FAQs About Anxiety Therapy
Q: Is anxiety always caused by trauma? A: Not always—but trauma can definitely be a root cause for many people. Anxiety can stem from chronic stress, environmental factors, family dynamics, or even perfectionism and people-pleasing. At Tidal Trauma Centre, our therapists help you explore these deeper layers with care. Whether your anxiety is trauma-related or not, our goal is to help you understand the “why” behind it and build tools that actually work for your body and nervous system—not just quick fixes.
Q: How do I know if I need therapy for anxiety? A: If anxiety is interfering with your ability to function, feel connected to others, or get the rest and peace you need, it’s a strong signal that support could be helpful. You don’t need to wait for a crisis or a formal diagnosis to start therapy. Many people seek therapy simply because they feel overwhelmed, stuck in worry loops, physically tense, or emotionally drained. Therapy can offer a space to understand what’s driving your anxiety, learn tools to navigate it, and reconnect with your sense of safety and self-trust.
Q: How long does therapy for anxiety usually take? A: The length of therapy depends on your goals, the severity of your symptoms, and how anxiety shows up in your life. Some people feel relief after just a few sessions, while others benefit from deeper, ongoing work. We tailor therapy to your pace—whether you’re looking for short-term support or long-term healing. What matters most is that you feel safe, seen, and empowered as you move toward change.
Q: What kind of therapy works best for anxiety? A: There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to treating anxiety, which is why we tailor therapy to your unique needs at Tidal Trauma Centre. We draw on evidence-based methods including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic therapy, and cognitive-behavioural tools. These approaches support both the mind and body—addressing the cognitive patterns of anxiety as well as how it lives in the nervous system. Whether your anxiety stems from trauma, chronic stress, or is more generalized, we help you process root causes and build tools for lasting relief.
Q: What if I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t help? A: That’s completely valid—and unfortunately, a common experience. Sometimes the approach wasn’t the right fit, or it didn’t address the nervous system, which plays a big role in anxiety. At Tidal Trauma Centre, we use trauma-informed methods like EMDR, IFS, and somatic therapy to go beyond talk therapy and help you work with anxiety at its root. We also believe therapy should be collaborative—so we regularly check in to make sure you’re feeling supported and aligned with your therapist.
Q: Can I do therapy online? A: Yes, absolutely. At Tidal Trauma Centre, we offer secure and confidential virtual therapy for individuals across British Columbia. Online sessions allow you to receive support from the comfort of your home, which can be especially helpful if anxiety makes in-person appointments feel overwhelming. Our virtual therapy services are just as effective as in-person care, and we use trauma-informed practices to create a grounded, safe experience—even through a screen.
