Stress, PTSD and Anxiety Therapists in Athens, ON.

Stress and anxiety are normal responses to the pressures and constraints of everyday life. They can be helpful signals to us to slow down or to introduce some lifestyle changes. For some people, these simple changes do not alleviate the stress and anxiety. I work with my clients to explore any thinking they may be engaging in (CBT) or exploring other lifestyle or relational issues which may be problematic and work with them to manage the anxiety/stress through relaxation techniques, mindfulness, or lifestyle changes, and explore whether referral to their family doctor might be beneficial.

Anxiety falls along a continuum from acceptable to crippling, debilitating anxiety requiring professional intervention. The major forms that anxiety takes are: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Phobic Disorders, Social Anxiety Disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD). A variety of proven therapeutic interventions are well established now, eg., Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Yoga, Tai Chi, Breathwork. By diving into therapy clients regain a sense of optimism, courage and confidence in relationships, workplace and career, driving, aging, life transitions and more.

Anxiety and stress often have deep root causes. EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) can be an invaluable tool. My work with EMDR, and other modalities, can be greatly assistive to clients in these situations. I offer customized options and strategies based on your personal needs and challenges. It is so important to have a professional who believes in your abilities even when you might not. I work from the belief that you have the resources within you to cope and that it is my role to support you to connect to that wisdom.

Sarah provides anxiety and stress management counselling to individuals of all ages from young children through the elderly. Sarah will help you in managing stress and anxiety using approaches including CBT, desensitization/exposure and resolution of core issues resulting in anxiety and stress. Sarah will also assist you to understand the role that medication can play in the management of severe anxiety and stress and will assist you in discussing this with your health care professional if needed. Sarah can assist you to resolve past and present traumatic events through the use of Traumatic Incident Reduction techniques. Please call Sarah to discuss further how she can assist you.

Anxiety and stress can impact your health, relationships, and sense of fulfillment in life. In therapy, you can learn more about anxiety and stress and how they impact your daily life. With the support of a therapist, you can develop insights, strategies, and resources to help you thrive amid external stressors and challenges. I work with individuals, couples and families. Book a free consultation to explore if we are a good fit for therapy.

As a therapist, I recognize the debilitating effects that anxiety and stress can have on one's life. Through therapy, we work collaboratively to identify triggers and develop coping mechanisms to manage overwhelming feelings. Together, we explore thought patterns and behaviors contributing to anxiety, fostering self-awareness and resilience. Through evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness, clients learn to challenge negative thoughts and cultivate a sense of calm. Therapy provides a safe space to process emotions, learn relaxation techniques, and develop practical strategies for coping with stressors.

Anxiety, and the stress it produces, is a fear-based emotion. It is often based on irrational thoughts about the idea of situations going badly or having gone in ways that seemed worse than they may be. It can also relate to interactions with persons who are frightening or intimidating or also persons who we wish to impress. The resulting stress can produce a range of emotional and physical responses. Anxiety can be controlled and reduced when it's causes are understood. Some anxiety - also known as nervousness or anticipation is normal and can be beneficial. It is important to understand the difference between what is managable and what is an detrimental level of anxiety.

Psychodynamic support for anxiety and stress involves exploring past experiences and unconscious processes that may be influencing your current struggles. By examining how early relationships and life events have shaped your patterns of thinking and behaving, we can gain insight into the root causes of your anxiety and stress. Through this deeper understanding, we aim to help you develop healthier coping mechanisms and build resilience to manage these overwhelming feelings. The therapeutic process may involve delving into unresolved conflicts, addressing defense mechanisms, and fostering self-awareness to promote lasting emotional healing and growth.

I have a broad range of experience in treating anxiety and stress related disorders, including panic disorder and phobias. In my approach, I integrate a number of evidence based practices, including cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy, behavioral techniques, and mindfulness-based practices, to enhance and facilitate a quick and effective recovery.