Living with high stress and anxiety can take its toll on both your mental and physical well being. It can make it difficult to concentrate and focus and can lead to problems with sleep and eating. Oftentimes, people cope with anxiety by avoiding things that cause it. This may be seem like a good solution in the short-term, but avoidance tends to make things worse. It can lead to chronic procrastination that can interfere with productivity and negatively impact your mood,relationships, and your sense of self-worth.
Your anxiety may be a sign that something is out of balance
There are many causes of anxiety, many of which are healthy! Our goal in therapy is to help you bring your anxiety levels into a range that feels manageable. Some people know exactly when their anxiety is triggered (e.g., meeting new people, writing exams, presenting in front of others). While others have difficulty understanding the underlying cause and feel that the anxiety comes “out of the blue” – this can be very unsettling.
You can reduce your anxiety and stress levels
In our work together I can help you uncover the underlying causes of your anxiety, identify the mechanisms maintaining your symptoms, and teach you ways to better manage and cope. You will become more self-aware and learn to use various emotion-regulation strategies including mindfulness-based techniques to reduce anxiety and tension. Self-limiting beliefs and behaviours that contribute to your anxiety will be identified and be a focus of our work together. We will understand the origins of those beliefs and help you change the way you see yourself and your life so you can feel more at ease.
I’m afraid of therapy for anxiety, avoiding my feelings is easier.
In the short run, that may feel true. But avoidance only maintains the problem and doesn’t give you a chance to understand it and make changes. Know that therapy progresses at a pace that feels comfortable for you. You will never be forced to talk about things you are not ready to talk about. Evidence-based therapy techniques for anxiety will help you slowly face your fears, understand the underlying causes, and learn tools to cope and create a more satisfying life.
I don’t want to go on medication.
This is ultimately your choice. I am a clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience in talk therapy techniques that I use in my office. I do not prescribe medication. Should you require a medication consult, we will discuss it and you may be referred to a psychiatrist or physician for this purpose.
I am ready for help, but am concerned about the cost of psychotherapy.
High anxiety and stress can negatively impact your health, your life satisfaction, your day to day productivity, your relationships, and the way you feel about yourself. It may be helpful to think about therapy for anxiety as an investment in YOU. A course of psychotherapy for anxiety with a qualified clinical psychologist can help you gain control of your symptoms and better manage stress – you will learn skills to cope better now and well into in the future.
