Anxiety Therapy

The Physiological Causes Of Anxiety May Be Linked To Gastrointestinal Health

Anxiety evolved in humans as a means of self-protection from danger. Although some level of anxiety is normal and healthy, when we suffer from a disorder that limits our ability to engage in life, anxiety becomes burdensome, limiting, and exhausting, requiring therapy to address its impact on our mental health. 

We don’t have to look far these days to identify the sources of anxiety. With the current state of the world politically and environmentally, it’s no wonder anxiety is on the rise. [3] What’s more, the nonstop stimulation of social media is not only bad for our nervous systems but can lead to unhealthy self-comparison, which in turn negatively impacts our self-esteem. [4]

Additionally, an often-overlooked culprit to mood disorders is physiological. Traditional treatment options for anxiety focus on pharmaceutical and psychological interventions, but studies have indicated a dysfunction or imbalance in the gut-brain connection to be a potential direct cause of anxiety and depression. [5]

It’s common to seek out an easy fix, hoping we can simply take a pill that will make all of our symptoms magically disappear. However, without addressing the underlying reasons for anxiety, we can’t expect a significant shift in our perspective to occur. 

The good news is that with treatment you can address the debilitating symptoms of social anxiety and panic attacks. No matter the cause of your anxiety, you can learn how to reduce symptoms and find a path back to well-being.

In Therapy, We Will Collaborate To Find Solutions To Anxiety

If you have put off seeking therapy, there’s no better time than now to make a change that can improve your outlook. Anxiety therapy offers a safe environment to be vulnerable and self-reflective as together we explore how your core beliefs and upbringing influence how you think, feel, and act presently.

As we build a positive therapeutic relationship with each other, you will begin to better understand the recurring patterns surrounding your relationships, emotions, and behaviors. For the times when anxiety threatens to hijack your stress response, we will teach you effective coping mechanisms to diffuse your symptoms. With a new understanding of what makes you tick, you will be able to apply a new framework to managing anxiety that is shaped by self-compassion.

What To Expect In Sessions

We aim to make you an active partner in finding solutions that will work best for you. Through psychoeducation, we will raise your awareness about how the brain functions as well as how gut health impacts mental health. Your therapist will recommend that you conduct your own research outside of sessions to ensure you understand the theories behind the treatment plans we choose to help manage your anxiety. 

At your first session, we will review your intake forms to help your counselor get a full picture of your goals for anxiety therapy so we can hit the ground running. By setting a tone of collaboration, active listening, and unconditional support, your therapist will ensure you feel comfortable sharing your concerns and engaging in the self-introspection required to make shifts in your thoughts and behaviors.   

Once we identify what lies beneath the symptoms you’re experiencing, we will work together to identify healthier ways of perceiving, processing, and behaving. Understanding the “why” will allow us to find long-term solutions you can carry with you outside of therapy. 

The Modalities We Use

We utilize several evidence-based modalities to help you better cope with anxiety, including psychodynamic therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). With IFS, you will learn how to identify and integrate the different parts of yourself. You will also gain an understanding of what your attachment style is that goes back to childhood so that you can break any relationship patterns that no longer serve you. If we identify unresolved trauma, EMDR techniques can help you reprocess your negative experiences so they no longer cause emotional distress. 

Additionally, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) both offer great skill-building, problem-solving, and coping techniques for managing anxiety.  Anxiety persists when you lack the tools to reconnect with the present moment. By teaching you mindfulness techniques, deep breathing exercises, guided meditation, and visualization, you will learn effective ways to relax and calm yourself.

The sooner you commit yourself to feel better, the sooner you can heal. With help and support, it’s possible to overcome the barrier of anxiety and live life on your own terms.