Anxiety and OCD
Victoria Counselling For Anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Understanding Different Types of Anxiety
Everyone worries from time to time, but there is a difference between worry and chronic anxiety. Anxiety is a term that is used to describe feelings of fear, worry, and hopelessness, as well anxiety can also include panic attacks. Anxiety can present itself in many different physical and mental manifestations that centre around uncomfortable or distressing thoughts, feelings, sensations and urges.
There are many types of anxiety, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and obsessive-compulsive behaviour (OCD). Therapy for anxiety related issues can support you to gain a further understanding of what anxiety looks and feels like for you, and to give you coping skills to be able to respond to anxiety in a new way, resulting in more ease and freedom in your life.
How Counselling Can Help You Cope With Your Anxiety
In the therapeutic process you will learn strategies to tolerate fear, discomfort and uncertainty as well as learn and recognize that you can face what scares you most without sacrificing your quality of life. Engaging in therapy for anxiety can help you to realize that despite the realities of living with anxiety, you can still live a meaningful, healthy, and joyful life.
I am trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and specifically trained in Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP) which is a specialized behavioural therapy approach for OCD and other anxiety disorders. I am also trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which enables me to support you in becoming aware of thoughts/beliefs, opening up to new ways of coping through a values driven lens, and creating a new relationship with anxiety, so that you can live your life with more ease.
Coping Strategies For Anxiety
Anxiety is unpleasant, and it often feels as if you are separated from yourself and the life you want to live. The doubt and confusion it causes are the hardest to deal with. One of the most important things to remember when facing your anxiety is that you are not alone in this. Together we can identify the best strategies for you to overcome anxiety, including: CBT, ERP, mindfulness based interventions, and grounding practices.
Learn What Triggers Your Anxiety
In our work together you will learn more about what causes your anxiety. I can teach you skills and share resources to support you to become more aware of triggers, and how to respond in new and creative ways.
Practice New Ways to Overcome Fearful Thoughts
The goals of therapy for anxiety related issues are not to stop fearful thoughts, emotions or sensations. The goal is not even to make your anxiety go away. In our work together we will explore ways that you can befriend your experiences of anxiety, allow thoughts, feelings and sensations to move through, and learn how to cultivate new thoughts that centre around patience, compassion and acceptance.
Make Lifestyle Changes to Manage Anxiety Symptoms
As you engage in counselling you’re not only working on distressing symptoms of anxiety, but your also working on improving your sense of self-worth and self-compassion. Exercise, sleep hygiene, water intake, balanced eating, and relaxation can all be instrumental in building a kinder, more compassionate self. We can create intentions and goals together so you can support yourself to live in alignment with your values and build a rich, and meaningful life.
Utilize Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy
My training in CBT and ERP, which is the gold standard for treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) allows our sessions to be informed by evidence based treatment models. In our work together you will learn the tools necessary to achieve significant relief from your anxiety and OCD symptoms. Learning CBT and ERP will allow you to become more resilient in the face of fear and uncertainty.
Discover How Counselling For Anxiety and OCD Can Help
If you’re experiencing excessive anxiety, worry, panic or OCD related symptoms contact me today to book a complimentary 20 minute consultation session. I would love to be able to hear your story with anxiety, provide you with valuable strategies, lifelong skills, and ultimately help you heal from your anxiety.