Anxiety can be experienced with fears, phobias, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), generalized anxiety and panic attacks.  It can alert us to dangerous situations by invoking our fight or flight response.  However, it can rise to the level where these anxiety inducing symptoms take over and limit one’s ability to live their best life.

When it comes to treating anxiety disorders, research shows that therapy is an effective option.  Therapy can help to rewire the brain to create new associations by uncovering the underlying causes of worries and fears.  It may also assist with relaxation, developing better coping mechanisms and improving problem-solving skills.  This is known as neuroplasticity, where the brain has the ability to learn, change, and reorganize thoughts, which can help to reduce psychological stress.

Anxiety symptoms may include the following:

• Excessive nervousness, restlessness or tension
• Feelings of danger, dread or uncontrollable worry
• Panic attacks
• Rapid breathing and increased heart rate
• Poor concentration
• Sleep disturbances
• Obsessions and compulsions
• Increased or heavy sweating
• Trembling or muscle twitching
• Avoidance of anxiety inducing experiences or situations
• Anxiety surrounding a traumatic life event or abuse

Therapeutic Interventions:

• Various exposure therapy interventions
• Virtual reality exposure therapy
• Cognitive restructuring
• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques