Stress, PTSD and Anxiety Therapists in Forest Lawn, AB.

[I OFFER VIDEO SESSIONS THROUGHOUT ALBERTA AND ONTARIO]. Anxiety and stress are two conditions that have treatments that work. Cognitive behaviour therapy, desensitization therapy, and hypnotherapy (all of which I practice) are often tremendously helpful. I have been a psychologist since 1986, and I can help. Set up a time to see me by visiting https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=14249112

Anxiety is, simply, put, unrelenting worry that continues after the thing or circumstance you are worrying about is removed or it is the exaggerated worry about something. In anxiety, the sheer size of the worry in relation to the concern, the realistic vs. non-realistic nature of the concern, and the frequency or level of control related to concern matter. OCD relates to obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. Social Anxiety is an intrusive, disruptive fear of people or certain social situations. Often, we see fears of judgement, body image, looking awkward or stupid, as being thematic in social anxiety thoughts. Just to name a few example of how anxiety can present itself.

Identifying that there are aspects of the 'self' that require attention is the first step in reducing stress and anxiety. The ability to self-reflect and acknowledge that shifts need to be made are the building blocks of change . Making sense of meaning and purpose in one's life is linked to resiliency as is understanding the difference between internal versus external locus of control. These are all things I explore with my clients suffering from stress and anxiety.

Anxiety and stress can feel overwhelming, affecting every part of your life—from relationships and work to your ability to rest and feel joy. In our sessions, I create a calm, supportive space where you can slow down, breathe, and feel safe to share what you’re going through. My approach blends trauma-informed care with practical tools for managing symptoms in the moment and deeper exploration of the root causes. Drawing on person-centered, somatic, and evidence-based methods, we work at a pace that feels right for you. Together, we’ll reduce overwhelm, strengthen resilience, and help you feel more grounded, capable, and in control.

In today's economy and hustle lifestyle, it's a wonder anyone isn't anxious and stressed, and that speaks to our systemic issues and constraints. I can help you navigate the frustrating system that is life with resources and tools that are actually directly helpful in and applicable to your life. I also offer psychological assessment and testing for anxiety and various other mental health concerns. It's never too late to reach your sense of inner peace, and I can help you get there your way on your terms.

While our bodies are perfectly designed to adapt and react to stress, modern problems mean that we tend to detect life threatening dangers in very ordinary places. Conflicts at work, arguments in our relationships and uncertainties such as the post-Covid world activate old survival mechanisms. We may be stuck in the buzzing, fear states of ‘fight-flight’ or the numb and paralyzed states of ‘freeze and shut down.’ The good news is that I have a long history of safely and successfully helping individuals and couples to reduce and release stress using a variety of CBT and mindfulness techniques, as well as trauma-informed therapy. You have my commitment to compassionate and educated care.

Gerard has diverse experience as a psychologist and leader in social services, schools, university, workplaces, and his private practice. Using a theoretical foundation of social learning and cognitive-behavioural training, he is well-versed in various kinds of formal and informal assessment and solution-focussed approaches. He listens carefully to understand your needs and relies on his extensive experience to help you find solutions.

If you often find yourself worried, stressed, anxious or overwhelmed, seeking external support is often an excellent step in creating the change you desire. There are a number of different coping and change strategies available for those struggling with these concerns, and I truly look forward to assisting you in this regard! Please contact me to find out how I can help.

Having served as a chaplain in an active war zone, Dr Mervin (Paraklesis Counselling) has first-hand insight into PTSD and anxiety disorders. As a psychopharmacologist he is uniquely equipped to assist you in knowing when medication is required, and when the stress can be managed without medication. Some anxiety disorders (like OCD) needs to be pharmacologically treated first before therapy will be helpful; others (like general anxiety and/or phobias) can often be effectively treated with therapy, avoiding the side-effects of the medication. Your anxiety disorders can be effectively treated!

Anxiety and stress management is my primary specialty. Anxiety takes many different forms - whether it is the constant on edge and I have to fix it feeling, the perpetual what-if and worrying cycle, your mind racing each time you try to relax, or that 'wired' feeling in the body. I draw from a variety of counselling modalities depending on what fits you best - this might include looking at your thoughts and core beliefs, getting to work more on your value system and knowing what matters, or bringing more compassion to yourself. You can expect to learn strategies you can use between sessions, so you can spend less time in therapy and more time connecting to what matters.

Anxiety and stress feel like your brain is stuck in overdrive. There is no word in the english language that accurately describes how truly uncomfortable and awful it is to sit in anxiety. With your brain in overdrive and your body holding all the stress, you need a safe, grounded space of calm, connection and trust. Compassion is a game changer, we slow down and respond from a place of calm and curiosity. You're not too much, You are carrying to much. Let's set some down.

Stress and anxiety often present as somatic distress, physical tension, racing thoughts, and sometimes, they come as a sense of constant pressure and overwhelm that interfere with our daily life in varying degrees of intensity. We can work together to slow down the internal races, identify the sources of distress, work on grounding techniques and integrate mindful, cognitive strategies into your day to day routine to give you more control. The goal is not to eradicate stress because it is natural to experience anxiety and stress, however, we want to keep it within the optimal window of tolerance.

Everyone feels anxiety at some point in their lives but when it starts to interfere with your life, counseling can help. Although anxiety can feel debilitating, it is treatable. People with anxiety don’t always share the same symptoms, they vary from person to person. Therapy will help you to reclaim your life and function in a chronically stressful world. If your anxiety is affecting your life and you feel that it’s time to start taking anxiety-reducing medications, learning about the anxiety therapy options in Calgary that are available and trying some anxiety management techniques may be a viable alternative.