Anxiety

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety and fear are natural reactions to threatening situations. When you’re really in danger your body produces natural fight or flight responses - your heart races, your breath quickens, you sweat and your stomach and head may ache. In a dangerous situation, these responses are normal; anxiety can help us improve our performance under pressure. But if symptoms of anxiety keep reoccurring when you’re not in danger, to the point where they interfere with your personal relationships, work or school, you may have what is referred to as an anxiety disorder. 

Types of Anxiety

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is habitual anxiety and worry that lasts for over 6 months and the anxiety is typically out of proportion to the situation. People with this disorder have three or more of these signs and symptoms: muscle tension, restlessness, fatigue, trouble concentrating, irritability and sleep disturbances. GAD often occurs in early adulthood and is twice as likely to occur in women as in men. 

Panic Disorder (PD) leads to panic attacks - repeated, unpredictable, and irrational attacks of fear and anxiety. People will often develop at least four of these signs and symptoms at the onset of a panic attack: shortness of breath, dizziness or feeling faint, heart palpitations, nausea, a choking sensation, sweating, flushing, chills, trembling, numbness or tingling, chest pain or discomfort, feeling afraid of dying or losing control and feeling detached from reality. Usually the symptoms will be strongest within ten minutes and then go away, however some panic attacks can last for hours. 

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a persistent and irrational fear of social or performance situations. Many people without anxiety sometimes feel uncomfortable in social situations, but someone with SAD will avoid these situations entirely because it causes them great distress and could even lead to a panic attack. If one does venture out into a social situation, s/he often can’t stop thinking about his/her words and actions during the event and after it’s finished. They may even criticize themselves about their words or behaviour. 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a response stemming from the memory of physical or emotional trauma. When a person experiences an extremely stressful event, such as a natural disaster, war, terrorism, assault, sexual abuse or domestic abuse it changes the wiring of the brain. Symptoms of PTSD can also result from events that are seemingly less intense than those listed above, such as a less than ideal emotional environment in the home or experiences that cause an individual to neglect their authentic self in an attempt to receive love or approval.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a personality disorder characterized by excessive orderliness, perfectionism, attention to details, and a need for control in relating to others. OCD obsessions are repeated, persistent and unwanted thoughts, urges or images that are intrusive and cause distress or anxiety. You might try to ignore them or get rid of them by performing a compulsive behaviour or ritual. These obsessions typically intrude when you're trying to think of or do other things.

anxiety

Counselling for Anxiety Online and in Surrey BC

Counselling has proven to be effective for treating various types of anxiety and the most well-studied type of psychotherapy for treating GAD is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). In treating GAD, the primary goal of CBT is to interrupt the negative, self-perpetuating cycles of worry and other related behaviours. During CBT patients learn techniques in controlled breathing and relaxation, visualization and mindfulness which aid in the return of normal parasympathetic nervous system functioning over time. CBT is also the most studied and most efficacious type of therapy for treating other types of anxiety including panic disorders and social anxiety disorders.

Another well-studied and highly regarded therapy called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has been proven highly effective at helping individuals heal from certain types of anxiety, particularly those stemming from PTSD. EMDR aims to distance PTSD patients from the negative self-conception that can develop following traumatic events, while affirming and instilling positive self-assessments. During EMDR therapy, patients are led through sessions of bilateral stimulation (left-right eye movements, tapping, tones heard through headphones, handheld buzzers) while talking through and feeling traumatic memories and bodily sensations. Eventually, positive statements are introduced to replace the negative ones. EMDR is effective at mitigating the symptoms of PTSD, empowering individuals to redefine their relationship with their trauma and move forward with an improved quality of life. By changing the way the memory of trauma is stored in the brain, the emotions associated with the memory become less intense throughout the course of therapy. 

How Can Therapy for Anxiety in Surrey Help?

Therapy for anxiety offers significant benefits:

  1. Understanding: Therapy helps individuals grasp their anxiety triggers and underlying causes.

  2. Coping Strategies: Techniques are learned to manage and alleviate anxiety symptoms.

  3. Behavioural Changes: Maladaptive behaviors are identified and replaced with healthier ones.

  4. Thought Patterns: Negative thought patterns are challenged and replaced with more rational thinking.

  5. Emotional Regulation: Skills are developed to control intense emotions associated with anxiety.

  6. Progress Tracking: Therapists monitor progress and adjust strategies for optimal results.

  7. Self-Empowerment: Individuals gain confidence in their ability to navigate anxiety.

  8. Long-Term Skills: Tools acquired in therapy can be applied throughout life.

  9. Quality of Life: Anxiety reduction enhances daily functioning and overall well-being.

Therapy offers tailored guidance and tools to address anxiety's impact on mental and emotional health, leading to improved coping and a more balanced life.

How to Find a Therapist for Anxiety in Surrey or Online

Finding a therapist near you - in Surrey, Langley, or online involves several considerations:

  1. Specialization: Look for therapists experienced in treating anxiety disorders.

  2. Credentials: Verify their qualifications, licenses, and relevant certifications (in BC, look for an RCC or CCC)

  3. Approach: Research therapy types (CBT, mindfulness, EMDR etc.) and find what suits you.

  4. Reviews and Referrals: Seek recommendations from friends, family, or online reviews.

  5. Compatibility: Choose someone you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings with.

  6. Availability: Ensure their schedule aligns with your needs.

  7. Location: Consider proximity to make attending sessions convenient.

  8. Insurance: Check if the therapist accepts your insurance or offers sliding-scale fees.

  9. Initial Consultation: Many offer a free session to assess compatibility and approach.

  10. Trust Your Instincts: Choose someone who resonates with you and instills confidence.

A good fit with your therapist facilitates effective anxiety management and personal growth.

If you or someone you know is dealing with symptoms of anxiety, please fill out a “new client” form so you can be paired with one of our highly trained counsellors. It is our goal to help you get back to a healthy and thriving high quality of life.

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If you are considering counselling, we encourage you to try a free consultation call with one or more of our team members who specialize in treating various types of anxiety:

References:
Antai-Otong, D. (2006). Anxiety disorders. Nursing, 36(3), 48–49. https://doi.org/10.1097/00152193-200603000-00039
Gainer, D., Alam, S., Alam, H., & Redding, H. (2020). A flash of hope: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience, 17(7–9), 12–20.
White, K. S., & Cheung, V. (2021). Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders. In Handbook of cognitive behavioral therapy: Applications., Vol. 2. (pp. 33–65). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000219-002