• Do you get nervous and experience uncomfortable physiological symptoms such as excessive sweating, heart palpitations, rapid speech, trembling, fear of being judged by others, and/or excessive blushing?

• Would you rather avoid attending social gatherings?

• Do you have difficulty knowing what to say to others?

• Are you frequently worried about circumstances that you cannot control?

• Are you waking up frequently due to your anxious thoughts and having difficulty going back to sleep?

• Have you experienced suddent, intense episodes of fear or panic including physical symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness?

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We all experience certain levels of anxiety daily and when they are mild, it is important to recognize that we need it to prepare us for stressful situations. According to Psychology Today, "between a quarter and a third of students meet criteria for an anxiety or depressive illness during their college experience." Anxiety issues increase in college, but they start earlier - usually around puberty. Some statistics suggest girls are twice as likely as boys to suffer from anxiety.

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Why is anxiety such an issue for us? Each of us has our own mix of what stresses us, but there are many commonalities among these stresses: things that happened in the past or worries about what might happen in the future. Can you relate to this?

 

If you notice that your anxiety level increases to uncontrollable levels, this is the time to evaluate your surroundings, triggers, and other contributing factors. Anxiety is like an alarm letting us know that there is something to be concerned about and triggers a response: fight, flight, or freeze to danger. 

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Social anxiety is a common disorder that tends to debilitate people from being able to enjoy their lives to their fullest. Many people find it difficult and uncomfortable being around large groups. Avoidance is the common safety behavior, but temporary solution to this type of anxiety. As time goes on, you may notice that your social anxiety is not going away but getting worse.

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General anxiety is also another common disorder that occurs with individuals that is not situation specific. Generalized anxiety is typically diagnosed when an individual experiences excessive and repetitive worry in various areas of their lives. They may find it challenging to control their worries about health, finances, work, relationships, and much more. These constant worries may affect an individual's sleep cycle and eating habits.

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At Nurturing Connections Counseling, our therapists are ready to provide you with Anxiety Therapy that will help you overcome those fears and move you towards your goals of becoming more comfortable with others, especially larger groups. They are professionally trained to utilize the most effective type of treatment called CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) which helps you identify and change thoughts that make you anxious in various situations or circumstances. Other methods that may help you manage your anxiety and overcome specific fears are mindfulness-based intervention and exposure therapy using the ladder imaginal and in-vivo approaches. Through your counseling journey, you will learn new ways and strategies to overcome your fears, whether rational or irrational.

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Imagine yourself become more comfortable being around others and no longer feel like you are weak or being judged. You can experience joy and happiness when in the midst of large crowds. You can begin feeling in control of difficult situations and feel accepted by your peers, family members, and friends. You will learn how to focus on things that you can control and let the rest of your fears and concerns go. Our Anxiety Therapy approaches help clients gain insight of what is triggering your anxiety and to focus on navigating situations more effectively. You will no longer need to run away or avoid or anxiety, yet therapeutically address and face them in a safe manner. 

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Apprehensive Feelings towards Anxiety Therapy

WHAT IF CBT DOES NOT WORK FOR ME?

You are concerned about participating in therapy sessions to result in unproductive results using the CBT approach. This can be concerning, especially if you have tried it before and did not experience any progress. Our therapists address this concern in therapy and focus on other modalities that may work better for you. Anxiety Therapy is not a 'one size fits all' approach by using CBT. There are other therapeutic approaches that can be used to fit your specific needs. 

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HOW DO I KNOW IF MY ANXIETY IS A CONCERN THAT REQUIRES THERAPY?

Since anxiety is part of us and we need some level to protect us from possible harm, when would you know if you need treatment? If you find that your anxiety is present most of your days and lasts for a significant portion of your day, it might be an indication that it's more than just a mild level. If your anxiety is impacting your ability to complete your tasks and responsibilities, or enjoy activities you used to love, it could be a sign that treatment is necessary. If you are actively avoiding situations, people, or places because they trigger your anxiety, this avoidance behavior can significantly place limitations on your life and a possible indication that treatment may help.

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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THERAPY AND SELF-HELP BOOKS?

Self-help books are a valuable resource for addressing your anxiety, however they have different approaches and levels of effectiveness than psychotherapy treatments. Here are the key differences:

Professional Guidance vs Self-Guided: Psychotherapy involves working with a mental health professional trained in diagnosing various anxiety disorders while self-help books are designed to be used independently where you will read the material and follow suggested exercises implementing strategies on your own.

Customized vs. General Approach: A therapist focuses on your spcific needs, taking into account your individual experiences, challenges, and strengths offering personalized strategies and techniques. Self-help books often provide general advice, techniques, and coping strategies for managing anxiety. However, it might not address your unique situation and challenges.

Safe space vs. Lack of Interaction: Therapy sessions provide our clients with a safe and confidential space to explore their inner thoughts and emotions on a deeper level without feeling judged. Self-help books lacks the interaction of a trusted individual to provide personal feedback, guidance, or adjustment of strategies based on your progress.

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Call or Book An Appointment Now

 

If you are beginning to recognize that your anxiety is taking control of your life and are seeking a professional to help guide you towards reclaiming your life, please contact our office at 714-617-5955 or book an appointment below. Anxiety Therapy can be the help you are looking for to utilize strategies and techniques towards managing your symptoms. Our therapists would love to meet where you are at and instill hope for a healthier future.

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