Anxiety Treatment
Anxiety-related issues are the most common reason individuals seek therapeutic support.
In medical terms, anxiety is often described as a "disorder," but in reality, it is a normal and valid human response to a world that is inherently unpredictable. Whether it shows up as a racing heart, a mind that won't stop racing, or a heavy sense of dread, anxiety is your body’s way of trying—perhaps too hard sometimes—to keep you safe.
Your Social Nervous System
From the perspective of attachment and Interpersonal Neurobiology, your brain is a social organ. We are "wired to connect," and our nervous systems are constantly looking for signals of safety or threat in how we perceive and are perceived by others. When we feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsupported, our nervous systems can become dysregulated.
This can put you into varying intensities of survival mode (fight, flight, freeze, or fawn). In this state, it’s more likely that we’ll act out in ways that we won’t feel great about later, or that keep us stuck in perpetual patterns of conflict, shame, guilt, etc.
Finding Grace in the Discomfort
Often, our greatest suffering doesn't come from the anxiety itself, but from our fight against it. We feel anxious, and then we feel anxious about being anxious.
In our work together, we move toward a practice of acceptance and willingness. This doesn't mean "giving up" or liking the anxiety. Instead, it means:
Acknowledging the Guest: Treating anxiety like a temporary visitor rather than an identity.
Developing Presence: Learning to stay grounded in the "now," rather than being pulled into the "what-ifs" of what might be.
Radical Compassion: Replacing self-criticism with a gentle curiosity about what your body is trying to tell you.
Reclaiming Your Calm
Therapy provides a "resonant circuit"—a safe relationship where your nervous system can learn to regulate itself by being heard and understood. By combining modern neuroscience with the timeless wisdom of mindfulness, we can help you move from a state of high-alert into a life of flexibility and connection.
Common questions about anxiety
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder is considered a formal diagnosis and was in fact the most common diagnosis in the U.S. in 2023. It typically involves persistent and pervasive worrying that is present for at least six months. Symptoms of GAD include:
Feeling restless, wound-up, or on-edge
Easily fatigued
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Having headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches, or unexplained pains
Difficulty controlling feelings of worry
Having sleep problems, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep
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While the terms "anxiety attack" and "panic attack" are often used interchangeably, there are differences between them. Key characteristics of panic attacks include a sudden onset, intense fear or discomfort, a range of physical symptoms, and a short duration.
Anxiety attacks, on the other hand, are generally understood as periods of heightened anxiety that may build up gradually and can be associated with specific activators or stressors. While anxiety attack symptoms can be very distressing, they usually don't involve the same intensity or number of physical symptoms as a panic attack.
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It's easy to think that anxiety always looks a certain way, but that's not the case. The term "high-functioning anxiety" helps us understand that some people can experience intense anxiety while still maintaining a seemingly normal life. While it's not a formal clinical diagnosis, it's a valid way to describe a very real experience. It shows us that anxiety can be hidden beneath the surface, even when someone appears successful or put-together.
A key characteristic of high-functioning anxiety is the ability to mask these internal struggles. People with this condition often become skilled at hiding their symptoms from others, which can make it difficult for them to receive the support they need. While someone with high-functioning anxiety may appear to be coping well, their internal experience can be very distressing.
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Anxiety can manifest in a variety of ways, both emotionally and physically.
We’ve listed some common symptoms below, but keep in mind that everyone experiences anxiety differently, and the intensity of symptoms can also vary.
Emotional Symptoms:
Excessive worry or fear: This is a hallmark of anxiety, often involving persistent thoughts about future events, potential problems, or everyday situations.
Restlessness or feeling on edge: A sense of unease, agitation, or being unable to relax.
Irritability: Feeling easily annoyed or frustrated.
Difficulty concentrating: Trouble focusing on tasks, remembering things, or making decisions.
Feeling overwhelmed: A sense of being unable to cope with demands or stressors.
Sense of impending doom or danger: A feeling that something bad is about to happen.
Physical Symptoms:
Rapid heartbeat or palpitations: A feeling that your heart is racing or pounding.
Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or a feeling of tightness in the chest.
Muscle tension: Tightness or stiffness in the muscles, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back.
Trembling or shaking: Involuntary shaking or trembling of the hands, legs, or other body parts.
Sweating: Increased perspiration, even when it's not hot.
Stomach aches or digestive problems: Nausea, diarrhea, or other digestive issues.
Dizziness or lightheadedness: Feeling faint or unsteady.
Headaches: Tension headaches or migraines.
Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep.