Therapy for Anxiety Virginia and North Carolina
Anxiety doesn't have to stop you from living your life
Anxious thoughts and feelings can lead to long term patterns of avoidance, unhealthy coping strategies, and feelings of hopelessness and depression. You might believe that your anxiety is unique and that you are alone in their suffering. But, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, just under 20% of the U.S. adult population has an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are more common than any other mental health diagnosis. You are not alone and there is help available.
Some Anxiety Is Normal — and Actually Helpful
Some anxiety is normal and actually good.
We want anxiety to turn on adrenaline when we’re faced with dangerous or life-threatening situations. By feeling anxious, we can get out of harm’s way. Anxiety can also help us meet deadlines, finish challenging tasks, and show how much we care about someone. When anxiety is in its proper place, it is a helpful tool for humans.
For about 20% of the U.S. adult population, anxiety has become a dictator or a mean, manipulative “friend.” In these individuals, anxiety becomes a way of life instead of a part of life. It can grow into a persistent state that interferes with all areas of life, becoming uncomfortable, debilitating, and limiting your ability to live fully.
Symptoms of Anxiety
- Persistent feelings of tension, stress, or being “on edge”
- Racing or intrusive thoughts
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Tightness in the chest
- Skipping, racing, or pounding heartbeat
- Stomach discomfort
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Feeling tired, weak, or easily exhausted
Common Anxiety Disorders
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Phobias
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Panic Disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Just because you experience anxiety does not mean you have an anxiety disorder. This is something you will explore in counseling with an anxiety therapist in Virginia. Together, you’ll look at the intensity, frequency, duration, and symptoms of your anxiety. Certain criteria must be met to receive a clinical diagnosis.
Some anxiety is normal — and in the right balance, it can even be beneficial.
Treating an anxiety disorder varies from person to person.
But, most people with anxiety find relief through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT involves:
- Examining your thoughts and beliefs
- Identifying distortions in negative and unhelpful thinking patterns
- And working to reframe your thoughts to be more helpful and accurate
People can feel better on their own without therapy. Humans are very good at finding ways to reduce or relieve pain. But, not all coping skills prove to be beneficial in the long run. By the time a person comes to anxiety therapy, they have likely tried many other tactics to find relief.
Some common anxiety-reducing strategies and coping skills people try are:
- Avoidance
- Perfectionism
- Alcohol/drugs
- Scrolling social media, news, tv
- Reassurance seeking
- Worrying/ruminating
- Overindulging or restricting food
- Control
- Isolating
- Negative self-talk
- Physical aggression
These strategies might provide some immediate relief from your overwhelming thoughts and feelings. But, these strategies only provide temporary relief. Plus there are a significant amount of long-term consequences and risks that go with them. Engaging in any of these strategies will actually strengthen and worsen a anxiety symptoms.
- Consuming a healthy diet
- Prioritizing quality sleep
- Moving your body daily
- Being outside and in nature
- Deep breathing
- Taking anti-anxiety medication
- Taking vitamins and supplements
- Allowing yourself to feel anxious
- Talking to a trusted person
- Positive self-talk
- Flexible thought patterns and beliefs
People who seek treatment for their anxiety, want to feel better as soon as possible.
Most people do report an improvement in mood and symptoms within several sessions. But, it is also common to experience an increase in anxiety when first starting therapy. One reason for this is fear of the unknown and trying something new. Another reason for this is that to reduce your anxiety you will have to be willing to face some of your fears. This should occur in a strategic way and with the support of the therapist. Depending on the severity of your anxiety, most people feel noticeable relief from anywhere between 3 to 24 sessions. You and your anxiety therapist will be routinely evaluating progress. They will determine what is working and what is not working to help you find relief as soon as possible.
One of the most important parts of any therapy is the therapeutic relationship between the client and the anxiety therapist.
A therapeutic relationship is one in which you feel safe, heard, valued, and experience a sense of emotional connection with the therapist. It is within this context of safety and care that people find the most healing from their overwhelming thoughts and feelings.
View the resources page so that you can dive in and tackle your anxiety today or schedule your appointment online now.
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Here to Support You
Regardless of the type of anxiety or OCD you are experiencing, online therapy can help you feel better. Initially, it might be overwhelming when you reach out for help and try new things, but relief will soon follow. The cost of doing nothing is too high, and you have a beautiful life to live. With the proper support, you can feel better.
My Approach to Online Therapy
I approach online therapy the same way I approach in-person therapy. My goal is to help you develop strength, confidence, and skills to handle unwanted thoughts and feelings. We will work together to help you understand your thoughts and emotions and identify your particular cycle of anxiety or OCD. You will learn new information and how to respond to triggers that will help you live life according to your values instead of according to anxious rules and compulsive rituals. You will be met with empathy, compassion, and non-judgment. We will work together at a pace that suits your needs and goals. Everyone’s journey is different, and I will meet you where you are. I have extensive training to treat anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder using evidence-based methods such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure and response prevention, and acceptance and commitment therapy.
You don't have to wait any longer. Begin online therapy today.
To start your therapy journey with Evercare Counseling, please follow these simple steps:
Other Services Offered with Evercare Counseling
In addition to online therapy, in-person therapy is available for anyone within driving distance of Clemmons, NC (just outside of Winston-Salem, NC). Online therapy for anxiety and OCD is available to residents of North Carolina, Virginia, and Florida. Additional specializations offered by Evercare Counseling are ERP therapy, therapy for women, Christian counseling, parent coaching, and more. Check out the blog or common questions to learn more helpful info!