Anxiety Therapists in San Francisco • Online and In-Person

In the first session, you’ll talk about what brought you to therapy and what you hope to achieve. Your therapist will likely ask questions about your experiences and listen carefully to tailor an approach that feels right for you. It’s a chance to get comfortable and see if it feels like a good fit.

Anxiety therapy has been proven to be highly effective for treating worry and anxiety, and reduce difficulty concentrating, excessive worry, a feeling of an overactive nervous system, or other symptoms. There are many reasons why, and how therapy can be helpful differs from person to person. Through therapy, individuals can understand the source of their anxiety, learn coping skills or stress management techniques, communication skills, and other tools. Sometimes, just having a sympathetic ear of a trained professional can be helpful.

Some skills for managing anxiety were developed from cognitive-behavioral therapy or exposure therapy. These frameworks focus on confronting and adjusting to anxiety-provoking situations, which, over time, has been shown to reduce the intensity of anxious feelings.

Interpersonal, humanist, and relational therapies provide a safe space for individuals to explore the root causes of their anxiety, treating trauma that may be contributing to their current state, or understanding how the context of someone’s life might contribute to anxiety.

The most important thing is a therapist that works for you. That might mean explaining things in a way that makes sense, offering strategies or tips that sound good to you, or just sitting back and listening. The point is, your therapist should help you in the way you want to be helped.

Therapists may be trained in a variety of techniques and approaches to anxiety. So if they are working with you in one way, you should feel free to let them know if it’s working or not. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask potential therapists about their experience with anxiety and their success rates. A good therapist will be open to discussing their approach and how they can tailor their treatment to fit your unique situation. Taking the time to find the right match can make a significant difference in your therapy experience and outcomes.

At a high level, anxiety is frequently the result of both genetic and environmental factors. Some people seem to be predisposed to feeling more anxiety than others regardless of circumstances. Environmental factors such as stress at work, school, or in personal relationships, can contribute to anxiety as well as major life changes, such as moving or changing jobs. It’s also the case that trauma, prolonged periods of difficulty, or social and political developments can profoundly impact anxiety. Paradoxically, seemingly positive events can cause anxiety as well. This might include graduating from school, having a child, getting an important promotion or bump in responsibilities.

If anxiety is impacting your daily life, seeking the help of a therapist can help. Therapists can offer specialized strategies and techniques, such as those focusing on stress management, that are tailored to help you manage your symptoms more effectively.

Moreover, a therapist can provide a supportive space to explore the underlying causes of your anxiety, work through them, and develop coping mechanisms that empower you to live a more balanced life. If anxiety is a barrier to your happiness or productivity, consulting a therapist could be a beneficial step forward.

Often, by the time people seek out therapy, anxiety has taken over. We like to address anxiety with a multi-prong approach involving recognizing the signs early, implementing strategies to prevent it from escalating, while also addressing the deeper causes. Developing routines that include regular exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient sleep is good for your mental health overall and can enhance your well-being and reduce anxiety levels. Some people find practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and meditation, can also help calm your mind and body. Others find identifying the root causes of their anxiety or addressing past traumas makes an enormous difference dealing with their anxiety in the present. Finally, it’s important to establish a supportive network of friends and family who understand what you’re going through. Sharing your feelings and experiences with them can provide comfort and reassurance. If you are in a place where anxiety has become overwhelming, consider reaching out to a professional who can guide you through more specific strategies tailored to your needs.

The frequency of therapy sessions for anxiety can vary depending on the individual’s needs and the severity of their symptoms. Initially, a therapist might recommend weekly sessions to build momentum and establish a strong therapeutic relationship. As progress is made, the frequency of sessions may be adjusted to every other week or monthly check-ins.

It’s important to work with your therapist to determine an individually tailored treatment approach that best supports your journey toward managing anxiety. Open communication with your therapist about how you’re feeling and the progress you’re making can help adjust the frequency of sessions to fit your evolving needs.

Anxiety triggers can vary widely among individuals but often include stress from work, school, personal relationships, financial pressures, and health concerns. Specific situations or objects, such as crowded spaces or heights, can also trigger anxiety symptoms for some people. Additionally, substance use, caffeine intake, and certain medications can exacerbate anxiety. Finally, sometimes even positive life events can cause anxiety or worry, such as a big promotion, getting married, having a child, graduating from school, or other transitions.

Identifying your personal triggers is a crucial step in managing anxiety. Keeping a journal to note when your anxiety spikes can help you and your therapist understand patterns and develop coping strategies. Techniques like mindfulness-based therapy, individual therapy, and cognitive-behavioral strategies, among other therapy approaches can be effective in helping you manage your response to these triggers and reduce the impact of anxiety on your life.