Anxiety is one of the most common concerns I see in my practice, and if you're experiencing it, you're far from alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders affect roughly 40 million adults in the United States each year.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is your body's natural response to stress. It's that feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. In small doses, anxiety can actually be helpful — it can motivate you to prepare for a presentation, stay alert in a new situation, or take action when something needs attention.
But when anxiety becomes constant, overwhelming, or disproportionate to the situation, it can start to interfere with your daily life.
Common Signs of Anxiety
Anxiety can show up in many different ways, and it's not always obvious. Some common signs include:
- Physical symptoms: Racing heart, shortness of breath, muscle tension, headaches, stomachaches, or difficulty sleeping
- Emotional symptoms: Persistent worry, feeling on edge, irritability, or a sense of dread
- Behavioral symptoms: Avoiding certain situations, difficulty concentrating, procrastination, or seeking constant reassurance
How Therapy Helps
One of the approaches I use frequently with anxiety is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT helps you identify the thought patterns that fuel your anxiety and develop practical strategies to manage them.
Together, we'll work on:
- Understanding your triggers — What situations or thoughts tend to set off your anxiety?
- Challenging unhelpful thoughts — Are your worries based on facts, or are they fueled by "what ifs"?
- Building coping strategies — Practical tools you can use in the moment when anxiety strikes
- Gradual exposure — Slowly facing situations you've been avoiding, at a pace that feels manageable
You Don't Have to Do This Alone
If anxiety is affecting your quality of life, therapy can make a real difference. I provide a safe, supportive space where we can work together to help you feel more in control and less consumed by worry.
Contact me to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward feeling better.