Stress, PTSD and Anxiety Therapists in Elgin, IL.

Anxiety takes on a variety of different forms; therefore, Karen’s initial approach is to find out the underlying cause(s) of the anxiety. Anxiety disorders differ considerably, and as a result, therapy is tailored to the specific symptoms. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy (ET) have been shown to be effective in treating individuals suffering from the various forms of anxiety, and these are Karen’s preferred methods of treatment. Worries and fears do not need to be constants in an individual’s life, so Karen and the client will work together to find ways of looking at situations differently, develop coping skills, and consider new ways of problem solving.

Our brains are designed to fight or flight in scary life threatening situations. However, sometimes what our brains think is scary is actually irrational and we end up with avoidant behaviors, low self esteem, and poor boundaries because it's scary to confront situations head on. My psychotherapy sessions begin with identifying triggers to the anxiety, current negative coping skills that you utilize to manage the symptoms, and identifying the thoughts and feelings attributed to the anxiety so we can work together to change thought processes and create positive skills to sustainably manage anxiety.

Treating stress and anxiety requires education on the nervous system and how to engage the right brain. Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques are key. I take a Holistic approach for restoring and maintaining resiliency, exploring and strengthening various areas of life, such as physical, emotional, psychological, intellectual, and spiritual health. Chronic stress, burnout, anxiety can all be addressed by understanding the primary source and implementing healthy coping strategies.

If you are feeling tortured by anxiety symptoms such as panic attacks, obsessive thoughts and worrying, or being overwhelmed by stress, you may feel that you can do nothing to change it. However, this is not true. You can recover from anxiety with the right type of therapy. I provide help for anxiety using the most effective techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, or Hypnotherapy to address conditions such as Panic Disorder and panic attacks, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, constant worry, social anxiety and fear of public speaking, and overwhelming stress. With support and encouragement, we will work together to develop a plan to decrease your anxiety.

Worry is a normal reaction to everyday stress and traumatic life events. Some ways of coping will reduce your discomfort. However, you may be one of the millions who experience anxiety to such a degree that it impairs your functioning at home, work or school. Left unchecked, anxiety will affect your overall quality of life. CBT, Mindfulness, and Exposure Therapy are proven methods for dealing social or performance anxiety, nightmares and sleep fears, intrusive negative thoughts, or OCD. Kari can assist you, your child or adolescent, in controlling anxiety and achieving relief from the mental and physical symptoms that can be debilitating.