Stress, PTSD and Anxiety Therapists in South Seattle, 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.

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.

The treatment of anxiety and stress first begins with the management of the symptoms bringing you in for treatment. Without having these symptoms under control, it is difficult for individuals to begin to examine the reasons behind the anxiety without provoking more anxiety. Once these symptoms are addressed, we will start to examine the life situations you are in and the relationships, stories, family roles and events that may be the roots of the stress and subsequent anxiety. With some time, consistency, openness and commitment to the process, individuals will find anxiety more manageable and the enjoyment of every day returned.

Anxiety and stress are real problems that keep too many from living healthy, balanced lives. Whether it’s sleepless nights or full-blown panic attacks, we will explore the issues together and determine the best course of action. Current stressors such as relationship difficulties and traumatic events can cause anxiety, however, the cause can also be rooted in the past without your awareness of it. Often the help of a trained therapist can make the difference in finding and healing the source.

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.

Anxiety and chronic stress can leave your nervous system feeling overwhelmed, constantly on edge, emotionally drained, or stuck in survival mode. You may find yourself overthinking, struggling to slow down, or feeling disconnected from yourself and others. Therapy can help you better understand your emotional patterns, build coping tools, and reconnect with a greater sense of steadiness, safety, and balance.

Anxiety can run your life, but it doesn't have to. Together, we'll work on ways to tap into the security and strength of your body. We'll understand the anxious stories and find ways to bring supportive, soothing energy to calm those parts down. We'll listen to your body for any signs of unresolved trauma or relational wounding and work gently with the body to heal.

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.

Anxiety and stress are so common they seem like an unavoidable part of the modern lifestyle. However excessive anxiety, stress, and worry can start to destroy your peace of mind, lessen your confidence, and impact your physical health. I provide a therapy process where the pattern of how anxiety is created in your life is understood and new tools to stop the physical and emotional patterns of anxiety are made habitual. The end result is having your peace of mind back so you can focus on the things that matter most to you.