Therapy for a Better You

 

Living with anxiety can be extremely challenging.  Fortunately, anxiety is a very treatable issue and  I offer counselling in Edmonton, with a variety of approaches that can help you navigate the complexities of anxiety and discover a path to relief and a brighter future. In this write up we will explore different anxiety issues while highlighting my integrated treatment approach, so you can decide if my support is right for yo

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Understanding Anxiety Disorders and Issues

 

Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health issues with some of the best treatment outcomes.  Unfortunately, the tendancy to avoid things, which is the major factor in increasing anxiety, unfortunately leads people to avoid therapy!  There are a variety of conditions characterized by excessive worry, fear, and persistent feelings of unease.  How do you know if you need help?  Ask yourself if it is negatively impacting your daily life. I can help with a variety of anxiety disorders and issues, including:

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1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive worry and anxiety about various aspects of life, often without a specific cause or focus.

2. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): Intense fear and anxiety in social situations, leading to avoidance and discomfort.

3. Panic Disorder: Recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, characterized by sudden and intense episodes of fear or discomfort.

4. Specific Phobias: Extreme and irrational fear of specific objects, situations, or activities, leading to avoidance.

5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) aimed at reducing anxiety, often interfering with daily life.

6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Anxiety triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, often accompanied by flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.

7. Separation Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear or distress when separated from a specific person or place.

8. Agoraphobia: Fear of being in situations or places where escape might be difficult or embarrassing, leading to avoidance of certain environments.

9. Health Anxiety (Hypochondria): Persistent and excessive worry about having a serious illness, despite minimal or no medical evidence.

10. Performance Anxiety: Overwhelming anxiety and fear of performing or speaking in front of others, impacting one's ability to perform or function effectively.

11. Hoarding: Persistent difficulty parting with possessions, leading to excessive accumulation and distress.

12. Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Excessive preoccupation with perceived flaws or defects in one's appearance, leading to significant distress and impairment.

13. Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder: Anxiety symptoms that occur due to substance use or withdrawal from substances.

14. Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety: Development of significant anxiety symptoms following a stressful life event or significant life changes.

15. Anxiety Disorder Due to Medical Condition: Anxiety symptoms that arise as a result of a known medical condition or medication side effects.

16. Situational Anxiety: Anxiety related to specific life events or situations, such as exams, job interviews, or public speaking.

17. Acute Stress Disorder: Anxiety and other symptoms that develop within one month following exposure to a traumatic event.

18. Specific Anxiety Disorders related to cultural or religious factors: Anxiety disorders that have specific cultural or religious contexts or triggers.

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My Integrated Treatment Approach

 

I believe in tailoring treatment to meet your unique needs. My integrated approach combines evidence-based therapies to effectively address anxiety disorders. Here's a glimpse into the treatments we can pursue:

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1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Together, we will identify and challenge negative thought patterns, replacing them with healthier, more adaptive thinking styles.

2. Exposure Therapy: I will guide you through gradual exposure to anxiety-inducing situations, helping you build resilience and reduce avoidance behaviors.

3. Hypnosis: This approach is best used to improve outcomes with CBT and Exposure therapy.  Research shows people have better and outcomes when Hypnosis is used.

4. Mindfulness: I will introduce mindfulness techniques such as meditation, to help you cultivate present-moment awareness and reduce anxiety.

5. Rock Climbing Therapy: Utilizing the power of physical challenges and mindfulness in rock climbing to reduce and manage anxiety.

6. Biofeedback:  Incorporating biofeedback techniques to help individuals gain awareness and control over their physiological responses, facilitating anxiety management and decrease stress responses.

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I understand the impact anxiety can have on your life, relationships, and overall well-being. Please reach out if you need any support with your anxiety!  I have different counselling locations in Edmonton.  Below is a reference map for your convenience.  Alternatively, we can meet in neutral spaces such as parks and walk or talk at a picnic table which can be much less stressful then a professional office.