Anxiety and Phobias
Fear and anxiety are a normal part of life, and they function as motivators to protect ourselves and to stay vigilant during crucial moments.
But, fear and anxiety can become problematic if they’re showing up too often or too intensely.
Common anxiety-like symptoms include:
Persistent worry, overthinking, and ruminating.
Social anxiety (persistent worries about rejection or social ridicule).
Health anxiety (persistent, excessive fear about developing a serious illness, despite evidence to the contrary).
Physical symptoms like racing heart, shortness of breath, shaking, nausea, or dizziness.
Specific phobias (such as: fear of needles, blood and injections, animals, confined spaces, and giving birth).
Treatment for Anxiety and Phobias
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety and phobias. It helps you understand the patterns between your thoughts, body, and behaviours, teaching you how to respond differently.
Exposure therapy is a specific intervention within the CBT “umbrella” that is often used for anxiety and phobias. With this therapy, you’ll learn how to gradually face the sensations, thoughts, and situations that trigger fear, while building confidence in your ability to handle them. Over time, we help you form corrective experiences about the situations that trigger anxiety, gradually decreasing its intensity.
For more information on how we can help with anxiety and fear, contact us for a complimentary, 20-minute consultation.
We offer in-person appointments in Edmonton, or virtual appointments anywhere in Alberta.