Anxiety: A Guide from a Licensed Therapist

Anxiety is a natural emotion that everyone experiences, but when it becomes overwhelming or persistent, it can interfere with daily life. As a licensed therapist, my goal is to help you understand anxiety, recognize its triggers, and guide you through managing its impact on your life.

Speak with Leila about Anxiety

Leila Hodzic therapist sits across from a patient

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or fear about an event or situation. While occasional anxiety is a normal response to stress, chronic anxiety can manifest as a mental health condition. It often involves intense, excessive, and prolonged worry about everyday situations, causing significant distress.

There are several types of anxiety disorders.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life.
Panic Disorder
Recurrent panic attacks, which are sudden episodes of intense fear.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Extreme fear of social situations.
Phobias
Intense fear of specific objects or situations.

Recognizing Anxiety Attacks

Anxiety attacks, also known as panic attacks, are intense episodes of fear or discomfort. They may happen suddenly and last for minutes or longer. Common symptoms of anxiety attacks include:

  • Shortness of breath

  • Racing or pounding heart

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness

  • Sweating or chills

  • Chest pain

  • Nausea or stomach discomfort

  • Feelings of losing control or detachment from reality

If you experience any of these symptoms frequently, it may be an indication of an anxiety disorder. Identifying these attacks and their triggers is key to managing anxiety effectively.

How Therapy Can Help with Anxiety

Therapy is a proven and effective way to manage and reduce anxiety. As a licensed therapist, I use evidence-based techniques to help you:

Understand your anxiety

We will explore what triggers your anxiety and how it impacts your life.

Develop coping strategies

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective methods for managing anxiety. It involves changing negative thought patterns and developing healthy responses to anxiety triggers.

Reduce anxiety symptoms

Through relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and gradual exposure to triggers, therapy helps to alleviate the physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety.

Build resilience

Therapy empowers you with tools to manage stress and anxiety long-term.

The journey to managing anxiety is different for everyone, but therapy offers a safe and supportive environment to explore your emotions and develop coping mechanisms that work for you.

Leila Hodzic therapist sits relaxed cross legged in comfortable chair

Book a Consultation Today

If anxiety is affecting your quality of life, it's important to seek help. Therapy provides a confidential and supportive space where you can explore your feelings and develop effective coping strategies. I am here to guide you through the process of understanding and managing your anxiety.

Take the first step toward a calmer, more balanced life. Together, we can work to reduce the impact of anxiety on your daily well-being and help you regain control.