Treatment for Anxiety

Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress, preparing us to confront or flee from potential danger. This response, often referred to as the “fight-or-flight” response, causes changes to the body that increase alertness and readiness for action. These changes include increased heart rate, rapid breathing, heightened senses, and muscle tension. In other words, the brain tells the body to “get the hell out of here” or “It’s time to slay this dragon!”

While experiencing anxiety from time to time is a normal part of the human condition, and can even be adaptive, chronic or excessive anxiety can significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life. Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias, are characterized by persistent and excessive worry or fear that is disproportionate to the actual threat posed.


Panic Disorder

Panic disorder involves recurrent panic attacks, sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or a sense of impending doom.

Treatment for Panic Disorder

  • Psychotherapy

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • Nature Therapy

  • Exposure Therapy

  • Mindfulness Techniques and Meditation

  • Grounding Strategies

  • Exercise, Yoga and other Movement

  • Lifestyle Changes

  • Medication

Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is characterized by an intense fear of social situations or scrutiny, leading to avoidance of social interactions or performance situations. Specific phobias involve intense and irrational fears of specific objects or situations, such as heights, flying, animals, or enclosed spaces, leading to avoidance behaviors.

Social Anxiety Disorder and Specific Phobias

  • Psychotherapy for Underlying Issues Ex. Attachment Trauma or Current Concerns

  • Mindfulness Therapy and Techniques

  • Exposure Therapy

  • Nature Therapy

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • Grounding Strategies

  • Exercise, Yoga and other Movement

  • Medication

Treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder and Specific Phobias

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

is marked by excessive worry and tension about everyday concerns, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension, and difficulty concentrating. Panic disorder involves recurrent panic attacks, sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or a sense of impending doom.

Treatment for (GAD)

  • Treatment for GAD includes:

  • Psychotherapy for Underlying Issues Ex. Attachment Trauma or Current Concerns

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • Nature Therapy

  • Mindfulness Therapy and Techniques

  • Grounding Strategies

  • Exercise, Yoga and other Movement

  • Medication

EMDR can be an effective treatment for anxiety

It's important to recognize that anxiety disorders are not simply a matter of being overly sensitive or weak-willed. They are legitimate mental health conditions that can have a profound impact on an individual’s life if left untreated. Fortunately, effective treatments, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, are available to help manage and alleviate symptoms.

In addition to clinical anxiety disorders, many people experience situational anxiety in response to specific events or circumstances, such as public speaking, job interviews, or significant life changes. While these feelings of anxiety are often temporary and manageable, they can still be distressing and may benefit from coping strategies or support.

Understanding anxiety involves recognizing its multifaceted nature and acknowledging the interplay between biological, psychological, and environmental factors. While anxiety is a natural and adaptive response, it can become problematic when it is excessive, persistent, or interferes with daily functioning. By fostering awareness, empathy, and support, we can work towards reducing stigma and promoting understanding of anxiety as a common human experience deserving of compassion and effective treatment.