Anxiety Therapy
Professional Anxiety Therapy and Treatment near Chicago
Do you often find yourself feeling overwhelmed, constantly on edge, or trapped by your own thoughts? If left untreated, anxiety can negatively affect your health, relationships, and career. It's time to break free from the grip of anxiety and start living a more fulfilling life. At Shift Counseling, PC, our experienced anxiety therapists have the specialized tools and expertise to help you conquer anxiety through proven anxiety treatment approaches and reclaim your joy.
Why Choose Professional Anxiety Therapy?
Anxiety is a tough opponent, but with the right guidance from a qualified anxiety counselor, evidence-based strategies, and ongoing support, overcoming anxiety is absolutely within your reach. Seeking anxiety therapy is the first step towards taking control of your anxiety and finding lasting relief. Whether you're suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder, experiencing panic attacks, or struggling with social anxiety, here's why professional anxiety counseling is the solution you've been searching for:
1. Personalized Anxiety Treatment Plans
At Shift Counseling, PC, our highly skilled anxiety therapists are equipped with the knowledge and experience to provide you with personalized anxiety disorder therapy strategies that cater specifically to your unique needs. By using evidence-based therapeutic techniques in our anxiety counseling sessions, we'll uncover the root causes behind your anxiety and develop tailored anxiety disorder treatments to help empower you on your journey to healing.
2. A Safe, Supportive Environment for Anxiety Therapy
Sharing your anxieties and fears can be daunting, but in our anxiety therapy space, you can find a safe haven where you can express yourself freely without judgment. Our empathetic and compassionate anxiety counselors are here to understand and support you. We create an atmosphere in our anxiety treatment sessions that allows you to explore your emotions, fears, and concerns openly, ultimately leading to meaningful growth and healing.
3. Proven Coping Strategies Through Anxiety Counseling
Our anxiety therapy sessions equip you with a comprehensive range of coping mechanisms specifically designed to manage and alleviate anxiety symptoms. Your anxiety therapist will teach you practical skills such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, cognitive reframing, and other evidence-based anxiety treatment methods, empowering you to face anxious thoughts head-on and regain control of your life.
4. Comprehensive Anxiety Disorder Therapy
Often, anxiety is intertwined with deeper emotional or psychological issues that may be influencing your mental well-being. Our anxiety counselors are skilled at navigating these underlying issues through specialized anxiety disorder counseling, ensuring that we address the root cause of your anxiety rather than simply treating its symptoms. This comprehensive approach to anxiety treatment guarantees a more thorough and lasting resolution to your anxiety struggles.
5. Ongoing Support Throughout Your Anxiety Treatment Journey
At Shift Counseling, we believe that anxiety therapy is not just a quick fix; it's a powerful ongoing journey towards transformation. Our anxiety therapists are committed to providing long-term support through consistent anxiety counseling, helping you build resilience and confidence as you navigate life's challenges. We'll be by your side every step of the way, cheering you on and celebrating your progress in anxiety treatment.
Don't let anxiety rob you of the vibrant and fulfilling life you deserve. Take the first step towards harmony and self-empowerment by seeking professional anxiety therapy at Shift Counseling. Our team of dedicated anxiety counselors is ready to guide you on your path to long-lasting recovery through personalized anxiety treatment.
Understanding Anxiety Disorders: What Our Anxiety Therapists Treat
Anxiety is a natural feeling that everyone experiences at times. At the right times, in small doses, anxiety can actually be helpful as our stress responses kick in. If our natural stress response is working well, it will increase our heart rate and respiration, increase our energy and focus, and give us a competitive edge.
However, many people experience a chronic overreaction of the natural stress response. This is known as an anxiety disorder. If excessive anxiety lasts more than two weeks and impairs an individual's functioning, they may benefit from professional anxiety disorder therapy. Our anxiety counselors specialize in treating various anxiety disorders through evidence-based anxiety treatment approaches.
