Anxiety Therapy in the San Francisco Bay Area
+ Online in California and Colorado
Racing pulse? Sweaty palms? Tight chest? Shortness of breath? Difficulty thinking clearly? Feeling “anxious”?
These are some of the most common signs of anxiety, a normal human emotional and physical state that serves to signal us that something important is going on. Anxiety can signal something good, such as our excitement before we see a long lost friend. It can also signal something potentially bad, such as when we imagine making a blundering error just before we start a presentation.
A little anxiety keeps us alert, such as when we are about to cross the street and our anxiety signals us to be cautious and check for traffic before stepping off the curb.
But you’re probably not here because you have a little anxiety ...
Too much anxiety can distract us, make us physically uncomfortable, steal our sleep, lead us to avoid important activities in life, and even increase our risk for stroke, heart attack, and other serious illness.
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I help clients in San Francisco, the Bay Area, and Colorado decrease their suffering from excessive anxiety by working on several fronts: reducing uncomfortable symptoms by increasing coping and relaxation skills; examining and changing anxiety-provoking ways of thinking; and getting to the root causes of the anxiety in order to minimize recurrences and develop mastery over excessive anxiety.
FAQ’S About Anxiety Therapy
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Choosing to seek help for anxiety is a significant step towards improving your mental well-being and overall quality of life. However, it's natural to wonder if anxiety therapy will be effective for your unique situation. The efficacy of anxiety therapy depends on various factors, including the approach used, the therapist's expertise, and your commitment to the process.
Here's what you need to know to determine if anxiety therapy will help you:
1. Tailored Treatment Approach:
Anxiety therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. A skilled therapist will create a personalized treatment approach based on your specific triggers, symptoms, concerns, and goals. Through a comprehensive assessment, they will identify the underlying causes of your anxiety and develop strategies to address them effectively. This tailored approach increases the likelihood of positive outcomes.
2. Evidence-Based Techniques:
Anxiety therapists typically employ evidence-based techniques that have been extensively researched and proven effective in treating anxiety disorders. These may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, mindfulness practices, and more. Such techniques are designed to challenge negative thought patterns, reduce avoidance behaviors, and teach coping mechanisms, leading to symptom reduction and improved emotional resilience.
3. Therapist-Client Relationship:
The therapeutic alliance between you and your therapist plays a crucial role in the success of anxiety therapy. A trusting and empathetic relationship allows for open communication, making it easier to discuss your concerns and feelings. Your therapist will be supportive and non-judgmental, fostering a safe environment for exploration and healing.
4. Willingness to Change:
Your active participation and willingness to engage in the therapeutic process are vital for successful outcomes. Anxiety therapy requires effort, commitment, and patience. By actively implementing the strategies learned in therapy and practicing them in real-life situations, you can gain control over your anxiety and experience lasting positive changes.
5. Realistic Expectations:
While anxiety therapy is highly effective for many individuals, it is essential to have realistic expectations. Progress may take time, and setbacks may occur, but this is normal. Remember that therapy is a journey, and improvement often happens gradually. Celebrate even the smallest victories, as they pave the way to greater emotional well-being.
By taking this important step towards seeking professional help, you are giving yourself the opportunity to develop valuable insight, effective tools, and coping skills and experience relief from anxiety's burden. Remember, you don't have to face anxiety alone – a skilled therapist can guide you towards a happier and more balanced life.
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I offer in-person therapy in Marin County, CA and online therapy through California and Colorado via secure video.
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If you are looking for someone to guide you in the Anxiety therapy process who takes you seriously while being kind and compassionate, and who is skillful, experienced, down-to-earth, and easy to talk to…then I may be the right therapist for you.
When working with clients with problematic anxiety, I bring my nearly 20 years of doctoral level education, training, and clinical experience to create a client-centered, tailor-made treatment approach. I use an integrative approach made of several validated therapy methods including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, mindfulness practices, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
However, my initial and most important focus is on the client-therapist relationship. This starts with making sure we both feel there is a “fit,” then building rapport, and creating conditions where safety is felt, trust is built and communication flows. I always strive to demonstrate unconditional positive regard, empathy, a non-judgmental stance, and a passion to help each client cope, make positive changes, and grow.
In short, I work hard to help my clients ease their anxiety and find their calm and confidence again.
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Yes, and any anxiety you experience during therapy will be expected, planned for, and handled using strategies and skills I will help you develop. Also, any increases in anxiety will be short-lived as you become more successful in therapy. Further, one of the most effective techniques in anxiety therapy is using manageable levels of anxiety to help you lessen your brain's and body’s reactions to certain situations and triggers and for you to develop the confidence that you are fully able to minimize but also tolerate and master your anxiety in the future. In the end, you will learn to ease your anxiety and find your calm and confidence again.
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In total, just shy of 20 years. 11+ as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and 8 as a trainee under the guidance and supervision of some of the wisest and most skilled psychologists in the county.
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This is a common question. The answer is that the time it takes will vary and depends on a number of factors including:
Willingness to engage in the process and actively participate in therapy even when it gets difficult.
Consistency of attendance, and being present and interactive in sessions.
Your symptoms, medical history, other psychiatric diagnosis, medication, trauma, substance use, prior therapy experience, coping abilities, and your therapy goals.
Maintaining open communication with your therapist about your experiences and any concerns you might have during the treatment process.
Beyond all of these factors, most clients start to see some positive change within a month or two, more noticeable improvement in multiple domains around 3-6 months, and stability in improvements including significant reduction in the frequency, intensity and duration of anxiety and increases in their capacity to tolerate and cope with anxiety around 6-12 months—or more depending on those factors mentioned above and others.