Anxiety Therapy
According to the Government of Canada, anxiety disorders are prevalent and rank among the most common mental health issues. It is estimated that approximately one in 10 Canadians are affected by these disorders. Given their wide-reaching impact, addressing anxiety is paramount in promoting overall well-being.
At Words of Hope Counselling Services, we specialize in anxiety therapy including CBT to provide comprehensive support and effective solutions for individuals grappling with anxiety disorders. Our dedicated team of experienced professionals is committed to helping clients regain control, find relief, and achieve renewed hope and empowerment.
Not sure if you have anxiety or if you need anxiety therapy? Anxiety is a normal part of life and we all experience it from time to time but how do you know when it’s time to reach out for support and therapy?
Here are the signs and symptoms of anxiety:
- Feeling nervous, restless or tense
- Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
- Worrying excessively
- Feeling out of control
- Having an increased heart rate
- Trembling
- Sweating
- Breathing rapidly
- Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
Please know that you don’t need to feel this way day in and day out, and you don’t need to suffer endlessly….the reason is, because anxiety is completely treatable with anxiety therapy!!
What is Anxiety Disorder and How Can Anxiety Therapy Help?
Anxiety disorders are pervasive mental health conditions that impact a significant number of individuals across the globe. These disorders are marked by persistent and uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life, such as finances, work, family, health, or relationships.
Those who experience anxiety disorder often find themselves overwhelmed by anxiety-related thoughts and emotions, which may hinder their ability to function optimally in daily life.
At Words of Hope Counselling Services, we understand the far-reaching effects of anxiety disorder and are committed to providing specialized anxiety therapy to support individuals in their journey towards healing and recovery. Our dedicated team of skilled professionals recognizes the unique challenges faced by those living with anxiety and offers comprehensive treatment approaches tailored to each individual’s specific needs through anxiety therapy.
Anxiety therapy, also known as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is a highly effective treatment modality for anxiety disorders. It involves working closely with a trained therapist to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. Through therapeutic techniques such as relaxation exercises, exposure therapy, and cognitive restructuring, individuals gain valuable skills and insights to manage their anxiety more effectively.
In conjunction with anxiety therapy, medication may also be prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional to alleviate the symptoms associated with anxiety disorders. Medication can provide additional support and help regulate brain chemistry to reduce anxiety levels.
By combining evidence-based therapies, compassionate support, and a client-centered approach, our anxiety therapy services empower individuals to regain control over their lives, cultivate resilience, and experience a greater sense of well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety disorder, reach out to Words of Hope Counselling Services today and take the first step towards finding relief and living a more fulfilling life.
What are anxiety symptoms?
Anxiety symptoms can vary from person to person. Still, some common signs of an anxiety disorder we look for, when considering anxiety therapy for an individual include: feeling tense or on edge, difficulty sleeping, restlessness, sweating, difficulty concentrating, rapid breathing and heart rate, muscle tension and trembling. Other physical symptoms may include headaches, stomachaches, nausea, chest pains and fatigue.
What are the mental health effects of long-term anxiety?
The long-term mental health effects of anxiety can be extensive and debilitating. Intense and prolonged periods of anxiety can lead to exhaustion, depression, and an inability to cope with day-to-day stressors. People who experience long-term anxiety often find it difficult to concentrate on tasks, and have difficulty forming relationships with others.
Common Types Of Anxiety
Panic disorder: Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder that is characterized by unexpected and recurrent panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear, accompanied by at least four physical symptoms that include heart palpitations, chest pains, nausea, trouble breathing/shortness of breath, flushing or chills, terror, fear of losing control or dying, sensory distortions, and others, which peak within 10 minutes of onset.
Social phobia: Social phobia, commonly known as social anxiety disorder, is a mental health condition defined by an overwhelming fear of situations that carry the potential for embarrassment or humiliation in the presence of others. Individuals grappling with social phobia may find themselves avoiding various social interactions, as the fear of scrutiny or negative judgment creates significant distress. This anxiety disorder can impact different aspects of life, hindering one’s ability to engage in public speaking, attend social gatherings, or participate in everyday conversations.
