Anxiety & Related Disorders
Anxiety is a normal emotion we all experience, but for those with anxiety disorders (ADs), everyday tasks can feel overwhelming. People with ADs struggle with persistent, intense, and excessive worry, panic, as well as stress that affects both their physical and mental well-being. Professional help is sometimes necessary to regain control of one's life. There are many types of ADs that affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder (PD), Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), and phobias. Fortunately, effective, evidence-based treatments are available. These treatments help increase awareness of symptoms and teach adaptive coping strategies. Through a collaborative, person-centered approach, we will explore and challenge unhelpful thoughts and assumptions about your fears. We will also use behavioral techniques to help you face your fears in a safe environment and gradually reintroduce activities you may have avoided due to anxiety. When necessary, we may integrate techniques from other therapeutic approaches, such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), based on your unique needs. Therapy will equip you with skills to manage your thoughts and emotions and find joy in your everyday life.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
While many people experience dissatisfaction with their appearance, those with BDD suffer from extreme distress over perceived flaws that are often unnoticed by others. This intense preoccupation leads to significant self-criticism and behaviors such as mirror checking, comparing to others, and seeking reassurance. BDD is a challenging condition often associated with high levels of depression, social anxiety, and shame. It can impact finances, relationships, work, study, and overall life satisfaction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective for BDD. Treatment focuses on identifying and understanding the thoughts that contribute to your negative body image. We will work on reducing reassurance-seeking behaviors and developing coping strategies to manage difficult thoughts and urges. We will also set and work towards goals that enrich your life and align with your values.
Depression
Depression is a serious mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and impacts thoughts, functioning, relationships, and quality of life. Those with depression may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, experience sleep and memory difficulties, concentration problems, appetite changes, irritability, hopelessness, low self-esteem, and physical symptoms. Thoughts of suicide are also common. Early detection and treatment are key. In therapy, you will have a safe space to understand and process your emotions while learning skills to manage and reduce depressive episodes. Treatment is tailored to your specific symptoms, culture, environment, and family structure.
Life Adjustment/Transition
Life's changes can be difficult to accept and adapt to. Therapy can help you adjust by providing tools to manage worry and uncertainty. You will learn how to show up as your best self despite challenges and gain insights about your experiences. Common challenges include adjusting to a new job, school, or country; dealing with family issues such as divorce or blended family dynamics; coping with grief and loss; and managing unemployment or other major life changes.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is a diagnosable mental health condition that can feel like living with a bully in your head. People with OCD experience repeated obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are unwanted thoughts, images, or ideas that cause distress, while compulsions are physical or mental acts performed to relieve the distress. OCD can manifest in many ways beyond the common image of handwashing or repeating actions. Fortunately, there are evidence-based treatments available. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold-standard treatment for OCD. It involves gradually facing feared situations without engaging in compulsive behaviors. In therapy, we will create a fear hierarchy and work to tolerate discomfort, allowing you to engage in life fully. We may also use metacognitive approaches in therapy, such as mindfulness-based interventions and Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (i-CBT), in conjunction with ERP, when appropriate to maximize benefits. We integrate techniques from other approaches to target the mechanisms sustaining your OCD and help you regain control of your life.
Panic Disorder (PD)
PD is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks—sudden periods of intense fear or discomfort. These attacks can include symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and feelings of impending doom. People with PD often worry about when the next attack will occur and may avoid situations where they fear an attack might happen. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective in treating PD. Treatment involves understanding and challenging the thoughts that trigger panic attacks, learning to cope with physical symptoms, and gradually facing feared situations.
Perfectionism
Perfectionism involves setting excessively high standards for oneself and striving for flawlessness. While striving for excellence can be positive, perfectionism often leads to chronic stress, burnout, and dissatisfaction. Individuals with perfectionistic tendencies may struggle with fear of failure, procrastination, and an inability to celebrate achievements. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help address perfectionistic thinking by challenging unrealistic standards and developing healthier, more flexible thinking patterns. In therapy, we will explore the roots of your perfectionism, work on self-compassion, and set realistic goals. You will learn strategies to manage perfectionistic behaviors and reduce the negative impact on your well-being.
Self Esteem/Self Worth
Low self-esteem or self-worth can be detrimental to mental health and hinder you from living the life you want. Therapy can help you understand unhelpful thought patterns and develop healthier ways to engage with these thoughts. We will work on improving your self-talk and moving towards goals that align with your values and help you become the best version of yourself.
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
SAD involves an intense fear of social situations where one might be judged, embarrassed, or scrutinized by others. This fear can lead to avoidance of social interactions and significant impairment in daily life.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective for SAD. Treatment focuses on challenging negative thoughts about social situations, developing social skills, and gradually facing feared social interactions.
Stress Management / Work-Life Balance
Stress is an inevitable part of life. Learning to manage stress is essential for well-being. If you struggle with managing stress or balancing professional and personal demands, therapy can help build awareness and teach you to respond intentionally to stressors rather than react to them. Additionally, you will learn to manage issues like procrastination and negative self-talk, which can unintentionally add to stress.