"Anxiety is highly treatable, but only 1 out of 3 of those suffering get treatment."
― ADAA
Do you experience...
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Palpitations, pounding heart or rapid heart rate
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Restlessness,
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Fatigue,
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Trouble concentrating,
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Irritability,
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Excessive worry about the future,
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Negative thinking,
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Muscle tension,
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Brain fog,
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Sweating,
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Trembling or shaking,
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Feeling of shortness of breath or smothering sensations,
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Chest pain,
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Dizziness,
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Feeling of choking,
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Chills or hot flashes,
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Nausea or abdominal pains,
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Detached,
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Fear of losing control,
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Fear of dying,
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Fear of getting sick
What is an anxiety disorder?
The American Psychological Association (APA), writes:
"Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress. Mild levels of anxiety are beneficial as it is our bodies' way to alert us to dangers and help us prepare and pay attention.
Anxiety disorders differ from normal feelings of nervousness or anxiousness and involve excessive fear or anxiety. Anxiety disorders affect nearly 30% of adults at some point in their lives.
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People with anxiety disorders usually have recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns. They may avoid certain situations out of worry. They may also have physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, dizziness, or a rapid heartbeat.​
Anxiety is not the same as fear - anxiety is considered a future-oriented, long-acting response broadly focused on a diffuse threat, whereas fear is an appropriate, present-oriented, and short-lived response to a clearly identifiable and specific threat."
Types of Anxiety Disorders
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generalized anxiety
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panic with or without agoraphobia
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specific phobias
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agoraphobia
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social anxiety
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separation anxiety
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selective mutism
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health anxiety
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specific phobias
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​aerophobia: fear of flying
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agorphobia (fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or that help wouldn't be available if things go wrong)
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aichmophobia: fear of needles or pointed object
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emetophobia extreme fear of vomiting and getting sick
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cynophobia: fear of dogs
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dentophobia: fear of dentists
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glossophobia: fear of speaking in public
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hypochondria: fear of illness
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There is healing for your anxiety.
compassionate evidence-based psychotherapy
There are several effective strategies for treating anxiety. One approach is a "top-down" method, which focuses on addressing thoughts and cognitive patterns. These methods usually require thought logs and challenging cognitive distortions and core beliefs. Alternatively, a "bottom-up" approach prioritizes the body and its sensations, and focuses on rewiring the nervous system first.
I have found that bottom-up methods tend to be more effective for long-term anxiety relief, as they target the underlying stored bodily sensations that are influencing their thoughts and producing the unwanted symptoms.
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I begin by guiding my clients to pay attention to their somatic experiences and to cultivate compassion for the various parts of themselves. This process helps them to see anxiety as just one aspect of their identity, rather than the entirety of who they are. From there, we explore the origins of their fearful beliefs and sensations.
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I utilize evidence-based memory-processing therapies, such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and OEI (Observed Experiential Integration), to facilitate this exploration and promote lasting change. EMDR, in particular, has shown a strong ability to transform dysfunctional schemas into healthier beliefs. Unlike cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which often focuses on sensory information and thoughts, EMDR operates at a deeper neurological level, enhancing the potential for broad, generalized improvement.
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Other evidence-based treatments for anxiety and panic attacks that I use in my practice include: