Stress, PTSD and Anxiety Therapists in Bon Accord, AB.

Anxiety and stress can be ongoing issues that are challenging to manage. Learning how to identify thoughts and emotions and effectively address them can lead to decreased levels of anxiety and stress. Then, learning how to actively move toward higher levels of relaxation can increase overall functioning and capacity to manage stress levels! We call this emotional fitness and clients report that they did not realize how much it mattered for feeling better.

Anxiety and stress are experienced by most psychotherapy clients who come here. People usually find my approach helpful whether or not they identify anxiety/stress as a primary condition for treatment. I always aim to adjust my treatment approach to the individual characteristics and needs of my client. Sometimes situations and systems can be addressed and improved; sometimes all that a person can change is their own attitude. I am able to use verbal, visusalization, and altered state strategies for helping people grow past fear.

Anxiety and stress can be adaptive in small doses- it can help give us the motivation to study harder for a test, or practice before an important presentation. In large doses, however, anxiety can be paralyzing. It can cause us to miss work, have panic attacks, or feel irritable or moody. This is when treatment becomes necessary. We use evidence-based therapy to help you achieve results. We will help you identify your own triggers, and teach you skills and tools that you can use to help you manage your anxiety.

As a psychologist I try to provide a safe, confidential environment within which my clients can explore their feelings and values. People seek therapy when they are in pain, when they feel overwhelmed by stress and when they are struggling in relationships. I try to help my clients to resolve these issues by looking within themselves and by allowing debilitating wounds to heal.

Anxiety and stress are sometimes helpful responses and can carry important information for us about our current lives. However, they can also be overwhelming and come with sensations that are difficult to tolerate. I can help you learn techniques to soothe your body, regain balance, and address the mind chatter that may be perpetuating your anxiety.

Feeling anxious and experiencing stress are normal and healthy human experiences. However, both anxiety and stress can get out of control in our lives and can cause incredible challenges that lead to feeling overwhelmed and out of control. You may be experiencing the negative impact of overwhelming stress and anxiety in your life right now, and you may even feel like life is slipping out of your control. You and I will work together to restore control, to reduce the unhelpful influence of stress and anxiety, and to help you to return to living a life that reflects who you want to be.

I incorporate elements from Emotionally Focused Therapy and Internal Family Systems. Two compassionate, emotion-centered approaches that work beautifully to help you understand and heal the roots of stress and anxiety — not just manage the symptoms. These approaches help you: Understand your emotions and patterns – Notice what happens inside when anxiety arises. Connect with your inner parts – Recognize the worried, protective, perfectionistic, or critical parts of you and what they’re trying to do to help. Bring compassion to your experience – Learn how to soothe anxiety rather than fight it. Find calm and balance – Strengthen your sense of safety, confidence, and emotional connection.

My experience supporting clients with anxiety, stress, and burn out involves helping them understand the nervous system’s natural responses to stress and fear. Through grounding techniques, body awareness, and cognitive-emotional integration, I support clients in developing tools to calm the body and reframe anxious thoughts. Using these skills as a way to close the stress response cycle allowing our bodies to come to its natural resting state. This approach helps clients cultivate safety, confidence, and greater trust in their ability to manage life’s challenges.

Anxiety and stress are common and normal experiences, but they can be debilitating if not managed. Targeting clients' relationship to their own anxiety and stress is critical to moving beyond coping and toward lasting improvement. I use multiple therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Family Systems therapy.