Anxiety Treatment

If you’re a woman who looks “put together” on the outside but feels constantly on edge inside, you’re not alone. Maybe your mind is always running—replaying conversations, worrying what others think, or bracing for something to go wrong. You might notice tightness in your chest or shoulders, trouble relaxing, or a part of you that says you should be handling it all better. Anxiety can be especially painful when it shows up in relationships, leaving you second‑guessing yourself, over‑functioning, or people‑pleasing to keep the peace.

Anxiety can feel like your mind is always “on”—jumping to worst‑case scenarios, overthinking every decision, and making it hard to rest or be present. You might notice constant worries, tightness in your body, trouble relaxing, or a loud inner critic that tells you you’re not doing enough, pulling you into perfectionism and people‑pleasing. In online therapy, we slow things down and get curious about what your anxiety is trying to protect you from, instead of just trying to shut it off. Together, we’ll build practical tools to calm your body, challenge anxious thoughts, and create more space between you and your worries, so you can move through life with more ease, trust, and self‑compassion.

How I Work

We’ll work with your anxiety in a way that includes both your mind and your body. Using CBT and DBT, we’ll notice the specific thoughts and patterns that fuel your anxiety, gently challenge them, and practice new skills for grounding, calming, and responding differently. Through somatic therapy and mindfulness, we’ll tune into how anxiety shows up in your body—racing heart, tight chest, restlessness—and build self‑soothing practices that help your nervous system feel safer and more settled. With narrative therapy, we’ll also explore the stories you’ve internalized about fear, safety, and control, and begin to reshape them so you can relate to your anxiety with more understanding and compassion, rather than judgment or shame.

FAQ

Is anxiety really "bad enough" to need therapy?

Yes—if your anxiety is persistent, interferes with daily functioning, or you've tried self-help without improvement, therapy can help. You don't need a traumatic event or crisis to benefit.

Signs therapy might be helpful:

  • Anxiety that interferes with work, relationships, or daily activities

  • Persistent worry that follows you everywhere

  • Physical symptoms (racing heart, shortness of breath, muscle tension)

  • Avoiding situations due to fear or panic

  • Using unhealthy coping mechanisms (substance use, avoidance, isolation)

  • Feeling stuck or overwhelmed with no clear path forward

What type of therapy works best for anxiety?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most effective and evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders.

How CBT helps:

  • Identifies anxious thought patterns and challenges distortions

  • Teaches practical coping skills (exposure therapy, cognitive restructuring, mindfulness)

  • Focuses on thought-feeling-behavior connections

  • Usually short-term (8–16 sessions for noticeable improvement)

Other effective approaches:

  • ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy): Builds psychological flexibility

  • Exposure Therapy: Gradually faces feared situations to build confidence

  • DBT: Improves emotional regulation

  • Interpersonal Therapy: Addresses relationship-based anxiety

What will I talk about in therapy for anxiety?

You'll discuss:

  • Your specific anxiety symptoms (when they occur, triggers, severity)

  • Stressful events or life changes recently experienced

  • Past or childhood traumatic experiences

  • Your goals for therapy (managing symptoms, improving relationships, etc.)

  • Thought patterns and behaviors contributing to anxiety

Your therapist may suggest assignments outside sessions: journaling, reading, tracking behaviors, practicing skills, or taking action on goals.

How long does therapy for anxiety take?

  • Short-term: 8–16 sessions for many people with CBT

  • Variable: Depends on severity, goals, and individual circumstances

  • Long-term: May continue longer for complex trauma, recurring anxiety, or deeper personal development

Most clients report noticeable improvement within 8–16 sessions.

Will I need medication for anxiety?

The two main treatments are psychotherapy and medications. Many benefit most from a combination of both.

Key points:

  • Medication alone doesn't solve the root cause—therapy addresses underlying patterns

  • Work with your doctor to determine the best approach for you

  • Some cases require both; others only need therapy

  • CBT can provide long-lasting skills that reduce need for medication over time

How do I find the right therapist for anxiety?

Look for:

  • Licensed mental health professionals (psychologists, counselors, social workers)

  • Specialization in anxiety or CBT

  • Comfort and compatibility—your connection matters

Questions to ask in a first session:

  • What methods do you use?

  • What is your philosophy on mental health?

  • What does a typical session look like?

  • What areas do you specialize in or commonly treat?

  • How do you determine if therapy is successful?

  • What are your training and licensure qualifications?

  • Do you offer in-person or virtual sessions?

  • What types of insurance do you accept?

Finding referrals: Ask your doctor, friends, family, or search online directories.

What are the benefits of therapy for anxiety?

  • Better understanding of yourself, your goals, and values

  • New coping strategies for stress and anxiety

  • Improved relationships and communication skills

  • Changed old behavior patterns, developed new ones

  • Higher self-esteem and confidence

  • Skills to avoid triggers and redirect damaging patterns

  • Resolution to the issues that led you to seek therapy

Therapy helps recalibrate your brain's overprotective alarm system so it's not constantly setting off false alarms.

What should I do before my first appointment?

Make a list of:

  • Your anxiety symptoms (when they occur, triggers, impact)

  • What causes you stress (life changes, traumatic experiences)

  • Family history of mental health problems

  • Other health problems (physical and mental)

  • All medications, vitamins, supplements you're taking

  • Questions you want to ask your therapist

Can I do therapy online?

Yes—telehealth therapy is widely available and effective for anxiety. I currently provide telehealth therapy only.

What if I'm nervous about starting therapy?

That's normal. Therapy creates a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you can discuss concerns and develop coping strategies. A consultation with a therapist can help you decide if it's the right step.

Seeking therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness—it shows courage and commitment to improving your quality of life.

Ready to take the first step?

If anxiety is persistent, affecting your daily life, or you feel stuck in worry, overthinking and self criticism, therapy can help you find a calmer way forward. You can schedule with me through Headway using the “Schedule Today” button on this page, or reach out with any questions before you book.

You don’t have to keep managing this alone.

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Check out my blogs on Anxiety to learn more!