There are several types of anxiety disorders, each with unique characteristics:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – Persistent and excessive worry about daily activities, affecting 6.8 million U.S. adults.
Panic Disorder – Sudden episodes of intense fear, impacting 6 million adults.
Social Anxiety Disorder – Fear of social situations, affecting 15 million adults.
Specific Phobias – Intense fear of particular objects or situations, experienced by 19.3 million adults.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Repetitive thoughts and behaviors, affecting 2.5 million adults.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Anxiety following trauma, impacting 7.7 million adults.
Why Might Someone Seek Therapy for Anxiety
Many people seek therapy for anxiety when they realize it significantly affects their personal life, work, or daily functioning. Therapy can provide essential support in navigating these challenging feelings. Common reasons individuals pursue therapy for anxiety-related symptoms include:
Anxiety can manifest in many ways, and when symptoms start interfering with daily life, therapy can be a helpful step. Here are some common signs that might prompt someone to seek counseling for anxiety:
Emotional & Mental Symptoms
Persistent worry or fear, even about small things
Feeling overwhelmed or unable to relax
Racing thoughts or excessive overthinking
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
A sense of impending doom or danger
Physical Symptoms
Rapid heartbeat or chest tightness
Shortness of breath or dizziness
Tense muscles or frequent headaches
Digestive issues, such as nausea or stomach pain
Sweating or trembling
Behavioral Symptoms
Avoiding situations or people due to fear
Restlessness or trouble sitting still
Difficulty sleeping—either falling asleep or staying asleep
Increased irritability or emotional sensitivity
Relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms (e.g., excessive drinking, isolation)
Despite its prevalence, anxiety is highly treatable, yet only about 1 in 4 people with an anxiety disorder receive proper care. Seeking support can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and improving overall well-being.
Take Charge of Your Life: Overcome Anxiety and Stress
Are you ready to take back your life from the clutches of stress, fear, and excessive worry? Imagine how positively your daily life and relationships would be affected when you feel confident and in control. At Giesken Counseling Services, we specialize in helping individuals like you overcome anxiety and social apprehension. Experience the freedom from anxiety and daily stress—it's an empowering journey, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Therapy for Anxiety: What to Expect
Anxiety is highly treatable, and therapy offers effective tools to help individuals manage their symptoms and regain control. Here are some common therapeutic approaches used to treat anxiety:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most widely used treatments for anxiety. It helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns, replacing them with healthier perspectives. Clients learn coping strategies to manage anxious feelings and gradually reduce avoidance behaviors.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Originally developed for borderline personality disorder, DBT is also effective for anxiety. It teaches emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, helping individuals manage overwhelming emotions.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and breathing exercises, help individuals stay present and reduce excessive worry. Practices like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourage clients to accept their thoughts without judgment while focusing on meaningful actions.
Psychodynamic Therapy
This approach explores unconscious patterns and past experiences that may contribute to anxiety. By understanding the root causes of distress, clients can develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T.)
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is an evidence-based approach that helps individuals quickly resolve anxiety-related distress. By combining cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), guided imagery, and rapid eye movements, ART reframes negative thoughts and emotions. It allows clients to replace distressing images with positive associations, reducing anxiety symptoms without reliving traumatic experiences. Many find relief in just a few sessions, making ART an effective option for anxiety treatment.
What Clients Can Expect in Therapy
Therapy is a collaborative process designed to meet each individual's needs. Clients can expect the following:
A safe, non-judgmental space to share their experiences.
Practical strategies for managing anxiety in everyday life.
Gradual progress through structured exercises and discussions.
Support in identifying triggers and developing healthier responses.
Encouragement to confront avoidance behaviors and build confidence.
Giesken Counseling Services Can Help You Gain Control Over Your Anxiety
At Giesken Counseling Services, our experienced therapists are dedicated to helping you lead the life you desire. Each therapist personalizes their approach to meet your unique needs and collaborates with you to create a plan that alleviates your symptoms.
In your first session, your therapist will gather information about your symptoms, life stressors, and personal history to develop a customized therapy plan focused on enhancing your well-being.
Finding the right therapist is crucial for creating a safe space to discuss your struggles. If you feel your therapist isn't the right fit, we will help you find someone who better meets your needs.
Getting the most out of therapy really comes down to how committed you are! When you attend regularly and try out the strategies we discuss outside of our sessions, you're likely to see results even faster. It's all about teamwork!
If you're interested, check out our client testimonials to see our success stories. GCS Client Testimonials
We understand that starting therapy can be intimidating, so we aim to make the process easy for you. Contact us today to take the first step!
QUESTIONS? LET'S ANSWER THEM
What should you do if you don't like your therapist?
At GCS, we take a personalized approach to help you find the right therapist from the beginning. If, for any reason, you feel that your initial match isn't working, our administrative team will follow up after your first session to assist you in changing to a therapist you feel more comfortable with. Our commitment is to support you and ensure that you achieve your desired results on your therapy journey with us.
Do I need to attend therapy sessions every week?
The frequency of your therapy sessions is based on your individual needs. Your therapist will suggest a schedule that they believe will be most beneficial for you. If your schedule doesn’t permit weekly visits, you can work together to find a frequency that suits you better. Additionally, many therapists offer virtual (telehealth) sessions for added convenience.
What if I’m worried about affording therapy?
No need to stress! Many insurance plans cover part or all of the costs for therapy. If you have a copayment or deductible, we’d be more than happy to discuss setting up a payment plan with our friendly billing department. We accept all types of payment, including HSA cards, to make things easier for you. Our main goal is to simplify the payment process and typically, we just collect payments when you receive services, unless we’ve arranged something different beforehand. We're here to help and work with you every step of the way!
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Citations:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/anxiety-disorders
https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics