Anxiety & Related Disorders

Overview:

Anxiety can feel constant, consuming, and difficult to quiet, often showing up as racing thoughts, physical tension, or a persistent sense of unease. It can begin to influence daily decisions, relationships, and self-confidence in subtle and overwhelming ways. Therapy focuses on helping you change your relationship with anxiety so it no longer dictates your choices. Rather than fighting or suppressing anxious thoughts and feelings, you will learn how to respond to them with greater awareness, flexibility, and self-compassion—allowing you to move forward with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of control.

What this may look like:

  • Ongoing cycles of “what if” thoughts that feel difficult to quiet, often leading to mental exhaustion, self-doubt, and difficulty staying present in daily life. This pattern can make even simple decisions feel overwhelming and can interfere with your ability to relax or feel at ease.

  • Sudden and intense waves of fear or discomfort that may include a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest tightness, or a sense of losing control. These experiences can feel frightening and unpredictable, sometimes leading to ongoing worry about when the next episode might occur.

  • Persistent fear of being judged, rejected, or misunderstood in social situations, which may lead to discomfort in conversations, group settings, or public spaces. Over time, this anxiety can result in avoidance of meaningful connections and increased feelings of isolation.

  • Chronic muscle tightness, shallow breathing, fidgeting, or a constant sense of being “on edge,” even during moments meant for rest. This ongoing physical stress response can contribute to fatigue, headaches, and difficulty fully relaxing.

  • A strong internal pressure to meet unrealistic standards, often accompanied by harsh self-criticism and fear of making mistakes. This pattern can limit creativity, increase procrastination, and make it difficult to feel satisfied with your accomplishments.

  • Trouble falling or staying asleep because the mind remains active with worries, plans, or unresolved concerns. Over time, disrupted sleep can affect mood, concentration, energy levels, and overall emotional well-being.

Therapeutic Approach

Rather than attempting to eliminate anxiety, sessions focus on building psychological flexibility and helping you develop a healthier relationship with anxious thoughts and physical sensations. You will learn how to notice and make space for discomfort without becoming overwhelmed or driven by it. Through mindfulness practices and evidence-based strategies, therapy supports you in responding to stress with greater awareness, steadiness, and self-compassion. Over time, this work helps you remain grounded in the present moment, stay connected to your values, and make intentional choices that reflect what matters most to you—rather than what anxiety demands.

Who this is for:

This approach is well-suited for individuals who feel overwhelmed by persistent worry, fear, or mental exhaustion and find that anxiety interferes with daily life, relationships, or decision-making. It is especially helpful for those who want to build greater emotional resilience, restore a sense of calm, and move forward with clarity and confidence—even when anxious thoughts and feelings continue to arise.