Anxiety Therapist in Austin, TX

Search “best anxiety therapist near me” and you’ll find a long list of profiles that mostly sound the same. A few things narrow it down:

• Training that matches your anxiety. Panic, OCD, social anxiety and trauma each respond to specific methods, such as CBT or EMDR. Ask what a therapist uses and why.
• A Texas license. Look for an LPC, LCSW, LMFT or licensed psychologist, or an associate working under one.
• Fit. You should feel at ease with the person after a session or two. If you don’t, it’s fine to ask for someone else.
• Logistics. Location, online options, your schedule and insurance decide whether you keep going, so weigh them early.

If you’d rather skip the search, tell us what’s going on and our client care team will suggest a therapist. You can also read what working with an anxiety therapist involves.

Anxiety is a conditioned response to a perceived negative stimulus. When you’re feeling anxious or stressed, your body releases adrenaline, endorphins, and cortisol. These natural stimulants are designed to help us respond to potential dangers. However, everyday life events can also trigger these responses, leading to anxiety.

The physical sensations, such as an increased heart rate, tightness in the chest, and increased sweating, can sometimes be mistaken for a heart attack. Understanding these triggers and learning effective coping techniques are key aspects of anxiety therapy. By gaining insight into what causes anxiety and developing better strategies, individuals can regain a sense of control over their responses.

For more on what happens in your body, read why people get nervous.

While therapy may not provide a definitive “cure” for anxiety, it can be highly effective in helping individuals manage and alleviate their symptoms. Therapy helps clients understand the root causes of their anxiety and equips them with coping mechanisms to navigate it effectively. Techniques such as breathing exercises, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, biofeedback, EMDR, and somatic approaches are particularly beneficial.

These approaches are often more effective in the long term compared to relying solely on medication. The goal of anxiety therapy is to empower individuals to take control of their anxiety and lead a fulfilling life.

Part of the work is changing how you relate to anxiety instead of fighting it. Our post on accepting anxiety explains what that looks like in practice.

Yes, anxiety therapy is suitable for children and adolescents. Anxiety knows no age limits and can affect individuals at different life stages. For children and adolescents, anxiety can impact various aspects of their lives, including social interactions, academic performance, and overall well-being.

Our therapists who specialize in working with younger individuals understand the unique challenges and use age-appropriate therapeutic techniques and strategies to help them manage and overcome anxiety. Seeking therapy for your child or adolescent is a proactive step in providing them with the support they need to build resilience, cope with stress, and develop effective strategies to manage anxiety.

A study done by Dr. Amanda J. Rose at the University of Missouri in 2007 found that, while it’s healthy to bounce our issues off a good listener who has your back, to dwell on an issue or problem over and over again with friends has shown to have negative consequences.

In the same study, researchers found that having a problem-solving focus to any conversation helped steer the person from wallowing in their troubles. Focusing on the solution can help elevate your mind out of the quicksand of anxiety and into a space that allows you to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We can also help by providing you with information about anxiety counseling. If you are ready to make a counseling appointment, book here!

Generalized anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, health anxiety, and anxiety that shows up mostly as irritability or trouble sleeping. Several of our therapists have advanced training in CBT for anxiety, which is the approach with the most evidence behind it.

Many people see real change in eight to sixteen weekly sessions with CBT. Anxiety that has been around for years, or that is tied to past trauma, usually takes longer.

Yes. Anxiety disorders are covered conditions, and many of our clinicians are in network with Aetna, EHN, Harbor Health, Nomi Health, and Sana. If we are out of network, we provide superbills for reimbursement.

Yes. Video sessions work well for anxiety, and some people find it easier to open up from home. In-person sessions are available at our North Austin and Westlake offices.