Anxiety - Solace Psychology Edmonton

ANXIETY THERAPY

ANXIETY THERAPY IN EDMONTON

You can take control of your life and break the anxiety cycle.

Counselling can help you replace anxiety and fear with compassion and courage.

When facing personal struggles, you may feel alone, overwhelmed, and hopeless. Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental disorders among Canadians, so you are not alone. At times it can feel like anxiety is controlling your life, preventing you from meeting with your friends, attending events, finishing work tasks, and feeling like yourself. Maybe you've tried deep breathing and meditation, but nothing works, and changes don't last. Don't sweat it - you've come to the right place!

Get help with:

Fear
Panic Attacks
Perfectionism
Social/Performance Anxiety
Stress Management
Worry

WHAT IS ANXIETY?

NORMAL ANXIETY

Some level of anxiety is normal and actually healthy for us. It pushes us to do our best and meet deadlines. If you feel anxious about writing an exam or going to a job interview, your anxiety is telling you that these things are important and you need to prepare wisely.

Anxiety can also warn us about potential danger. If you are camping and you spot a grizzly bear, your fight-or-flight response kicks in and your body is prepared to fight the bear or run away from him. If you didn't have this alarm system, you wouldn't have the chance to amp up your energy to survive.

PROBLEM ANXIETY

Anxiety becomes a concern when it spills into various parts of your life, consumes your mind and body, and restricts you from doing things you love. Problem anxiety does not fade away once you've written your exam or attended your job interview. It lingers and can become worse if not dealt with. It can lead to panic attacks and ongoing worry, and can be difficult to manage. Problem anxiety senses everyday things as a threat and sounds the alarm, leading to a racing heartbeat and difficulty breathing.

It is best to start counselling when you first notice your anxiety, but it is never too late to get help.

SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY:

There are many different types of anxiety disorders, with the most common being Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Common symptoms include:

excessive worry about a variety of things for most days, for at least 6 months
the worry is difficult to manage
feeling irritable
feeling restless or on edge
fatigue/tiredness
difficulty sleeping or lacking quality sleep
racing mind
difficulty concentrating and making decisions
physical symptoms: sweating, trembling, muscle tension/soreness, upset stomach

COUNSELLING FOR ANXIETY

HOW COUNSELLING CAN HELP

Counselling for anxiety can help you discover what underlying thought patterns contribute to your anxious symptoms. You will learn helpful strategies to quiet the anxious mind and strengthen the relaxation response of the mind and body. Once you learn to calm your anxiety, you can restore your sense of competence and find joy in your life again.

Benefits of counselling for anxiety:

gain an understanding of what drives your anxiety
learn practical tools to manage your anxiety & decrease stress in your life
learn how to calm the mind & regulate your nervous system
boost your confidence & self-esteem
say yes to opportunities that you would have previously avoided
restore your relationships
improve your concentration & focus
feel more grounded & calm
reconnect with your values & goals
achieve balance in your overall life

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is known as the gold-standard approach for dealing with depression and anxiety, among many other mental health concerns.

CBT focuses on teaching you practical skills to manage anxiety and stress. CBT helps you break the negative thought patterns that lead to feelings of overwhelm and distress, as well as unhealthy behaviours (like avoidance, procrastination, isolation, and substance abuse). In doing this, you can actually rewire your brain. You will learn effective tools to take action against anxiety to ensure long-lasting change and set yourself up for future success.

CBT has been shown to be just as effective as medication for treating anxiety disorders, and has longer lasting effects. Start taking control of your anxiety today by working with a local Edmonton psychologist who specializes in anxiety disorders.

*Various other strategies are utilized in counselling, based upon your unique situation and goals.

We don't have to do it all alone. We were never meant to. - Brené Brown

Test Anxiety Workshop:

This virtual Test Anxiety Workshop is open to anyone, not just Edmonton residents.

Call us at 780-702-1079 or send us an email at hello@solacewellness.ca to reserve your spot.

Who is this workshop for?

Teens and post secondary students
People who struggle with perfectionism as well as managing stress and anxiety related to studying and taking tests
People who would benefit from learning effective coping skills