Therapy for Anxiety in San Francisco
What is Anxiety?
If you experience anxiety, you are not alone. Anxiety disorders are among the most common issues faced by Americans. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), Anxiety Disorders affect around 40 million adults in the U.S. each year. Anxiety disorders often develop from a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Common symptoms of anxiety include irritability, restlessness, racing/unwanted thoughts, difficulty sleeping, sense of impending danger, nausea, headache, excessive worry about past or future events, and difficulty being present. It is often the case that people struggling with anxiety worry about things that others perceive are out of proportion to the situation at hand.
“Anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults in the U.S. each year.”
Common Types of Anxiety
Generalized Anxiety
Common Symptoms: Excessive worry/rumination about everyday issues that may include work, relationships, finances, etc., feeling on edge, restlessness, agitation, difficulty slowing down, and trouble falling/staying asleep.
Social Anxiety
Common Symptoms: Fears of being evaluated negatively by others, worrying about what others think, fears of not being able to connect with others, worries about being awkward or bad at social interactions, comparing self to others, and avoidance of social situations.
Performance Anxiety
Common Symptoms: Fears of making a mistake/being embarrassed, fears of being evaluated poorly, and avoidance of performance situations, presentations, large groups, or public speaking.
Therapy for Anxiety Using Evidence-Based Approaches
With right support and skills, anxiety is highly treatable. People who have anxiety sometimes struggle with debilitating worries/concerns for years. If this describes your experience, don’t lose hope! We are dedicated to helping our clients learn and practice skills that are scientifically proven to assist with relating to fears differently, so that they no longer get in the way. The methods we use include to treat anxiety include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, and Self-Compassion.
Therapy for Panic Disorder in San Francisco
What is Panic Disorder?
According to Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), Panic Disorder affects approximately 2.7% of the United States population. Panic Disorder is characterized by the presence of repeated panic attacks, which are discrete periods of intense fear or discomfort during which time a person experiences at least four of the following symptoms:
Trembling or shaking
Shortness of breath
Sensation of choking
Chest pain
Rapid heartbeat
Nausea or abdominal pain
Dizziness or feeling faint
Fear of losing control
Fear of dying
Numbness/tingling sensation
Feelings of being detached from reality or oneself
Panic Attack Treatment in San Francisco
People with panic disorder often worry about having future panic attacks and are fearful of body sensations that are associated with panic attacks. Research supports that CBT including a technique called Interoceptive Exposure is an effective treatment for panic disorder. Interoceptive Exposure involves gradual introduction to feared thoughts and body sensations in a systematic and repeated manner. Through practicing Interoceptive Exposure, you can learn to relate differently to anxious thoughts and body sensations so that they become more manageable and no longer get in the way of living life the way you would like to.
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”
Looking for panic attack or anxiety therapists in the Bay Area?
mindfulSF offers therapy for anxiety and panic attacks in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area. Online services also offered across California.