Let’s Talk Anxiety.
Anxiety is Normal.
The physical sensations triggered by the lower, more primitive part of the brain called the amygdala are what we typically call anxiety. Think heart racing, adrenaline rush, dizziness. These sensations represent your body’s alarm system. Its job is to alert you to danger, so you can escape or avoid the situation. When all systems are firing normally, the alarm doesn’t go off often, and even when it does, the feelings, sensations and experience pass well within an hour or so. It’s temporary.
When Anxiety Becomes a Problem.
Sometimes the alarm gets stuck. It goes off for things that aren’t emergencies, like saying the wrong thing in a text message or not being able to sleep. You begin to sweat, shake or feel dizzy — and get scared. Your thoughts spiral into “what if’s.” In response, you do things to get rid of these “bad” sensations. You try to avoid them. But any relief is temporary, and the anxiety only increases.
There’s a better way.
When your anxiety response becomes excessive, it can lead to different anxiety disorders. Even if you don’t meet criteria for a full disorder, it still can be problematic and professional help could be useful.
Anxiety Treatment That Empowers You
I treat adults whose anxious thoughts and feelings are interfering with living live to its fullest. This isn’t just talk therapy — cognitive behavior therapy is treatment designed to teach you a new way to respond.
Rather than run from or avoid these uncomfortable sensations, you’ll learn to respond to the experience in a new way.
I’ll bring my expertise, experience and education. You’ll bring your willingness, commitment and consistency. I give you a process for responding to your issue, not just a bunch of random, generic coping skills and get you out of the mishegas (Yiddish for insanity).
The techniques are easy to understand but not easy to implement. I believe strongly that the real work happens in between sessions. You’re going to learn how to do the opposite of what your anxiety tells you. We’ll challenge your anxiety.
And I look forward to the day when you don’t need me anymore — because you’ve mastered a process to stop worrying and start living.
Evidence-Based Treatment
An evidence-based treatment is one whose results are backed by research. It evolves, continually taking into account new studies and new results.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
CBT is the gold standard for general anxiety disorder and phobia treatment. I specialize in exposure and response prevention, prolonged exposure, and acceptance and commitment therapy (all of which come under CBT).
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and commitment therapy, in its simplest form, teaches people how to become more psychologically flexible, so you can move toward what’s important to you.
Are You a Parent of a Child with Anxiety?
While I don’t currently treat children, I am specially trained in treating parents through Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE). Developed at the Yale School of Medicine’s Child Study Center, SPACE gives parents another option.
If your child has anxiety, you may feel frustrated and exhausted. And if your child doesn’t want to go to therapy, or “doesn’t have time” for it, you can still take action.
Evidence supports that parent skills training is highly effective in addressing the anxiety problem at the family level and is a great alternative, or addition, to individual therapy. We’ll plan out our steps in a loving and supportive way, and your newfound skills will indirectly lead to behavior changes in your child.
Anxiety Therapy FAQs
- What kind of anxiety disorders do you treat?
I treat anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, most phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social phobia/social anxiety disorder.
- Who do you treat for anxiety disorders?
I currently treat adults living in Ohio. Whether you’ve received a past anxiety diagnosis or are seeking help for the first time, let’s talk.
- Do you accept health insurance for anxiety disorder therapy?
I currently accept Medical Mutual insurance.
- How much do you charge for anxiety disorder therapy?
Please contact me for specific fee information. I accept Medical Mutual insurance, and direct-pay clients may pay via credit card.
- How long will I need to get treatment for my anxiety disorder?
Each anxiety treatment plan is personalized to the individual. We won’t really know until we meet to discuss your individual situation. To give you a generic time period or number of sessions wouldn’t be accurate, because it depends on multiple factors including (but not limited to) degree of motivation, number of presenting problems, and how we progress.