How we help people struggling with Anxiety
I am not sure what led my mother to tell me about 25 or so years ago that, it would be a good idea for me to talk to someone. Mind you, many decades ago in Northern part of India, the concept of counselling was not popular. I do remember that as a youth when academic pressure was high, friendship dynamics complex and family drama off putting, I was overwhelmed. Talking to a psychotherapist definitely helped me navigate those challenging years in some ways but so did several other tools.
Let’s briefly discuss today what is Anxiety Counselling, how do we approach anxiety at Wellness North Counselling Practice and what are its benefits. Anxiety is in-built in human beings, it serves us in many ways, it has an evolutionary purpose and protects us but when it gets out of hand or when our system latches onto only one way of existing i.e. by being anxious then it becomes problematic. Anxiety can hinder us from living a fulfilling, peaceful life and that’s where our team comes in and serves BC residents in finding and implementing ways to reduce their anxiety.
Anxiety counselling services that we offer at our practice is very subjective and based on individuals needs, struggles and goals. Our counselling is a therapeutic process designed to help individuals understand, manage, and alleviate their anxiety-related issues. Anxiety is a common human emotion, but it can become overwhelming and disruptive when it becomes chronic or severe. Various counselling approaches like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Somatic Work, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) can aid in its management.
Are you wondering what Is Anxiety? Anxiety is a natural response to stress or danger. It's an inbuilt, evolutionary survival mechanism that prepares the body to respond to threats. When faced with a perceived danger, the body releases stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, triggering the "fight or flight" response. While this response is essential for our safety, excessive or persistent anxiety can lead to a range of emotional, physical, and behavioral problems.
What Does Anxiety Look Like? Anxiety can manifest in various ways, both emotionally and physically. Some common emotional and behavioral signs of anxiety that we often see in our clients include:
Excessive Worry: Constantly worrying about future events, even if they're unlikely to occur.
Restlessness: Feeling on edge, jittery, or unable to relax.
Avoidance: Avoiding situations or places that trigger anxiety.
Irritability: Becoming easily agitated or frustrated.
Difficulty Concentrating: Finding it hard to focus due to racing thoughts.
Physically, anxiety can lead to symptoms such as:
Rapid Heartbeat: Palpitations or a pounding heart.
Shortness of Breath: Shallow or rapid breathing.
Muscle Tension: Tense muscles, especially in the neck, shoulders, and jaw.
Sweating: Excessive perspiration, even in non-stressful situations.
Digestive Issues: Nausea, stomachaches, or diarrhea.
Take a moment to reflect - How does your Anxiety impact you? For me - Anxiety can feel overwhelming and distressing. People with anxiety often describe feeling a sense of impending doom, fear, or dread. Physically, it can manifest as a tightness in the chest, a knot in the stomach, or a feeling of being "on edge." Anxiety can also cause racing thoughts and an inability to relax or sleep. From time to time, I struggle with insomnia due to my anxiety.
Some counselling Approaches we use for Anxiety - This list is not comprehensive as many of our therapists are trained in various other psyho-therapeutic modalities that help alleviate anxiety symptoms.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a widely used approach that focuses on identifying and challenging irrational thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. It helps individuals reframe negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping strategies.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT): EFT combines elements of cognitive therapy and acupressure to address emotional issues. It involves tapping on specific meridian points while focusing on the problem, which can help reduce anxiety and emotional distress.
Somatic Work: This approach recognizes the connection between the mind and body. Somatic therapies, such as somatic experiencing, help individuals release physical tension and trauma stored in the body, promoting relaxation and emotional healing.
Internal Family Systems (IFS): IFS is a psychotherapy model that views the mind as a system of different parts or "subpersonalities." It helps individuals explore and reconcile conflicting emotions and thoughts, reducing anxiety caused by inner turmoil.
Still wondering how counselling can help with anxiety: Well, here is a brief summary
Identification and Understanding: Counselling helps individuals recognize the root causes and triggers of their anxiety. Understanding the underlying issues is crucial for effective management. We go deep down to the roots of trauma like family of origin or difficult experiences and use bottom up approaches to healing
Skill Development: Our therapists teach coping skills and relaxation techniques to folks so they can manage anxiety symptoms effectively.
Behavioral Change: In CBT, individuals learn to modify their thought patterns and behaviors, reducing anxiety-provoking responses. We work on developing response flexibility as oppose to reactivity. We combine art and science of counselling to help folks who are struggling.
Emotional Regulation: Approaches like Mindfulness, DBT, EFT, EMDR and IFS aid in regulating emotions, reducing emotional turmoil that can contribute to anxiety and help us build our distress tolerance capacity.
Holistic Healing: Our Somatic work addresses the physical aspect of anxiety, promoting relaxation and healing on a mind-body level.
I hope you as readers recognize that our anxiety counselling services provide valuable tools and strategies to our local community that can help folks in managing and reducing anxiety. While anxiety is an inbuilt response, it can become problematic when it interferes with daily life. Just trust the process and know that various counselling approaches mentioned above offer effective ways to understand, address, and alleviate anxiety's emotional and physical toll, helping individuals lead happier and more fulfilling lives. If you can’t afford therapy, we have our FREE counselling services ( Limited spots), low-cost and pay what you can models that can be really useful in getting started on the path of healing.
