Online Therapy for Anxiety
Have you ever been called a worrier, accused of not being able to let something go, or told you care too much about how things appear to others? Do you often find yourself stuck in a cycle of thinking about the worst case scenario that leaves you feeling frozen? Have you stopped doing things you used to enjoy because you’re concerned about possible negative outcomes that strip the joy out of these activities?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, you may be dealing with higher than average levels of anxiety. Many people find themselves accepting a life limited by anxiety as normal, but you don’t have to live with these overwhelming feelings of worry, fear, or concern. Through online therapy for anxiety, you can begin to reclaim control over these complex feelings and develop skills to manage your anxiety in healthier ways. On this page, you’ll be able to read a little more about anxiety and how therapy with the Lakeside Counseling team can help.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural response in many situations. It’s part of our body’s response system that is designed to keep us safe from potential dangers, and when something dangerous happens, an anxiety response allows us to be on higher alert, hyper focus on specific details, and generally be able to respond more quickly if something goes wrong. So, when we’re doing something that could threaten our wellbeing like driving on an icy road, anxiety is a beneficial response that helps us safely navigate the situation. Once we’re done driving on the icy road, the anxiety alleviates, and our minds and bodies relax. Unfortunately, many sources of anxiety today aren’t as easily resolved. For instance, maybe you’re not performing well at work. You’re doing everything you can to improve, but you worry that your employer won’t recognize your hard work and will choose to fire you. This source of anxiety isn’t so easily resolved. Even if you talk to your employer about the situation, it can take a long time to reestablish a sense of confidence in the workplace. So, when and how does your mind know it’s okay to let go of that anxiety?
Situations like this are very common, and many people find themselves experiencing high levels of anxiety that doesn’t seem to resolve. In many cases, this anxiety is related to more than one thing. Maybe workplace concerns have negatively impacted your romantic partnership because you’re spending more time at work trying to develop your professional abilities. Now, you’re also concerned about your relationship. It’s easy to see how anxiety can quickly escalate. The good news is therapy can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage anxiety and live a more fulfilling life.
Who Can Benefit from Therapy for Anxiety?
If you’re struggling with anxiety in one or more aspect of your life, therapy can help. You don’t need a specific diagnosis or feel like you’ve reached a point of crisis to benefit from therapy. If anxiety is negatively impacting your day, therapy for anxiety may be the right choice. Some signs that anxiety is having an effect on your life include:
If you are avoiding people, places, or activities you once enjoyed
You are being overwhelmed by the physical effects of anxiety (rapid heart rate, trembling, sweating, etc.)
Difficulty focusing or remembering details is impacting your work, education, or relationships
Your diet, sleep, exercise, and other health habits have been negatively impacted
What Happens During Therapy for Anxiety?
During therapy for anxiety, your therapist will help you identify the sources of your anxiety and develop strategies and tools to manage its effects. During therapy sessions, you’ll learn and practice skills for managing anxiety. Then, your therapist will encourage you to find ways to apply these strategies outside therapy sessions. At your next appointment, you’ll review your progress and continue to set goals to relieve and reduce anxiety and manage the effects of anxiety on your daily life.
Get Started with a Consultation
At Lakeside Counseling, we begin the therapy process with a consultation to test internet connection, ensure the level of comfort with technology, and that we are a good fit to work together. When you’re ready to get started, we look forward to hearing from you.