Anxiety Therapy
Struggling with anxiety, sleep problems, and relationship issues is miserable. Sometimes, we doubt whether we can get better, or if it’s worth the energy and money to work on our brains. Let me share some reasons why I believe it’s almost always a good time to start therapy for anxiety:
Anxiety is HIGHLY TREATABLE.
It’s a thing of the past to say “I’m just an anxious person.” As an anxiety researcher and doctoral-level psychologist, let me reassure you:
You are not fated to suffer from anxiety for the rest of your life.
You can learn tools to open up, calm your nervous system, and do what matters.
It’s Not Too Late, and You’re Not Too Far Gone.
It’s not too late. I’ve helped people in their 80’s find relief from their anxious minds. It is possible, as long as you have willingness to show up and practice.
Therapy is work, but living with anxiety is more work.
Tried therapy before and it didn’t help? First, I am deeply sorry. Anxiety can feel unbearable and you deserve a break. Second, if you are not getting the right approach, you will likely not feel better. Did therapy ‘feel good’ but not last afterwards? Did you notice your therapist reassuring you but not assigning challenging tasks outside of session? Perhaps you need a different fit. Give it a shot- usually you’ll know within 3-4 sessions if it’ll work for you.
Treatment isn’t forever.
That’s right. Think: a few months, NOT a few years. You should start to feel hopeful and informed after a session or two, and you should start to feel your coping toolbox get bigger and bigger with each session. Open-door policy, of course, but, ideally, you’ll be working towards specific goals and wrap up when enough of them have been met.
