Anxiety

If you’re struggling with anxiety, you’re not alone. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in the United States, and their prevalence has grown in recent years, especially among young adults. Thankfully, anxiety disorders also have the highest success rate for treatment. Here are some common signs you might be struggling with anxiety:

  • Persistent worrying, overthinking, or difficulty managing fears.

  • Physical symptoms such as nausea, muscle tension, dizziness, or chronic headaches.

  • Avoiding social situations due to fear of judgment or rejection sensitivity.

  • Experiencing panic attacks or specific phobias.

  • Feeling isolated or withdrawing from activities you once enjoyed.

  • Facing co-occurring conditions like depression, OCD, or substance use disorders.

  • Managing physical health issues such as chronic pain, IBS, sleep problems, or Fibromyalgia, which can amplify anxiety.

I approach anxiety treatment with a comprehensive, compassionate, and often lighthearted perspective. Anxiety thrives on doubt and fear, so my goal is to help patients first develop a deeper understanding of their anxiety by befriending it and exploring its function and purpose, before working creatively to step out of its control and into a life aligned with their values.

A key part of this process is identifying and addressing the underlying patterns that drive anxiety, such as emotional avoidance, perfectionism, conditioned responses, or difficulty tolerating uncertainty. Many of my patients find that uncovering these patterns helps them build self-esteem and feel confident in managing their anxiety.

However, understanding alone is only the beginning. The path to freedom from anxiety also involves practicing skills and exercises to address symptoms and build resilience. Our work may include evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as well as mindfulness, compassion-focused techniques, and experiential exercises designed to create lasting changes in both the brain and body.

My clinical experience in treating anxiety is extensive. I completed advanced training in evidence-based modalities during graduate school, worked in a highly regarded CBT-focused clinic, and received hands-on experience during a hospital-based internship and postdoctoral fellowship. Additionally, my personal journey with anxiety has deepened my empathy and fueled my dedication to finding creative, effective solutions to help my patients heal and thrive.

“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” Jon Kabat-Zinn