Anxiety Treatment in Los Angeles, CA

No, anxiety and stress are not the same thing.

Stress is the result of an external event, like your finances or issues at work.

Anxiety, on the other hand, is more internal.

When we’re anxious, we experience a persistent feeling of dread or apprehension. We’re often anxious about things that others wouldn’t find anxiety-producing. And, we struggle to shake the feeling.

Stress also ends when the stressful situation resolves. If you’re anxious, your anxiety will persist regardless.

Many different things trigger anxiety.

1. Stress. Although stress is different than anxiety, stressful situations can trigger anxiety.

2. Trauma. If you suffer from trauma, you are more likely to experience anxiety.

3. Personality. Some of us are more likely to have anxiety because of our personalities. For example, perfectionism is often associated with anxiety.

4. Family history. If members of your family have anxiety, you’re more likely to be anxious.

You may relate to one or all of these things. Just remember that anxiety is diverse, and you should discuss your symptoms and triggers with a licensed professional.

You’re likely here because anxiety has become a problem in your life.

As soon as anxiety disrupts your life, we recommend seeking help. Do any of these sound familiar?

• You’re unable to sleep at night because of your anxiety.

• You’ve missed out on social events because you were too anxious.

• Your relationships have suffered because of your anxiety.

• You feel sick, tired, or wired to the point that daily life is more difficult.

Things like these are signals that you would benefit from professional help.

There are many different treatments for anxiety. These different treatments typically fall into three camps: lifestyle, therapy, or medication. Note that many people opt for a combination of the three.

For example, lifestyle treatments involve the following:

• Meditation.

• Exercise.

• A healthy diet.

• Mindfulness.

• Adequate sleep.

• Stress management.

And more.

Anxiety treatment involves working with a licensed anxiety therapist. During treatment, you'll learn coping mechanisms and triggers of your anxiety. Triggers can be occurrences that occur every day like interpersonal conflict or stress at work. Along with these daily stressors, there are often deeper triggers. These may include past experiences and traumas as well.

Each therapist takes a unique approach to anxiety treatment. That's why your relationship with your anxiety therapist is essential.

Medication is also a valid approach to anxiety treatment. You have many options for medication, so make sure that you communicate with your therapist and doctor about what does and doesn't work for you. Please note that therapists cannot prescribe medication, but we are here to support you as you find a medication that works for you.

Yes, you can cure anxiety with therapy.

For your anxiety to be "cured," you need to get to the root of your anxiety. Often this means accessing your deeper triggers as we mentioned above. Past traumas often lead to chronic anxiety. Although these can be painful to address, they're crucial for lasting improvement.

Although the goal is to be "cured," try to be happy with your progress. If that means an hour more of sleep each night or one less panic attack per week, celebrate it. Take the pressure off of yourself. Anxiety treatment is a place for you to heal and understand yourself at your own pace.

Anxiety treatment is a combo of practical coping mechanisms and deconstruction of your triggers.

For example, in our practice, we teach mindfulness and meditation. We work to create practical coping mechanisms that can be used daily. Alongside those, we discuss the deeper things that are giving you anxiety, like family issues, relationships, trouble at work, life transitions, struggles with your gender and/or sexual identity, and much more.

In our opinion, the best anxiety therapy addresses every part of you. We believe that the whole you has a role to play in your anxiety, so we treat it all.

How long anxiety therapy takes is entirely dependent on the person.

For some, anxiety treatment is a staple in their life. They benefit from ongoing therapy without a deadline. For others, a couple of months is long enough.

We recommend that as long as you are benefitting from anxiety treatment, you should keep attending.

There are a few things to look out for in an anxiety therapist in Los Angeles, CA.

First, the therapist should have a license. You can often check if a therapist has licensed at the state level.

Second, you and your anxiety therapist should have an excellent relationship. The relationship should be genuine and feel easy. You should feel safe and accepted by your therapist. Additionally, you should have similar views on things. Conflict can occur in a good relationship. But, consider finding a new anxiety therapist if it's excessive.