Anxiety disorders are some of the most common difficulties faced.  Individuals struggling with Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder may notice physiological symptoms like rapid heartbeat or tension; distressing thoughts such as fear of dying or fear of negative evaluation; and avoiding people or places because of anxiety.

Fortunately, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can provide sustained relief. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for anxiety might involve challenging unrealistic thoughts, practicing tolerance of anxiety-provoking situations, and learning tools for relaxation and present-moment awareness. Throughout treatment, we work together at a pace that feels comfortable and manageable for you. Our focus is on concrete tools, strategies and exposures practiced together during sessions and independently between sessions. Therapy for anxiety is not just talking; we actively complete exercises in sessions and between them, often leaving the office to complete exposures in the ‘real-world.’

I also bring mindfulness-based techniques into my work with anxiety. Anxiety often involves getting caught or hooked by our thoughts. One of the best ways to manage anxiety and keep it at bay is to create some distance between ourselves and our thoughts.  Drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), our work together might focus on strategies to stay in the present, tolerate a range of emotions, and decouple thoughts from emotional reactions to those thoughts.