Therapy for Anxiety

therapist for anxiety in Los Angeles, Pasadena, across California & Washington

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Anxiety Affects Us All in Different Ways.

Anxiety has a way of manifesting uniquely in each of us. For some, it’s that constant, underlying worry that never quite goes away. For others, it strikes in sudden, intense waves of panic that feel overwhelming. It might show up as restlessness, an inability to focus, or even physical symptoms like a racing heart and shortness of breath. This difference means that no two experiences with anxiety are exactly alike, and understanding this can help you understand your experiences better. At Oak and Stone Therapy, we recognize the importance of understanding how anxiety shows up for you and tailoring our treatment to your personal experiences and needs.

you might be feeling one or more of the following:

Helpless

Anticipatory

Overwhelmed

Impatient

Hypervigilant

Jittery

Apprehensive

Nervous

Tense

Restless

Worried

Fearful

Panicked

Uneasy

On edge

Dreadful

Distracted

Alert

Irritable

Agitated

Stressed

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Anxiety affects your Body.

Anxiety can stem from various physiological factors, including neurotransmitter imbalances, hormonal changes, chronic medical conditions, and nutritional deficiencies. These factors, alongside lifestyle habits like poor diet, lack of exercise, and sleep deprivation, influence the autonomic nervous system and contribute to anxiety's physical manifestations. At Oak and Stone Therapy, we provide holistic support and collaborate with medical professionals to rule out possible medical conditions that may contribute to anxiety to ensure comprehensive care.

you might be experiencing one or more of the following:

Racing or pounding heart.

Irregular heartbeats or the feeling that your heart is skipping beats.

Difficulty breathing or feeling like you can’t get enough air

Hyperventilation or shallow quick breaths

Muscle tightness, often in the neck, shoulders, and back

Nausea, feeling queasy, or having an upset stomach

Digestive issues, such as bloating, diarrhea, or constipation

Having difficulty feeling rested

Lightheaded, dizzy, or faint

Frequent tension. headaches, or migraines

Excessive sweating, often unrelated to temperature or physical exertion

Hot flashes, or sudden feelings of heat usually in the upper body

Feeling the need to urinate more frequently

Unusual dryness in the mouth

Fatigue without much physical exertion

Trouble falling asleep and/or staying asleep

Anxiety can significantly alter daily behaviors, leading to avoidance, procrastination, compulsive actions, sleep disturbances, heightened vigilance, and self-soothing behaviors. Recognizing these patterns is crucial for effective anxiety management. At Oak and Stone Therapy, we help you understand how your behaviors reflect your needs and develop healthier coping strategies.

Anxiety affects your behaviors.

you might be coping in one or more of the following ways:

Avoiding social interactions and situations, leading to isolation.

Frequently putting off tasks or responsibilities due to fear of failure or inadequacy.

Avoiding places, people, or activities that may trigger anxiety.

Frequently seeking reassurance from others about various concerns.

Excessive preparation or planning to avoid potential problems.

Using substances, such as alcohol or drugs, as a way to cope with or numb anxious feelings

Overeating or undereating

Being hard on yourself for making mistakes

Being rigid about rules and expectations, having difficulty with being flexible

Engaging in repetitive behaviors or rituals to reduce anxiety (common in obsessive-compulsive disorder)

Immersing yourself in work or tasks to distract from anxious thoughts

Engaging in repetitive motions like tapping, leg shaking, or hair twirling

Fidgeting, pacing bath and forth, having difficulty being still

Becoming easily irritated or agitated, often lashing out at others

Frequent episodes of crying, sometimes without a clear reason

Being excessively critical of yourself, striving for perfection

Controlling tendencies within your relationships

Sensitivity to sounds, visual cues, and any sensory stimulation

Anxiety fuels negative thought cycles: worst-case scenarios, relentless worry, self-doubt, and constant vigilance, resulting in mental exhaustion. You may find yourself stuck in a cycle of self-criticism, overthinking every action and doubting your worth. Anxiety can also make you hypervigilant, always on the lookout for potential threats, which can be mentally exhausting. Understanding these thought patterns is crucial, as it allows you to seek the right help and strategies to manage your anxiety effectively. At Oak and Stone Therapy, our anxiety therapists employ mindfulness, somatic interventions, and practical tools, targeting the core beliefs and emotions that drive anxiety, rather than temporary fixes.

anxiety affects your thoughts.

you might be ruminating over one or more of the following thoughts:

"What if something bad happens?"

