This isn’t how I have to live my life?

Many of the clients I work with have lived with anxiety from an early age: their own anxiety, their parent’s anxiety, and the anxiety of living through ‘remarkable’ times… no wonder they want change. You might feel a constant sense of worry like you are waiting for the other shoe to drop. You might feel that if you just did things a little more perfectly: were funnier, smarter, better, looked a little different, made fewer mistakes… then life would be easier and you could finally relax. But no matter how well you are doing, that day never comes, and honestly, you might be exhausted and burnt out from all this trying. Good news: you don’t have to live this way.

How do I know if this is anxiety? Don’t all people worry a little?

Yes, worry and nervousness are normal and human. Both can even be a little helpful. But when worry and nervousness start to feel like they are around more often than not, that’s anxiety. When stomach aches and headaches, fixating on hypotheticals, and self-critical thoughts take up time in your day that should be going to something, anything, else, that’s anxiety. Are you lingering on the sofa too often for your own liking and feeling down? That can be a part of anxiety too.

But what if anxiety is why I’m successful?

You are successful because you are capable, bright, and motivated, not because of anxiety. Usually, anxiety clouds thinking and causes burnout, neither of which is helpful for long-term success. With the help of therapy, you will identify the sustainable practices that will help you flourish while balancing rest, self-acceptance, and wellness without guilt and shame. When nervousness or worry comes along, you’ll be able to take what you need from them and move on with your day.

So what am I in for?

We’ll start with a free 15-minute phone call to determine if we are a good fit. In our first session, we’ll review intake paperwork and sign releases. We will get to know each other, and I will ask you some questions to learn how I can help you. We will collaborate to make a therapy plan that works for your life and goals. After this, each session is 50 minutes, one time per week. I recommend we meet once a week at the start of our work together until you see sustained change. We can also conduct conjoint/family sessions in addition to individual sessions. Payment is by card and collected automatically at the end of our session.

We are going to sit and laugh and (maybe) swear. There might be tears, and that’s OK. I currently see all of my clients through telehealth. We can stick with talk therapy, or if you like, use art, play, or EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) in session to help move us through big ideas and stuck points.

You are the expert in your life. I am the expert in asking questions.

What does a life without anxiety even look like?

You might be afraid that living without anxiety means you won’t be as successful as you are now. Let’s face it, anxiety has had a part to play in how you got here. You can be accomplished, meet goals, and make progress without anxiety. Living without unnecessary shame and guilt, feeling powerful to make changes, and holding compassion for yourself and your loved ones is possible. Sleeping through the night, treating your body with kindness, and facing challenges directly, rather than avoiding are no longer impossible.

Start therapy in Pennsylvania or California.