The complexity of social phobia is further understood through its two primary subtypes. The first subtype revolves around a specific fear of speaking in front of people, whether it be addressing a group or conversing with someone in authority. The second subtype involves a more generalized anxiety, encompassing complex fears such as eating in public or using public facilities.
In these cases, individuals may experience anxiety around anyone other than their immediate family, indicating the broad spectrum of challenges that social phobia can present in daily life. At Words of Hope Counselling, we acknowledge the intricate nature of social anxiety and tailor our individual anxiety therapy counselling services to address the unique experiences and challenges associated with each subtype of social phobia.
Generalized anxiety disorder: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition marked by persistent and excessive anxiety and worry that is not limited to specific situations. Individuals with GAD experience a heightened state of apprehension and concern, often accompanied by somatic symptoms like muscle tension. This disorder goes beyond occasional worry, as individuals with GAD find themselves in a constant cycle of anticipating potential problems and fearing the worst outcomes in various aspects of life.
The hallmark of GAD lies in the pervasive nature of anxiety, with individuals consistently dwelling on “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios. This chronic state of worry can significantly impact daily functioning, leading to challenges in concentration, sleep disturbances, and physical symptoms such as headaches or digestive issues. At Words of Hope Counselling, we understand the intricate dynamics of generalized anxiety disorder and provide specialized support through our individual anxiety therapy counselling services.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition marked by the presence of obsessions, compulsions, or often a combination of both. Obsessions are persistent and unwanted thoughts that provoke intense anxiety, creating significant distress for the individual. In response to these distressing thoughts, individuals with OCD often feel compelled to engage in repetitive, ritual-like behaviors known as compulsions. These compulsions serve as a means to alleviate and control the anxiety triggered by the obsessions.
The obsessions in OCD can vary widely, encompassing fears of contamination, fears of harm coming to oneself or others, concerns about order or symmetry, and many other themes. The common thread is the distress caused by these intrusive thoughts, leading individuals to perform compulsive actions as a way to regain a sense of control or prevent a feared event. At Words of Hope Counselling, we recognize the challenges posed by OCD and provide specialized individual anxiety therapy counselling services to support individuals in managing and overcoming the impact of this disorder.
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that arises as a result of exposure to a traumatic event beyond the normal realm of human experience. Such events may include rape, assault, torture, kidnapping, military combat, severe car accidents, and natural or manmade disasters. The defining feature of PTSD is the experience of a traumatic event that involves real or threatened physical harm to oneself or others, eliciting intense emotions of fear, hopelessness, and/or horror.
Individuals with PTSD may grapple with a range of symptoms, including intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and avoidance of reminders associated with the traumatic event. The emotional and psychological impact of PTSD can significantly affect daily functioning and quality of life. At Words of Hope Counselling, we recognize the profound challenges posed by PTSD and provide specialized individual anxiety therapy counselling services to support individuals in their journey towards healing.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a transformative approach aimed at alleviating anxiety by addressing the underlying thought patterns that fuel it. At its core, CBT empowers individuals to recognize and modify negative thoughts, fostering a healthier mindset. Our therapists at Words of Hope Counselling specialize in this practical, goal-oriented method, working collaboratively with you to identify triggers and implement effective coping strategies. Through the lens of CBT, we guide you on a journey to not only manage stress but also cultivate lasting resilience. Take the pivotal first step towards a calmer, more fulfilling life with the tailored support of CBT at Words of Hope Counselling.
At Words Of Hope Counselling, our trained therapists will empathically support you through the difficult thoughts and feelings you’re experiencing. We will help build you up and provide the tools necessary for countering anxiety through anxiety therapy so you can take back control.
There are many types, causes and symptoms of anxiety; not everyone will experience it in the same way.
Hugh Prather