"I can't handle this."

"Everyone is judging me."

"I'm going to fail."

"I can't stop worrying."

"What if I make a mistake?"

"Everything feels overwhelming."

"Something's wrong with me."

"I'm not good enough."

"I have to be perfect."

"Why can't I relax?"

"What if I lose control?"

"I can't trust anyone."

"I'm going to embarrass myself."

"I don't know what to do."

"What if I can't breathe?"

"I can't focus on anything."

"I'm always nervous."

"I feel like something terrible is about to happen."

"Why can't I just be normal?"

faqs about anxiety therapy

  • Our approach to anxiety therapy as a therapist involves several key components:

    Recognize the Symptoms

    Anxiety can manifest in various ways, including your physical body, spiritual body, emotions, mind, and behaviors. Being able to identify the full picture is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

    Understand the Causes

    Anxiety can be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. It's important to consider your family history, any chronic illnesses, life changes, trauma, and stressors that may contribute to your anxiety.

    Assess the Impact

    We want to evaluate how anxiety affects your daily life, relationships, work, and overall well-being. Understanding the severity and impact of anxiety can help tailor the treatment approach to the your specific needs.

    Develop a Treatment Plan

    Create a comprehensive treatment plan that may include psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and support systems. Collaborate with you to set realistic goals and monitor progress.

    Map out your cycle of underlying emotions, coping mechanisms, and impact on yourself and relationships.

    Gaining awareness of the pattern of how you specifically experience your pain and cope can offer important insight to what your treatment involves.

    Provide Psychoeducation

    Educate you about anxiety, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Support you in gaining insight to your history with your pain and coping mechanisms.

    Implement Experiential Exercises to Reclaim New Messages about your Pain

    As therapists, we use our intuition, expertise, and creativity to help you to address your pain with new messages, stories, and truths so that you can live the life your deserve.

    Introduce New Coping Strategies

    Teach you new self-care practices and coping strategies to manage your symptoms. This may include mindfulness, exercise, healthy eating, and stress management techniques.

    Practice

    Practice and integrate what you have learned in therapy, in different settings and situations from your everyday life until your new positive self-talk and coping mechanisms become automatic and more natural.

  • 1. Reach out to a therapist and/or psychiatrist to start your healing journey.

    • Therapist/Counselor: A mental health professional can provide strategies and support through therapy.

    • Psychiatrist: Medication might be necessary and should be managed by a psychiatrist.

    2. Build a Support System

    • Talk to Trusted People: Open up to friends or family members who can offer emotional support.

    • Support Groups: Joining a support group can help you feel less isolated and provide a sense of community.

    3. Lifestyle Changes

    • Exercise Regularly: Physical activity can boost endorphins and improve mood.

    • Balanced Diet: Nutrient-rich foods support overall health, including mental health.

    • Adequate Sleep: Establish a regular sleep routine to ensure you're getting enough rest.

    4. Mindfulness and Relaxation

    • Meditation: Helps manage stress and improve emotional well-being.

    • Breathing Exercises: Simple techniques to calm the mind and body.

    5. Healthy Coping Mechanisms

    • Creative Outlets: Engage in activities like drawing, writing, or playing music.

    • Hobbies: Pursue interests that bring you joy and provide a sense of accomplishment.

    6. Set Realistic Goals

    • Small Achievements: Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

    • Celebrate Success: Acknowledge and reward yourself for each accomplishment.

    7. Limit Stress

    • Identify Stressors: Recognize and try to reduce sources of stress in your life.

    • Time Management: Plan and prioritize tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

    8. Avoid Substance Use

    • Limit Alcohol: Alcohol can worsen depression symptoms.

    • Avoid Drugs: Drugs can have a negative impact on your mental health.

    9. Positive Thinking

    • Challenge Negative Thoughts: Replace negative thoughts with positive, realistic ones.

    • Gratitude Practice: Focus on positive aspects of your life and express gratitude regularly.

    10. Consider Alternative Treatments

    • Acupuncture: Some find relief through holistic treatments like acupuncture.

    • Supplements: Consult with a healthcare provider about potential supplements, like omega-3 fatty acids.

    Remember, everyone's journey with anxiety is unique, and finding the right combination of strategies can take time. It’s important to be patient and compassionate with yourself throughout the process.

Begin your therapy for anxiety