Anxiety Treatment

Overwhelming Worry And Stress Taking Over Your Life?

Are you consumed by seemingly irrational fears or self-doubt? Do you have trouble relaxing, or sleeping through the night, or do you wake up exhausted without knowing why? Perhaps intrusive thoughts or a pervading sense of doom overshadows everything you do, and you don’t understand why you can’t feel as free as others seem to. Or, maybe you have developed repetitive thoughts, compulsive behaviors or patterns of avoidance that make you feel like you are no longer the one controlling your life. Do you forgo activities you once enjoyed or worry about the next thing that will trigger overwhelming stress—or even a panic attack?

An anxiety disorder can take on many forms. You might be afraid to speak publicly, engage in social situations or form new relationships. Or, you may find it difficult to feel present in the moment or focus on interactions with loved ones because your mind is lost somewhere in the future or stuck in the past. It could be that most of the time, you are running worst case scenarios through your head. And, although you might criticize yourself for these fears, it might seem like self-judgment is only making them worse. 

Are you tired of feeling so worn and weighed down? Would you like to free yourself from the pattern of troublesome thoughts and enjoy greater confidence and peace in your life?

Anxiety Is a Common Concern

Everyone experiences a certain amount of worry in their lives. Will the bills get paid? Do I have what it takes to be successful in my career? Am I doing enough for my family’s well-being? 

However it manifests, worry can be a great motivator and an expectable response to the uncertainty that often characterizes life. However, when fear and anxiety become the driving force behind your actions, it can be an indicator of a more significant issue.

Anxiety disorders affect millions of adults in the U.S. The highly competitive, stressful demands of work and the lack of a strong work/life balance are conditions in which anxiety can thrive. And if you are adapting to a new culture, balancing multiple roles, or living in a high-cost area, chances are you are already overwhelmed by stress. It’s no wonder that so many here in the Bay Area are searching for relief.

Fortunately, with the guidance of a skilled anxiety specialist trained in psychiatry, psychotherapy, and psychoanalysis, you can release worry and self-doubt and enjoy a healthier, happier life.

Anxiety Treatment Can Offer You Greater Peace 

Having a chance to speak about your pain to an impartial ally can give you a sense of validation and help you process your emotions. You never need to worry about censoring your thoughts on my behalf. There is a part of you that needs to be articulated and explored, and I invite you to be your most honest self during our sessions. If you are willing to be open to the process, psychotherapy for anxiety can help you get to the core of your anxiety and change the way you think and feel.

We’ll begin our sessions in a space of comfort and safety. We can talk about how and why your anxiety manifests as it does. For example, we’ll look at experiential factors, such as past relationships, that may be creating automatic responses of panic or apprehension. 

Or, we may look at developmental factors from your childhood that may have laid the groundwork for a panic response that continues to take hold of you today. I’ll also offer you information about anxiety, how it affects you and why, giving you clarity and greater self-awareness. As we put all of these pieces together, you can learn how to cope with anxiety and stress, giving you more choices and control over the way you live.

I approach all of my patients according to their unique needs and goals for the future. If you have a history of panic attacks, we can look at trigger events and design ways to manage powerful emotions and minimize exhausting physical sensations. 

If you have issues with general anxiety, we can discuss meditation and mindfulness techniques that can keep you grounded in the moment. As a psychiatrist, I can also evaluate the need for and prescribe medication, if indicated, that can work in tandem with therapy to aid the healing process.

I have been working for over twenty years with people who experience all forms of anxiety. I’ve also been trained as a psychoanalyst, and I know that change is possible. With my guidance and support, you can enjoy deep and encompassing changes in your life and discover greater freedom and peace.

Anxiety treatment sounds like an option I’d like to explore, but I still have a few concerns…

I don’t want to be labeled as crazy for going to a psychiatrist.

I know that it can seem daunting, even embarrassing, to ask for help. But, you are not crazy for seeking guidance: you are strong and courageous and wise. I have been specially trained in helping people deal with anxiety. 

I know the impact ongoing worry and fear can have on relationships, careers and personal well-being. And I can tell you that change is something you have to work at. Engaging in psychotherapy for anxiety helps to heal your symptoms, and more importantly—it heals you.

I have a strong support group of family and friends I can rely on.

It’s commendable that you want to heal yourself with the help of your community. However, often, family and friends can’t provide the impartial and professional support that leads to healing. There are some things that they may not be able to understand and some things you might not want to reveal about yourself.

Engaging in therapy for anxiety gives you a chance to explore aspects of your personality and life that may be off-limits to family and friends. I can offer you unbiased support and assistance in dealing with stress and anxiety in healthier ways.

I worry about how much time it will consume.

Recovery does take time, but your anxiety is already costing you lots of time everywhere in your life. Investing in anxiety treatment eliminates this time sink. It allows you to be fully present in your career, relationships and in your own mind. 

As a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, I can work at the greatest possible depth of your anxiety. You can enjoy continued personal growth, awareness and peace of mind and sustainably improve your overall quality of life.

Overcoming Anxiety Is Possible

If you feel your life has been overtaken by an anxiety disorder or overwhelming stress, I can help. Please call 415 673 3125 or email me at sanfranalista@therapyemail.com for a free 15-minute consultation to see how therapy for anxiety may be able to help you.