The Three Most Common Anxiety Disorders Treated Through Our Anxiety Therapy Services
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treatment
Our anxiety therapists specialize in treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder through comprehensive anxiety counseling approaches. Symptoms we address in anxiety therapy include:
Chronic excessive worry about multiple subjects (the mind may jump from problem to problem)
Overthinking and rumination
Difficulty concentrating
Catastrophizing (always expecting the worst possible outcome)
Difficulty falling asleep due to physical agitation
Irritability, feeling overwhelmed
Feeling restless or keyed up
Fatigue during the day
Headaches and muscle tension
Increased heart rate
Chronic gastrointestinal issues including nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea
Hair loss from chronic stress
Panic Attack Treatment and Anxiety Attack Treatment
Our anxiety counselors provide specialized panic attack treatment for those experiencing acute and intense anxiety episodes. Through targeted anxiety therapy, we address:
Acute and very intense anxiety, usually caused by a specific stressor
Episodes typically lasting a few minutes, but can occasionally be prolonged
Increased heart rate and difficulty breathing
Nausea, vomiting, and chest pains
Sweating, flushing, chills, and trembling
Numbness or tingling sensations
Feelings of agitation and dizziness
Dissociation (feeling detached from reality or oneself)
Fear of losing control, going crazy, or dying
Post-panic fatigue and "panic hangover" symptoms
Our anxiety attack treatment focuses on immediate coping strategies and long-term anxiety disorder therapy to prevent future episodes.
Social Anxiety Therapy and Social Phobia Treatment
Our specialized social anxiety treatment addresses the unique challenges of social anxiety disorder through targeted social anxiety counseling. We help clients overcome:
Excessive worry about social situations
Fear of criticism, humiliation, or offending others
Feeling that others are constantly judging every action
Fear of mind "going blank" in social situations
Physical symptoms like blushing, shaking, sweating, or stuttering
Ruminating about past social encounters
Avoidance of social situations except with trusted friends
Excessive anticipatory anxiety about unavoidable social events
Our social anxiety therapy combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with gradual exposure therapy to help clients build confidence in social situations.
Other Anxiety Disorders
While our anxiety therapists are highly skilled in treating the above conditions, we recognize that Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Hypochondria, and Specific Phobias often require specialized types of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy. If you start anxiety treatment with one of our therapists and we determine you need specialized anxiety disorder treatments that we don't provide, we will help connect you with an anxiety counselor who offers the specific type of help you need.
Our Approach to Anxiety Treatment and Anxiety Counseling
In many ways, our anxiety treatment approach shares similarities with depression treatment, as many clients benefit from anxiety therapy that addresses both conditions simultaneously. When you begin anxiety counseling at Shift Counseling, PC:
Your anxiety therapist performs a thorough assessment
We collaborate to develop a personalized anxiety treatment plan specific to your symptoms and goals
We continuously monitor your progress in anxiety therapy
Your anxiety disorder treatment plan is adjusted as necessary for optimal results
While there are differences in symptoms, there is significant overlap in general anxiety treatment strategies. Recognizing and challenging negative thoughts that contribute to anxiety symptoms is key to effective anxiety disorder therapy, along with developing healthy alternative coping mechanisms through anxiety counseling.
The Importance of Addressing Physical Symptoms in Anxiety Treatment
While depression also presents physical symptoms, addressing physical manifestations is especially crucial in anxiety therapy. General stress reduction forms a cornerstone of our anxiety treatment approach. When stress accumulates over time, it often presents physically and can be an underlying cause of anxiety disorders.
Initially, anxiety counseling often focuses on helping people slow down, set boundaries, and release activities or obligations that aren't essential. Through anxiety therapy, we encourage clients to prioritize relaxation, whether through meditation practice or scheduling time for enjoyable hobbies.
Exercise serves as an excellent natural outlet for the energy that builds up from stress. Incorporating physical activity is often highly beneficial in anxiety treatment when tolerated by clients. Our anxiety therapists understand that there are various reasons why someone might not be able to or prefer not to exercise, and that's completely acceptable.
Studies show that spending as little as 10-20 minutes walking outside can provide significant relief from anxiety symptoms. Whether you prefer gentle walks or intense cardio routines, the right kind of exercise for anxiety treatment is whatever helps your symptoms and what you'll actually do regularly.
