Anxiety is fear that becomes chronic. Anxiety is a psycho-biological state that is “stuck” in the experience of fear—in the ongoing perception of danger and in chronically unsuccessful impulses to attain safety. It is a state of high excitation that places great stress on our organ systems. Over time, ongoing anxiety often leads to (or alternates with) chronic fatigue and depression. Often people develop addictions or restrict their range of activity in attempts to manage anxiety.
I have a body-centered approach to treating anxiety, in which I work with the client to support their sense of safety. I often employ somatic experiencing techniques to disrupt cyclic fear responses as well as to support the client’s social engagement system. I also seek to provide optimal warmth and attunement within the therapeutic relationship, helping to restore clients’ ability to trust others and to be in relationship. When indicated, I employ cognitive and behavioral therapies such as Exposure Response Prevention that, over time, can help free people from long standing patterns of avoidance and compulsive behavior.
Though the particular techniques used vary according to each client’s unique situation, I seek to guide clients in the development of their own internal sense of support and capacity for self-regulation. I understand this development as central to a person’s freedom from anxiety and to their enjoyment of ease and peace in life.