Stress, PTSD and Anxiety Therapists in San Marino, CA.

Anxiety and stress come from a variety of sources for children and young adults. Further, the behavioral outcome of anxiety and stress varies from one individual to the next. While some may become isolated and avoid stressful situations, others can become behaviorally aggressive and aggitated. I work closely with my clients and families on identifying the underlying causes of this anxiety, and by using cognitive behavioral therapy and solution focused methods my clients learn the skills to manage and resolve these stressors.

My approach to the treatment of anxiety is to use the most effective intervention strategies possible. My treatment for anxiety (including panic disorder and OCD) utilizes exposure therapy, which works by helping a person confront a specific fear or memory while in a safe and supportive environment. The main goals of exposure therapy are to help my clients learn that by stopping the avoidance of what they fear, they actually become MORE comfortable and can reduce their anxiety to a substantial degree - all of which opens doors of hope and increases the potential to reach your desired goals with an improved quality of life.

You may have incessant thoughts racing through your mind, you can't stop analyzing, and you are stuck in the future catastrophizing about possible outcomes, or ruminating about your past choices and life experiences. Your body state is heightened and on-the-go. You try to relax because people tell you so but it doesn’t work. You wonder why you can't just 'let things go" and "go with the flow" just like many other people do. With anxiety, we get stuck either in the past or the future. Our near-constant mind chatter and physiological arousal deprives us of being in the present moment and cherishing invaluable daily moments. Instead, you find yourself wanting to control things to lessen your a

Anxiety can take away your personal power at the most important moments. Starting from our first session, we will support your understanding of anxiety as a secondary emotion, the biological effects of anxiety, and how relationships might play a role in your anxiety. From there, we can build on your new insights and develop them into new habits. At the end of therapy, you will have a clear plan for sustained control over anxiety and chronic stress.

I take a practical approach to treating anxiety and stress. I help you identify the sources of anxiety if you do not already know them. I support you in learning skills to regulate your emotions and increase awareness of body sensations and experiences in order to help you be able to control and reduce feelings of anxiety. I also use a combination of exposure therapy, if appropriate, and adjustment to lifestyle to help you reduce or eliminate sources of anxiety or stress. I know that every experience of anxiety or stress is unique and I will work with you to develop a plan of support tailored to your needs. I will provide a safe environment for you to challenge and overcome your fear/stress

Everyone experiences stress and anxiety at one time or another in their lives. Stress interferes in peoples lives at least moderately; however, chronic stress can affect your health, causing symptoms from headaches, high blood pressure, and chest pain to heart palpitations, skin rashes, and loss of sleep. Talk therapy has been proven to alleviate stress and in my practice I also use breathing, relaxation, and meditation techniques that help clients alleviate their stress symptoms.

Panic attacks? Things like panic attacks, trichotillomania, obsessive behaviors, even brain freeze can all be helped with the proper tools. Stress about taking a big exam like the BAR, State Boards, LMFT, LPCC, LCSW, CPA, SAT or other standardized tests. We offer specialized hypnosis sessions where symptoms are often reduced within 3-5 sessions. Fear of driving, flying or a special performance. Hypnosis is a fast effective solution. We also offer traditional psychotherapy using behavioral modification, positive psychology, and solution focused techniques to help you find the courage to face your fears. We offer tools to reduce your anxiety and manage your emotions.