Therapy for Anxiety

Do you feel like your mind won’t stop running, no matter how much you try to calm down?

Anxiety can feel like being stuck in overdrive. Your thoughts race, your body feels tense, and even when you want to relax, your brain keeps scanning for the next problem. Some people notice their anxiety shows up as constant “what ifs,” while others experience panic attacks, restlessness, or trouble sleeping. Over time, anxiety can take a toll on your health, relationships, and overall sense of control in your life.

You may notice:

Difficulty falling or staying asleep because your mind won’t stop replaying the day
A constant sense of dread, even when nothing “bad” is happening
Physical symptoms like stomachaches, muscle tension, or headaches
Avoiding situations because of fear of panic or embarrassment
Overthinking and second-guessing every decision
Feeling disconnected from the present moment because your brain is always planning ahead or worrying about what could go wrong

Even though anxiety is incredibly common, it can feel lonely. You may look around and wonder how others seem to manage so easily, while you’re constantly running on high alert.

How Therapy Helps with Anxiety

Therapy doesn’t try to eliminate anxiety completely — your brain is working hard to keep you safe, after all. Instead, therapy helps you keep what’s useful about your anxious brain while reducing patterns that hold you back, like overthinking, avoidance, or constant worry. I use a combination of evidence-based strategies tailored to your needs:

CBT to challenge anxious thoughts. For example, the belief “If I make a mistake, everything will fall apart” can be tested against real-life evidence. This helps you see situations more realistically and reduces the grip of worry.

ACT to build acceptance and flexibility. This approach helps you notice anxious thoughts without letting them control your actions, and learn to move toward your values even when fear is present.

Exposure work to gently face what you avoid. This might mean speaking up in a meeting, attending a social event, or riding in an elevator if it triggers panic. Over time, your brain learns you can tolerate discomfort without needing to escape.

DBT skills like TIPP and grounding provide fast-acting tools to manage intense physical symptoms of anxiety, such as racing heart, shortness of breath, or tense muscles.

Exploration of values and priorities. Therapy helps you focus on what truly matters to you, instead of letting anxiety dictate your choices, so you can act with intention and live more fully in the present.

Over time, these approaches build new patterns: less avoidance, less overthinking, and more freedom to engage with your life in meaningful ways.

Imagine Life Beyond Anxiety

Imagine being able to sit down and actually enjoy dinner without your brain running through tomorrow’s to-do list. Imagine walking into a meeting or social gathering without the pit in your stomach. Imagine going to bed at night and actually falling asleep, without the endless loop of “what if” keeping you awake.

Therapy can’t erase all stress from life, but it can teach you how to respond differently so that anxiety no longer runs the show.

FAQ

How do I know if my anxiety is “normal” stress or something more?

Stress is a normal part of life. Anxiety becomes a concern when it feels persistent, excessive, and difficult to control — or when it interferes with daily life. For example, worrying about a presentation the night before is normal. Lying awake for weeks, avoiding the presentation altogether, or experiencing panic symptoms may signal an anxiety disorder.

What’s the difference between anxiety and panic attacks?

Anxiety is often a constant, background state of worry and tension. Panic attacks are intense episodes of fear that come on suddenly, often with physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, dizziness, or a feeling of “losing control.” Many people with anxiety experience both. Therapy can help you manage panic by teaching you how to ride out the wave of symptoms rather than fear them.

Why does my anxiety feel physical, not just mental?

Anxiety activates your body’s fight-or-flight system, releasing adrenaline and stress hormones. That’s why you may feel shaky, sweaty, short of breath, or tense. Therapy helps by retraining both your mind and your body — using grounding skills, relaxation techniques, and exposure to reduce the brain’s overactive alarm system.

Can therapy help if I’ve already tried self-help strategies?

Yes. Many people come to therapy after trying meditation apps, self-help books, or lifestyle changes. While those tools can be helpful, therapy provides personalized support and deeper strategies. We explore why anxiety shows up in your specific life, and build a tailored plan that you can’t always get from a one-size-fits-all approach.

How does anxiety impact relationships and work?

Anxiety can create strain in relationships when worry turns into irritability, over-analysis, or constant reassurance-seeking. At work, anxiety can lead to procrastination, perfectionism, or burnout from never feeling “good enough.” Therapy can help you set boundaries, reduce overthinking, and focus your energy on what truly matters rather than the endless “what ifs.”

Contact me today
for your free consultation.

(970) 658-1006

therapy@juliaschafer.com

Free 30-min Consultation