As humans, we all experience some level of anxiety when faced with uncomfortable situations. As long as we are able to move through it, anxiety does not become much of a problem. For some of us, though, anxiety can be overwhelming and even debilitating.
When anxiety develops into a disorder, it changes your ability to respond to your environment in natural and appropriate ways, and you may experience symptoms ranging from excessive worrying and racing thoughts to heart palpitations and shortness of breath. Your mind and your body perceive danger, which interferes with your ability to make decisions, have healthy relationships, function at work, and enjoy your life overall.
As your individual therapist, I will help you identify what triggers your anxiety and ways to cope with the symptoms as they arise. You will become so familiar with the specific ways your body and mind manifest anxiety that you will be able to catch it before it overwhelms you - in this way, you will regain a feeling of safety and some sense of control over your emotional and physical experience.
While you may have to exercise patience for the process, once you become familiar with the mindfulness and coping strategies that work for you, you will be equipped to manage your anxiety (as well as other distressing emotions) in a healthy way for the rest of your life.