Anxiety
At some point we’ve all experienced anxiety. It’s an important response that prepares us for action in stressful situations. Being nervous for a test means you’ll likely study, or being nervous for a job interview means you’ll likely prepare. The problem comes when this preparation cycle gets out of control. This might look like fleeing from situations, being unable to speak or articulate thoughts in front of others, excessive sweating, constant fear of the unknown, or being completely frozen. It is at this point that this preparation cycle appears to be doing more harm than good.
This over preparation can leave us feeling disconnected from those around us, feeling like we don’t belong, or that we are in some way peculiar to the point where others won’t want to associate with us. Most of us spent two years living in isolation and disconnected from others, so it us understandable how you may have developed anxiety. However, it is important to work through these feelings as they may be holding you back from living a truly meaningful and fulfilling life.
What will therapy look like?
There are ways in which we can work together to improve the symptoms of anxiety you are feeling. By utilizing methods developed in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Existentialism we can assess those opportunities for improvement, develop plans, and reassess progress.
I believe that therapy shouldn’t be something that is done to you, but that you are engaged in. I practice from a feedback informed model, meaning that I am looking for your feedback. What is working, what you enjoy, what is difficult, and if you feel that the environment is a safe place where you’re able to express yourself. Part of this therapy will be doing things outside of our sessions together, but it is important that we agree upon these goals, as your investment into the treatment plan is important to me. This is the goal, and when this is achieved it will allow us to work together to create the life you want to aim at.
