Anxiety Therapy

At Whole Mind Therapy and Counseling, our team of therapists specializes in effective anxiety treatment tailored to your unique needs.

Whether you're struggling with anxiety in your personal or professional life, we're here to support you on your journey to better mental health. Together, we can work to create a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Anxiety Therapy can help you live a more balanced life

Do you feel anxious and stuck, like something in your life needs to change? This stuck feeling is frustrating, overwhelming, and leaves you feeling like you don't have control over your life. You might find yourself in an endless cycle of worry, avoid trying new things, have trouble with change, will avoid confrontation at all costs, and doubt yourself, wondering if you’re “good enough.”

Things can get better. Everyone experiences anxiety, but it shows up for people in different ways. Read more to learn about our services and treatment approach.

It’s normal for anxiety and stress to cause physical discomfort

psychoeducation for anxiety in Massachusetts

Everyone experiences anxiety and stress. It’s part of being human! It is our body’s way of signaling to us that there is a threat or something to fear, activating our fight or flight response.

Anxiety and stress can also have physical impacts. When people feel anxious, they experience increased heart rate, they might notice that their jaw or muscles feel tense and tight, and their palms get sweaty. Anxiety and stress can also cause gastrointestinal issues, resulting in IBS, heartburn, and tightness in your chest.

Many people seek medical care for these conditions, only to find that there is “nothing wrong” with them, and it's “just anxiety.” I'm here to tell you that those physical symptoms are real. In these instances, people's nervous system go into overdrive and their anxiety is manifesting in physical ways. The physical symptoms ARE real. You can work on ways to bring down your anxiety and experience a reduction in the physical symptoms that are SO uncomfortable, and preventing you from doing the things that you want to do.

Anxiety during life events and transitions is normal

Happy people after anxiety therapy

It's common for people to experience increased anxiety during life events and transitions, even if these events are happy and exciting times.

Maybe you're graduating from college, getting married, buying your first home, or having a child, and things feel totally out of control and you're not enjoying that time in your life. Other times these events are unplanned and bring up new worries that maybe you have never experienced before, such as illness of a loved one, martial strain, loss of a job, or the loss of someone close to you. Whether it’s a time of celebration, or a time of loss, adjustment to these transitions and events can be extremely difficult.

There's a misconception that these events are just part of life, and you need to “deal” with it. They might be part of life, but speaking with a therapist can be helpful to sort out your feelings and to process these events.

Types of Anxiety We Treat

At Whole Mind Therapy and Counseling, we understand that anxiety shows up in different ways for different people. Our personalized approach targets the specific types of anxiety you may be experiencing. Below is a guide to the forms of anxiety we treat, along with some insights to help you better understand them:

  • Generalized Anxiety
    Generalized anxiety involves excessive, uncontrollable worry about everyday matters—work, health, relationships, finances, and more. Even when there's no immediate cause for concern, you may find yourself constantly on edge. Physical symptoms like muscle tension, restlessness, or difficulty concentrating often accompany GAD. Therapy can help you manage these worries and regain a sense of calm.

  • Anxiety Due to Life Events and Transitions
    Major life changes—whether positive or negative—can trigger anxiety. Events like starting a new job, moving, getting married, or facing unexpected losses can stir up uncertainty and emotional distress. Therapy offers support in navigating these transitions, helping you build coping skills and find stability during difficult times.

  • Panic Attacks
    Panic attacks are sudden, intense episodes of fear or discomfort that often feel overwhelming. Physical symptoms like a racing heart, chest pain, or shortness of breath can make it feel like you're losing control. Our treatment helps identify triggers, reduce the frequency of attacks, and teach strategies to remain calm in these high-anxiety moments.

  • Social Anxiety
    If social situations leave you feeling anxious, fearful, or self-conscious, you may be experiencing social anxiety. From small interactions to public speaking, this form of anxiety can make even everyday activities seem overwhelming. We can help you build confidence, reduce fears, and improve your ability to engage with others comfortably.

  • Stress Management
    Chronic stress can lead to persistent anxiety. When stress starts affecting your ability to function or enjoy life, it’s time to seek help. Stress management therapy focuses on building healthy boundaries, relaxation techniques, and creating a sustainable balance between your responsibilities and personal life.

  • Anxiety Related to Self-Esteem and Self-Doubt
    Constantly questioning your worth or abilities can heighten anxiety. When self-doubt becomes a barrier to your happiness and success, therapy can help you reframe your thoughts, improve self-esteem, and develop a healthier, more empowered mindset.

  • Perfectionism
    Perfectionism can drive anxiety, leading to an ongoing cycle of fear and pressure. People who struggle with perfectionism often fear failure, procrastinate, or push themselves too hard, resulting in stress and burnout. If you're constantly holding yourself to impossibly high standards and feel overwhelmed by the need to be perfect, therapy can help. We’ll work together to challenge these unrealistic expectations, reduce self-criticism, and find a healthier, more balanced path to success.

