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Anxiety Counseling
If you’re finding that worry has started taking over your daily life, you’re not alone. Many of my clients first come to me feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and sometimes even embarrassed about their anxiety. I want you to know that not only is anxiety completely normal, but there are proven ways to help you feel more like yourself again. In our sessions, we’ll explore the signs and symptoms of anxiety, discuss treatment options, and work on practical coping strategies to help you regain control and feel more at ease.
Anxiety is not a one-size-fits-all disorder. It can manifest as panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder. As a professional with extensive experience and specialized training in anxiety disorders, I am committed to providing a safe, empathetic, and supportive environment for individuals struggling with anxiety.
Anxiety counseling at my practice goes beyond merely managing symptoms. I am dedicated to understanding the root causes of your anxiety and unearthing the underlying issues and factors that trigger your distress. I employ evidence-based strategies tailored to your needs like cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, exposure therapy, and more. Through counseling, you’ll gain practical coping strategies and tools to help you stay grounded.
I know reaching out for help isn’t easy. Many clients tell me they waited months or even years before making that first call. Whether you’re ready to schedule an appointment or just want to learn more, I’m here to listen without judgment and answer any questions you might have.
While the exact cause of anxiety disorders remains unclear, research suggests a combination of factors. Genetics can play a role1—if a family member has an anxiety disorder, your likelihood of developing one increases. Environmental stressors like financial issues, relationship problems, or major life changes can also trigger anxiety.
Brain chemistry is another piece of the puzzle2. Neurotransmitters, the chemicals that transmit signals in the brain, can be imbalanced in individuals with anxiety disorders. This imbalance affects how the brain reacts to certain stimuli, resulting in anxiety symptoms.
Stressful life events, particularly in early childhood, are often linked to developing anxiety disorders later in life. By understanding these triggers, you can manage or even prevent anxiety symptoms.
You’re Not Imagining It If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms, you might have found yourself wondering if what you’re feeling is ‘normal’ or if you should seek help. Let’s look at some common ways anxiety shows up in our lives:Anxiety manifests through a variety of physical and psychological symptoms3. Common signs include:
Living with these symptoms can feel exhausting and lonely. You might find yourself turning down social invitations, struggling to focus at work, or lying awake at night with racing thoughts. I want you to know that these experiences are real, valid, and – most importantly – something we can work on together.. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step toward seeking support and improving your mental well-being.
[2] Craske, M. G., & Stein, M. B. (2016). Anxiety. The Lancet, 388(10063), 3048-3059.
[3] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
After helping hundreds of clients in Martin County and Palm Beach, I’ve learned that every person’s experience with anxiety is as unique as our Florida sunsets. While some of my clients worry about hurricane seasons and coastal living, others struggle with work stress at our local hospitals or schools. That’s why I’ve developed a flexible approach that adapts to your specific situation.
I’ve found that successful anxiety management usually requires a personalized three-tier approach that I’ve developed through working with hundreds of clients:
While I use CBT as a foundation, I’ve developed a specialized approach combining traditional CBT with elements I’ve found particularly effective for my local clientele in Hobe Sound and Jupiter.
Anxiety often manifests differently in our Florida coastal community compared to urban areas – whether it’s hurricane-season stress or retirement transition anxiety. I’ve adapted standard protocols to address these unique local concerns.
CBT is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders1. It works by helping patients identify and challenge negative thinking patterns and behaviors that are contributing to their anxiety. Through CBT, individuals learn practical self-help strategies to change these negative thoughts and improve how they feel.
CBT often involves exposure therapy, where individuals gradually face their fears in a controlled and safe environment, reducing their anxiety over time. It’s about learning how to respond to anxiety-provoking situations differently, providing a long-lasting solution to managing anxiety.
Living in our beautiful coastal community offers unique opportunities for managing anxiety naturally. Through my years of practice in Martin County, I’ve helped clients develop strategies that make the most of our local environment:
By implementing these changes, individuals can reduce the frequency and severity of anxiety symptoms, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Transitioning into managing anxiety is an ongoing process. Whether through medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination of these, understanding and treating anxiety can lead to significant improvements in an individual’s quality of life. It’s about finding the right tools and support to navigate the challenges anxiety presents.
[1] Carpenter, J. K., et al. (2018). Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and related disorders: A meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Depression and Anxiety, 35(6), 502-514.