You constantly worry about what is going to happen. You can't stop thinking about all the possible things that could go wrong.
You may not remember the first time you experienced anxiety. You tell yourself "I just worry too much, that's all. It's not anxiety." However, your stomach is often in knots. Your heart pounds. Your mind races with all sorts of negative thoughts. You're afraid you're going to fail, that you'll be embarrassed, that you're going to let everyone down. You feel like your thoughts are out of control. You just want to curl up into a ball and hide away.
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Maybe it's time to look at anxiety treatment.
Anxiety Counseling Can Help Tame Your Worry Monster
As an anxiety counselor, I can help quiet the noise of your anxiety symptoms.
A few years ago I was on a hike and ran into a black bear. I was unprepared and didn't have bear spray. My body's natural response to this situation was anxiety. We naturally experience anxiety in the presence of dangerous situations.
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The problem is, we experience anxiety in situations that aren't actually dangerous. Meeting new people, or giving a presentation at work can make us nervous, sure. However, that becomes a problem when it prevents us from living our life how we want.
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That is where I come in as an anxiety counselor. Getting treatment for anxiety with an experienced anxiety therapist can help you overcome your constant worries. Whether you experience social anxiety, are paralyzed by fear before a school exam, or avoid doing things due to anxiety, anxiety therapy can support you as you work to tame your anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety Symptoms
Recognizing the symptoms of anxiety is the first step to calming the noise.
As an anxiety counselor, I have seen anxiety shown in many different ways. Everyone is unique, so it is no surprise that anxiety symptoms can look different in different people. As I have provided anxiety treatment there are some common symptoms of anxiety I have seen in anxiety counseling sessions. Here are some of the common anxiety symptoms I have seen in anxiety counseling.
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Feeling nervous or on edge. We all have been nervous at some point. It's a concern when it doesn't go away.
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Not being able to stop worrying. You've taken care of the problem but the worry isn't gone or the next worry barges in.
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Worrying about many different things. Everywhere you turn something makes you worry too much.
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Feeling restless. You feel like you can't sit still. You need to be doing something to "fix" whatever is worrying you.
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Being annoyed easily. Feeling like everything and everyone is getting on your nerves. You constantly feel irritable.
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These are only some of the symptoms of anxiety. To learn more about anxiety symptoms, check out this blog post I wrote.
A Note on Panic Attacks
Panic attacks, also known as anxiety attacks can occur with many different mental health concerns, not just anxiety. Some of the symptoms include:
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Pounding heart
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Sweating
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Trembling or shaking
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Shortness of breath
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Feeling like you're choking
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Chest pain
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Feeling dizzy
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Feeling detached from yourself
These are only some of the symptoms of anxiety attacks. To learn more about anxiety attack symptoms, check out this blog post I wrote.
How I Treat Anxiety as an Anxiety Counselor
When treating anxiety symptoms, I work hard to focus on you as an individual and your unique experience with anxiety.
You are tired of the constant tension and stress that anxiety has caused you. At this point, you feel as though something has to change. Getting treatment for anxiety through anxiety counseling can help make that change.
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Anxiety therapy or anxiety counseling, is a chance to explore with me what your "triggers" or people, places, things, and even ideas are that kickstart your anxiety symptoms. I often will ask some questions about when and where you feeling anxious. Then we work on identifying patterns you notice.
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The next step is practicing some skills that helps redirect your anxiety. Depending on the triggers you identify, we try out some skills that can help you cope with anxiety symptoms such as deep breathing or setting boundaries.
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How I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as an Anxiety Treatment
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a well researched therapy approach that has been shown to help with many different mental health concerns. One of those is Anxiety. In anxiety counseling with me, I help you explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors associated with the anxiety you experience. Focusing on this trio of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors will help you recognize the big picture of how anxiety is affecting you and what you need to change to feel calm again.
Why Experiencing Triggers of Anxiety Symptoms is an Important Part of Anxiety Therapy
The ultimate goal of anxiety treatment is to reduce anxiety symptoms enough that the triggers which once induced anxiety, no longer have a significant effect on you. An important part of this process is re-experiencing your anxiety triggers. Don't be confused though, we don't jump into experiencing anxiety symptoms and anxiety triggers on day one of anxiety counseling. This experiential approach only is used once you have mastered some important coping skills, have processed much of your anxiety, and feel ready to face your anxiety head on.
What is Holding You Back from Getting Anxiety Treatment?
Seeing an anxiety counselor for anxiety therapy can feel intimidating. Don't let that fear hold you back from treating your anxiety symptoms.
Picture yourself in 6 months. Do you see yourself feeling better with fewer anxiety symptoms? Is what you're doing now going to get you to where you want to be? Don't let anxiety hold you back! See if anxiety treatment with me at Ridgeline Counseling could benefit you.
Start Anxiety Treatment in Pocatello
You just can't stop the anxiety on your own. You have battled anxiety for so long you can't even remember what it was like to not have anxiety symptoms. Well, you're in luck! As an anxiety counselor, I can help you quiet your anxiety symptoms and start to feel more like yourself again. I offer in person treatment for anxiety in Pocatello Idaho. I also offer anxiety treatment through online counseling anywhere in the state of Idaho. When you are ready to begin your anxiety counseling journey, follow these three steps:
Step 1:
Reach out to
Ridgeline Counseling
Step 2:
Meet for an Anxiety Therapy Consultation
Step 3:
Begin Overcoming Your Anxiety
I have multiple ways to be contacted. You can call, email, text, or request an appointment through my client portal. We will then set a time to meet for your initial consultation either over the phone, video, or in person.
I understand how important it is to find a counselor you are comfortable with. So, I offer a free 15 minute consultation where you can ask any questions you may have. This is your chance to see if we're a good fit.
Together, we will develop a plan to face your anxiety head on and learn to cope with its symptoms. I try to tailor treatment to your individual needs, my experience as a therapist, and what I know helps anxiety.
Not Quite Ready to Start Therapy?
Check out these blog posts about anxiety, anxiety treatment, and anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety is one of my specialties. As a result, I enjoy sharing information about how to cope with anxiety, what anxiety symptoms can look like, and how anxiety therapy can be useful. Browse these blog posts I've written to find some helpful information about anxiety.
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Blog post 1
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Blog post 2
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Blog post 3
Other Mental Health Services at Ridgeline Counseling
Anxiety treatment isn't the only service I offer. Life is hard and we rarely experience one problem at a time. I work with a variety of mental health concerns. At Ridgeline Counseling in Pocatello, I also offer depression counseling, bi-polar disorder counseling, borderline personality disorder therapy, couples and marriage counseling, trauma therapy and PTSD treatment, and more! I am here to help.