Anxiety Therapy

In-Person Anxiety Psychotherapy in Kingston & Brockville

Online Anxiety Therapy in Ontario

Impact of Anxiety if left untreated?

• Are you someone who is trying their best to live their life, but constantly feels stressed and under pressure?

• Are you someone who still “functions” in the world, but hides from everyone else that they are constantly worrying about?

• Are you a people pleaser who worries about letting other people down? Do you feel stuck between helping others and then feeling angry or resentful?

• Do you experience a pounding heart that feels like you are having a heart attack? Do you hyperventilate because you feel like you are not able to breathe?

• Do your symptoms of anxiety feel so intense that you feel unsafe in your own body?

• Do you find yourself struggling to manage your thoughts? Does anxiety make you worry about things that are often out of your control?

• Do you find yourself unable to relax or avoiding things that make you feel scared such as socializing?

Understanding Anxiety: What Is It And How Does It Impact Your Life?

Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by persistent worry, fear, and unease. While it is normal to experience occasional anxiety in response to stressful situations, chronic anxiety can significantly impact your quality of life.

Anxiety is a normal emotion, just like sadness and anger. The reason why anxiety is often an emotion that people struggle to manage is that it results in two “problems” - uncomfortable sensations in our body and problematic thoughts.

Uncomfortable Physical Sensations

“Physiological arousal” is that people with anxiety try their best to stop themselves from feeling these sensations. The first line of treatment for anxiety is to identify the physiological sensations that you experience and the situations in which these sensations are “triggered”. These sensations vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms include a pounding heart, finding it hard to breathe, feeling sweaty, feeling sick, headaches, a sudden rush of energy, feeling extremely alert, finding it hard to concentrate etc. For example, you may find you get a pounding heart every time you think about going to get groceries.

How many times have you died from anxiety? If you are reading this, the answer is never! While these symptoms are uncomfortable, they cannot kill you! They are just VERY uncomfortable.

Problematic thoughts

Problematic thoughts result in unhelpful, inaccurate, powerful, and scary thoughts. Maybe you are constantly worried that something bad is going to happen to you or your loved ones. Maybe you worry about “being a failure” and so you put yourself under pressure to always be the best. Maybe you worry about doing something wrong and being caught. The possibilities are endless.

How many of these worries are assumptions and how many of these worries are facts? Where is the evidence for these worries?

The Impact of Anxiety on Mental and Physical Health

Physical Issues

Anxiety doesn't just affect your mental well-being; it can also take a toll on your physical health. Chronic anxiety has been linked to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disorders, gastrointestinal problems, and weakened immune system. It can also exacerbate existing health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, and chronic pain.

Mental Health Issues

Furthermore, anxiety can have a significant impact on your mental health. It can contribute to the development of other mental health disorders, such as depression and substance abuse. Left untreated, anxiety can spiral into a debilitating condition that significantly impairs your ability to function and enjoy life.

How Can Therapy Help With Anxiety

Feel Safe In Your Body

We understand that you feel so uncomfortable in your body and you try your best not to feel uncomfortable. Many people come to therapy with the expectation that therapy should result in them never feeling anxiety again. We need to be honest with you, that is not what therapy is about.

Anxiety is actually a very normal and healthy emotion to feel. For example, we would expect to be a little anxious for an exam or an interview for a job we really want. We might notice an increase in our heart rate, or feel a little out of breath. Anxiety is problematic when the symptoms are so excessive that they get in the way of our life, e.g. we cancelled our interview because we were so scared of doing badly or we couldn’t concentrate on our exam because we were scared of failing.

Learn How to Challenge Unhelpful Thoughts

You can learn how to challenge your unhelpful thoughts, how to become more compassionate in how you respond to your thoughts and feel more in control of the impact thoughts have on your behaviour.

Types of Therapy for Anxiety

CBT

Fortunately there are many treatments for anxiety. One of the most widely used approaches is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to anxiety. By replacing these negative thoughts with more positive and realistic ones, CBT can help you reframe your perception of anxiety and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

DBT

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which combines elements of CBT with mindfulness techniques. DBT aims to help individuals regulate their emotions, manage distress, and improve interpersonal relationships. This therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals with anxiety who also struggle with self-destructive behaviors or emotional instability.

ACT, EMDR and Psychodynamic Therapy

Other types of therapy that have shown promise in treating anxiety include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and psychodynamic therapy. The most effective therapy for you will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and the severity of your anxiety.

Techniques and Strategies to Manage Anxiety

Learn Underlying Causes

Therapy provides you with a toolkit of techniques and strategies to manage your anxiety effectively. Your therapist will work with you to identify the underlying causes of your anxiety and help you develop personalized coping mechanisms. These may include relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices.

Cognitive Restructuring

Cognitive restructuring is another technique commonly used in therapy for anxiety. It involves challenging and reframing negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to anxiety. By replacing irrational thoughts with more rational ones, you can reduce anxiety symptoms and regain a sense of control over your thoughts and emotions.

Problem Solving

Additionally, therapy can help you develop effective problem-solving skills and stress management techniques. Your therapist will teach you how to identify stressors in your life and develop strategies to minimize their impact. They may also guide you in setting realistic goals and finding healthy ways to cope with life's challenges.

Steps To Take To Stress Anxiety Therapy

Taking the first step towards therapy can be intimidating, but it is a courageous decision that can transform your life. Here are some steps to guide you on your journey:

Research

Educate yourself about therapy and the different approaches available for treating anxiety.

Make Initial Contact

Arrange your free 15 minute consult with Kingston Therapists and Counsellors to see if you are the right fit.

Schedule an appointment

Once you have found a therapist who feels like a good fit, schedule an initial appointment to discuss your concerns and treatment goals.

Prepare for the first session

Reflect on what you hope to gain from therapy and any specific questions or concerns you may have.

During your first therapy session, your therapist will likely ask you questions to better understand your anxiety symptoms, triggers, and goals. They will work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Feel Better

Therapy is a collaborative process, and progress may take time. It's important to approach therapy with an open mind, be patient with yourself, and trust in the process. With dedication and the support of a skilled therapist, you can break free from anxiety and embark on a journey towards a more fulfilling and peaceful life.

Don't let anxiety hold you back any longer. Take a step towards transforming your life and discover the power of therapy.