  • Health Anxiety
    Health anxiety involves excessive worry about your physical health, often driven by fear of having a serious illness. Even after medical reassurance, these worries persist. Our therapy helps you manage these health-related fears and develop a healthier relationship with your body and medical care.

  • Phobias
    Specific phobias are intense fears triggered by certain objects or situations, such as flying, heights, or animals. Therapy focuses on reducing these fears through gradual exposure and cognitive-behavioral techniques, helping you regain control and confidence.

Our treatment approach

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
    EMDR is a powerful and effective therapy designed to help people process and heal from disturbing memories and past experiences in a safe, structured way. Sometimes, difficult experiences become "stuck" in our bodies and minds, leaving us feeling overwhelmed, distressed, and unable to move forward. EMDR therapy works by targeting these unprocessed memories, allowing you to adaptively change your emotional responses. As a result, people often feel more relief and confidence, allowing them to face current challenges and their future with a brighter outlook.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
    CBT is an evidence-based treatment for anxiety that focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By bringing awareness to unhelpful thought patterns—often called negative self-talk—CBT helps people understand how these thoughts fuel unpleasant emotions and anxiety. A key part of CBT is learning how to restructure and challenge these negative thoughts, leading to healthier emotional responses and better coping strategies.

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    ACT is another effective behavior therapy that focuses on aligning your actions with your core values. ACT teaches individuals how to accept life’s ups and downs while learning to tolerate difficult emotions. Rather than trying to eliminate negative feelings, ACT encourages you to change your perspective and take meaningful action. This approach is ideal for people wanting to understand their internal thought processes and work through barriers that may be holding them back. Like CBT, ACT is also evidence-based and has proven to be a successful treatment for anxiety.

  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
    MBSR is a well-established, evidence-based program specifically designed to help reduce stress and anxiety while improving overall well-being. We incorporate concepts from MBSR into our treatment plans to help you develop mindfulness skills that can ease anxiety and enhance your sense of peace. MBSR techniques are particularly useful in addressing stress, offering a holistic complement to other therapies we provide.

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
    DBT is an evidence-based treatment that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness strategies. It is particularly effective for people who struggle with intense emotions, impulsive behaviors, and difficulties in relationships. DBT provides individuals with the tools to navigate life’s challenges, regulate emotions, and build stronger, healthier relationships.

  • Building Healthy Lifestyle Changes
    A healthy lifestyle is essential for mental and emotional well-being. In addition to traditional therapy methods, we focus on helping clients build and maintain healthy habits that support long-term mental health and resilience. Our approach to healthy lifestyle changes includes:

    • Physical Health: Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep are foundational to emotional stability and stress management. We help you establish routines that prioritize your physical health, which directly impacts mental well-being.

    • Routine and Structure: Consistent daily routines can reduce anxiety, promote a sense of stability, and foster productivity. Together, we develop a personalized plan that adds structure to your day, making it easier to manage life’s stressors.

    • Self-Care Practices: We emphasize the importance of integrating self-care into your routine. From mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques to creative outlets, these habits help manage stress, increase resilience, and improve overall quality of life.

Through small, sustainable steps, we guide you in creating lasting lifestyle changes that enhance both your mental and physical health.

We’re here to support you through life's challenges.

Across the state of Massachusetts, we offer comprehensive anxiety therapy. We specialize in empowering our clients with new coping skills to reduce stress and anxiety. We foster a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic environment where you can openly share your concerns and worries.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Good question. And it is not uncommon for people to feel hesitant about therapy. Speaking to a therapist who does not have the same emotional pull as a friend or family member, can be affirming and validating. Therapy for anxiety will help you understand your triggers, and how to cope with life’s stressors.

  • Another common concern is that people think that if they are seeking therapy that is the sign of weakness or that they're doing something wrong in their life. That couldn't be further from the truth. Everyone can benefit from therapy. The same way everyone benefits from seeing their medical doctor, people benefit from prioritizing their mental health as well. Seeking therapy and asking for help is a sign of strength and can lead to improve self-esteem, improvement in relationships, and improved emotional well-being.

  • Anxiety therapy is a type of counseling designed to help individuals manage and alleviate their anxiety. It works by:

    • Understanding Anxiety: Identifying the causes and triggers of anxiety.

    • Coping Strategies: Teaching effective techniques to manage anxiety symptoms.

    • Thought Pattern Changes: Challenging and modifying negative thought patterns.

    • Emotion Regulation: Helping individuals manage intense anxiety-related emotions.

    • Behavioral Adjustments: Developing healthier responses and habits.

    • Supportive Environment: Providing a safe space for expression and validation.

    Anxiety therapy empowers individuals to take control of their anxiety, improve their mental well-being, and lead more fulfilling lives.

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