Anxiety can come in many forms and can refer to a variety of disorders, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, and specific phobias. What connects all anxiety-related mental health issues are feelings of stress, fear, and worry, sometimes about a specific event, object, or scenario or sometimes felt more generally about several aspects of life. Many people experience a phenomenon referred to as "free floating anxiety" or anxiety that cannot be pinned to any particular fear or worry. Especially during this day and age, anxiety is more typical than not, as our world contains many uncertainties and unknowns.  

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Some common symptoms of anxiety include:

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• Feeling nervous, often without a clear reason

• Anticipation or dread 

• Feeling overwhelmed

• Feeling on-edge or irritable

• Avoidance of tasks, people, or situations

• Chronic stress 

• Procrastination 

• Racing thoughts 

• Impatience (with self or others)

• Harsh criticism (of self or others)

• Insomnia 

• Concentration issues 

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Some physical symptoms of anxiety include: 

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• Lethargy, fatigue, weakness

• Muscle tension and/or twitching

• Rapid breathing / hyperventilation 

• Tightness in the chest

• Sweating

• Racing heart rate

• Headaches

• Restlessness

• Heavy sweating 

• Brain fog

• Stomach and gastrointestinal issues

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Oftentimes the focus of anxiety treatment is teaching coping and relaxation strategies. These are extremely important skills to learn and include breathing exercises, stress reduction strategies, and lifestyle changes such as decreasing alcohol and caffeine and increasing physical exercise. Along with this work, it is important to begin to learn where our fears are rooted. Sometimes this involves an exploration of early childhood experiences or may focus on more recent events. The goal is to better understand the conditioning that has occurred in our life that maintains certain ways of thinking.

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To help with this process, it is often helpful to assess our thoughts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) involves examining your beliefs, thoughts, feelings and behaviors and deciding different ways to make positive changes to these domains. Ultimately, the goal of CBT is to change how you think, in order to change how you feel.  Building on this approach, therapies described as “third-wave” CBT incorporate mindfulness techniques, which help us gain more acceptance, “settle the mind,” and live a more present life.

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It is possible to break our programming of worry, stress, and anxiety. By working together in Orange County or San Diego, we can find better ways to cope, find more peace and acceptance, and live a more fulfilling and expansive life.

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My approach centers around the idea that everyone’s experience is different. For this reason, it is important I get to know you as a person, taking into account all aspects of your life. I am dedicated to a holistic approach of treating the whole person, rather than a list of symptoms, although my ultimate goal remains to help you feel more at peace and fulfilled in your life. 

 

I have worked evaluating, diagnosing, and treating anxiety and depression symptoms throughout my career. In my Orange County and San Diego offices, I offer a safe and nurturing environment to work through what you may be facing. Together we will learn skills to increase your understanding, acceptance, and compassion for yourself and others. Building a new awareness and perspective on your life will lead to more peace and better functioning overall.