Anxiety is an emotion that is a natural and healthy part of the human experience. Anxiety evolved as a means to keep us safe from threats and motivated to remain productive and healthy. However, there are times that anxiety becomes unhelpful and can impact our ability to function in areas such as school, work, relationships, family, etc. 

Treatment for Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety Disorders are treatable! I use evidence-based practices to build understanding of anxiety and to slowly reduce areas of avoidance impacting functioning. 

Exposure and Response Prevention focuses on gradually facing feared stimuli to support your body's ability to recalibrate what is 'safe'. You may find that your anxiety has led you into patterns of avoidance. This can look like avoiding social gatherings due to a fear of embarassing yourself, avoiding attending a friend's wedding due to a flight, or avoiding the doctor due to a fear of getting a shot. When we stay in patterns of avoidance, we reinforce for our body that we should be afraid of these things, and that our avoidance is the only thing keeping us safe. Exposure is the practice of slowly approaching the things we have been avoiding so that our bodies can re-learn what is safe for us. 

Acceptance and Committment Therapy supports you in building a values-based lifestyle. This can look like determining what your long term goals and values are to support you in your short term decision making. When it comes to anxiety, this often means choosing short term discomfort in order to move towards parts of your life that align with your goals and values. For example, you may have been avoiding texting a friend to hang out because you feel nervous about what they may think about you reaching out. You might be someone who cares about connection, and you envision yourself being someone who has strong friendships in the future. You might decide to experience some short term stress and send the text message (with the support of your therapist!) in order to move towards the goals you have for yourself.  

Treatment for anxiety can feel overwhelming. We encourage you to reach out for a free consult. We can share more information on treatment and identify a pace that feels right for you. With ERP, you will never be 'forced' into exposures. You will be directing treatment and deciding what challenges you are willing and able to take on as you redefine your relationship with anxiety.