Stress, PTSD and Anxiety Therapists in Des Moines, WA.

Anxiety and stress are a natural part of life but how do you manage it? Stress is a result of trying to deal with the pressures and changes of life. I provide clear-cut solutions to give you the relief you need from trying situations. I am a strong proponent of dialectic behavioral therapy and mindfulness which incorporates breathing, relaxation, and other physiological exercises to help reduce the anxiety from within.

Anxiety and stress take a hold on you and never let go, leaving you trapped and frozen. I help my clients to learn all about the magic of mindfulness practice. It's one of the most effective ways to put you in control of your emotions, rather than them controlling you. Imagine how great it would be to have an internal place of peace and serenity that you can use at any time to relax and become grounded. Mindfulness is an ancient practice that is also supported by scientific empirical studies. It's one of the best ways to change your life.

In today's fast-moving world it's hard not to be stressed out. It can be even harder to determine if the stress and anxiety is "normal" or should be treated. If it's causing you impairments in your daily life, or if you're stressing about your stress, it's worth talking about in therapy. I help client identify what their stress/anxiety looks like and how to better manage it. Stress doesn't have to be bad, in fact it can be channeled in ways that will make you more a more productive person and help you reach your goals... with the added bonus feeling less stressed and more relaxed.

Anxiety is rough- you likely know this. You might think "why is this happening to me? Why does this phase me like it does? This isn't anything big." You also may be under intense stress and perhaps even intensely traumatic situations and just now starting to feel the impact. I offer helpful practical tools to deal with anxiety in how you think and how you breath. But I don't stop there as those things are often un-effective, as you may have already found, if not partnered with a deep understanding of how to work with, on an emotional level, messy feelings.

Everyone experiences anxiety at some point, but for some the anxiety is so frequent or intense that it interferes with their lives or even triggers panic attacks. I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help my clients get a sense of control over their own anxiety. We collaborate to learn skills to reduce the frequency or intensity of the anxious feelings, to tolerate the anxiety when it does occur so they can still function through it, and to practice habits that reduce stress and improve general mental health.

My approach to helping people with anxiety and stress is grounded in curiosity, compassion, and respect for what these experiences are trying to communicate. Using Internal Family Systems therapy, I help people discover what fuels their stress, worry, and anxiety, and learn to soothe themselves. Rather than trying to force anxiety away, we work to understand and care for what is underneath it. As these inner experiences feel seen, supported, and less alone, people often begin to feel more calm, clarity, confidence, and ease.

Chronic anxiety and stress can feel paralyzing, robbing you of peace and joy. I help clients understand the underlying causes of their anxiety and develop effective tools to manage it. Through practical strategies, calming techniques, and mindset shifts, you'll learn how to reduce overwhelm, feel more in control, and experience life with greater calm, balance, and emotional clarity.

Lower anxiety and stress with helpful tools for you individually, in relationships, or at work. Sometimes anxiety rises because of specific circumstances and for others it has always been there. Our culture adds to our anxiety levels and learning how to avoid excess stress can make a huge difference. Anxiety can also be a reaction to something that happened in our past. Let me help you lower your reactions to stress.

Some people describe themselves as 'born worriers', 'always anxious or afraid', 'hypersensitive since I can remember.' Others may have gone through something that is creating anxiety and stress at levels they've never experienced before. Either way, with a therapist at Bluestone, you will find ways to interrupt your patterns of thinking and behaving that contribute to your anxiety, worry or stress. Once you can interrupt these patterns, you will have the opportunity to calm your body, shift your thinking and choose courses of action that benefit you, your relationships and your life.

Do you sometimes feel as though life is dragging you along? Would you like to live life instead of your life living you? Anxiety happens when your thoughts are primarily concerns about the future. As a psychotherapist and yoga teacher with a long-standing commitment to my own mindfulness practice, I will guide you in learning to shift your mind from the future to the present. Mindfulness and Lifespan Integration techniques have been shown to be effective developing the present-focused awareness and emotional cohesion that can soothe anxiety and unlock freedom.

We look together at the areas of your life that are causing you stress and anxiety. For most people, this is a huge aspect of living. Finding ways to reduce such stress and anxiety becomes a major focus of our work. We will examine your work, your family life, your relationships, your ability to function day to day, and the kinds of things you already do to cope with anxiety and stress. Developing strategies to deal more effectively with anxiety and stress is a major goal in counseling.

You do not need to live with anxiety. You know what I mean, the clenching in your stomach or the butterflies, the all too familiar headaches, the tightness in your shoulders or chest, the difficulty sleeping, the constant worrying. These symptoms and others are the result of anxiety. I offer a confidential, safe, and supportive place to talk about what you are experiencing and what you need to live with less fear more joy. There is a way to greater health and well-being. I can teach you relaxation skills, work with your negative thoughts that contribute to anxiety, help you resolve chronic stress that you may be carrying from your childhood, and teach you compassion and self-acceptance.

My approach to counseling couples dealing with stress and anxiety focuses on helping partners better understand how pressure, worry, and emotional overwhelm can affect communication, connection, and daily interactions within the relationship. I work to create a supportive environment where both individuals feel heard and understood while learning healthier ways to respond to stress together rather than against each other. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, I help couples identify anxious thought patterns, emotional triggers, and behaviors that may be increasing tension or conflict. Sessions are practical and goal-oriented, often including strategies & exercises to practice.