Anxiety Therapy and Treatment in San Diego

Short and Simple Symptoms

• Prone to worry
• Fear of judgments of others
• Negative expectations
• Strong fears or phobias
• Tension
• Anxiety or panic attacks

For a complete list of symptoms, please refer to the DSM-IV-TR published by the
American Psychiatric Association

All human beings experience anxiety. We are innately designed to manage it as part of the range of human experience. However, there may be times when an individual experiences strong symptoms of anxiety and feels unable to cope. 

Anxieties may be caused by traumatic experiences, sometimes even mildly traumatic experiences in childhood. They may be caused by witnessing family members who have anxiety, quite frightening for a small child who must rely on an anxious adult. Negative beliefs are also important to assess. Examples of common beliefs for anxious people are: “I have to be in control,” “I’m out of control,” “I’m in danger,” “I can’t handle it,” or “I have to be perfect.”

Our trauma therapists are experienced in addressing the underlying issues in an effective and nurturing way, returning the client to a state in which he or she is again able to manage such feelings and reduce negative self-talk. The goal is to consciously get into a more adaptive and positive mindset for overcoming anxieties in daily life. Effective trauma treatments for Anxiety include EMDR, Brainspotting, and Advanced Integrative Therapy. EMDR has been researched the most for PTSD and Phobias. For conditions for which there has not yet been much research, the trauma therapies can be considered experimental.

Nonetheless, many clinicians and clients report that these approaches help the client realize that “I can manage anxiety, as well as access my own strengths to overcome life's challenges and stresses.”

Some healthy examples of managing anxiety are eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, getting enough sleep, staying active, and connecting with people who care about us and who share mutual interests. 

Detailed Symptoms of Anxiety

• Frequent feelings of nervousness or anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Avoidance of places due to fear of having an anxiety attack
• More muscle tension (headaches, sore muscles, hand tremor)
• Periods of heart pounding, nausea, or dizziness
• Tendency to predict the worst
• Multiple persistent fears or phobias (dying, fear of doing something crazy, etc.)
• Conflict avoidance
• Quick startle or tendency to freeze in intense situation
• Shyness, timidity or feelings of embarrassment
• Excessive fear of being judged or scrutinized by others
• Fingernail biting or picking of skin

If any of these conditions are distressing you and limiting your life, our specialists would be glad to assist you in overcoming them. Please call today to get started.

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