Stress, PTSD and Anxiety Therapists in Mission, BC.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an effective way to help us examine the building blocks of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. We are not irrational beings who behave in random ways; we just operate on belief systems that may not be serving us very well. Understanding why we are how we are offers us the choice to be different. This same approach can help us to understand the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours of other important people in our lives as well.

Anxiety can severely impact the quality of a person's life. It can impact their sleep, work, relationships, school, and their physical health. Sometimes, anxiety can become so intense that people experience physical symptoms like sweating, heart racing, dizziness, nausea, etc. The good news is that there are effective psychological treatments for anxiety. CBT (Cognitive behavioural therapy), which is the type of therapy I practice, is an evidence-based approach that provides individuals with skills to help manage their anxiety and get control over their lives back.

We live in a fast paced 24/7 world dealing with social media, technology and lots of things to worry about in the media. No wonder we are all a little anxious these days. I will help you change your relationship with your thoughts so they have less power and control over you. When we give in and avoid things due to anxiety we end up feeling pretty isolated. I will teach you tools and strategies to get through your stress and anxiety.

Everyone has anxiety and stress in their life! It is important to evaluate where the majority of it comes from and discover ways to cope at times that are difficult and challenging. It is also critical to recognize when anxiety and stress is past a point that is manageable. Some treatment methods I would use would be grounding techniques, meditation, and Socratic questioning. These techniques would be used to figure out the root cause of the anxiety and stress and also to help determine the cause. Other strategies that may be applied include journalling, incorporating exercise, and other activities to help manage both the anxiety and stress.

Experiencing stress and anxiety, especially over long periods, can become overwhelming. Building an understanding of ourselves and the best ways to manage these concerns can be a significant first step toward healing. I approach anxiety through the lens of the nervous system and work towards building compassion for its work to keep us safe while exploring ways to let it know that its defences are not always needed. I integrate modalities that work best for each individual; these often include concepts from Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), a Strength-Based approach, Attachment Theory and more.

In treating anxiety and stress, I combine evidence-based techniques with a compassionate, client-centered approach. I help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns, develop practical coping strategies, and practice relaxation skills to manage overwhelming emotions. At the same time, I provide a safe, empathetic space where clients feel understood and supported. This balance allows clients to gain tools for immediate relief while also building long-term resilience, confidence, and a greater sense of calm and control in their daily lives.

Dealing with anxiety and stress can feel overwhelming. Day-to-day tasks can be overwhelming. In our sessions, we'll employ evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help you identify triggers and thought patterns, giving you practical tools to manage your anxiety. The road to a calmer mind may have its ups and downs, but please know that you're not alone on this journey. With consistent effort and support, you can regain a sense of control and peace in your life.

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.