enjoys this

I understand firsthand how challenging anxiety is to conquer. I have worked with folks for over 10 years around challenging, reducing and managing anxiety. While anxiety therapy takes strength and vulnerability, the end result of freedom is worth every challenge and I'm here to support you on the journey.