Specialized Panic Attack Treatment Approaches
In treating panic disorder specifically, our anxiety therapists emphasize physical interventions such as deep breathing techniques. Focused breathing is one of the most effective ways to de-escalate the cycle of fearful thoughts and intense physical sensations that characterize panic attacks. Through targeted panic attack treatment, clients learn to intentionally slow down breathing and deepen exhales to stop panic escalation.
Slow, deep breaths help oxygenate the blood, allowing the brain to exit panic mode, which simultaneously slows respiration and heart rate. Eventually, muscle tension decreases, making breathing easier. Bilateral tapping techniques can also provide body relief during panic episodes.
When the body releases from panic mode through these anxiety attack treatment techniques, the brain begins functioning more clearly, rational thinking returns, and problem-solving becomes possible again. Self-compassion and empathy for others also return. There are biological reasons why we think and act differently when anxious versus calm.
Cognitive interventions addressing fear are equally important for de-escalating panic through our anxiety therapy approach.
Helpful Beliefs for Panic Attack Treatment:
"This is just a panic attack, I am not actually dying."
"I can calm my body and regain control."
"This is very uncomfortable, but not actually dangerous."
"This is temporary and it will pass."
"I have gotten through panic episodes successfully before, I can do it again."
Once individuals master which physical interventions and cognitive strategies work for them through anxiety treatment, they're well-positioned for effective management and possible elimination of panic attacks.
Social Anxiety Treatment and Social Anxiety Counseling Approaches
Similar to other anxiety disorder treatments, social anxiety therapy often begins with general stress reduction and implementation of healthy lifestyle management, focusing on adequate nutrition, improved sleep, and incorporating exercise and pleasurable activities. Beyond stress reduction and enhanced self-care, your anxiety therapist will help identify and challenge negative beliefs contributing to social anxiety through specialized social anxiety counseling.
You may receive homework assignments to gradually increase exposure to anxiety-provoking social situations, allowing you to gather more accurate data about your social performance abilities. Your social anxiety counselor will work carefully with you to ensure any assignments are tolerable with only mild distress. If social anxiety stems from "little t" trauma such as bullying, EMDR therapy may be incorporated into your social phobia treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety Therapy
What is anxiety therapy and how does it work?
Anxiety therapy is professional mental health treatment that helps individuals understand and manage anxiety symptoms through evidence-based therapeutic approaches. At Shift Counseling, PC, our anxiety therapists use proven techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify negative thought patterns, develop healthy coping strategies, and address the root causes of anxiety. Anxiety treatment typically involves weekly sessions where you work collaboratively with your anxiety counselor to build skills for managing worry, reducing physical symptoms, and improving overall quality of life.
Is counseling for anxiety available in Spanish?
Yes! Jazmin, Vivian, and Noel are all bilingual (English/Spanish) therapists who work with anxiety in adults and teens.
What types of anxiety disorders do you treat at Shift Counseling, PC?
Our anxiety therapists specialize in treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder (chronic excessive worry), Panic Disorder (panic attacks and anxiety attacks), and Social Anxiety Disorder (social phobia). We provide comprehensive anxiety disorder therapy for adults experiencing various anxiety symptoms. While we don't specialize in treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Hypochondria, or Specific Phobias (which require specialized Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy), we can connect you with qualified specialists for these conditions if needed.
How long does anxiety treatment take?
The duration of anxiety therapy varies based on individual needs, symptom severity, and treatment goals. Many clients begin experiencing relief within 6-8 sessions of anxiety counseling, while comprehensive anxiety treatment typically ranges from 3-6 months of weekly sessions. Some individuals benefit from shorter-term anxiety therapy for specific issues, while others prefer ongoing support. Your anxiety therapist will work with you to develop a personalized anxiety treatment plan with clear goals and regularly assess your progress.
What anxiety treatment methods do you use?
Our anxiety therapists primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the gold standard for anxiety disorder treatment. CBT helps identify and challenge anxious thoughts while developing practical coping strategies. Because anxiety so often produces intense, uncomfortable physical symptoms, we also may incorporate PolyVagal Therapy into our sessions (PolyVagal is a body based strategy that involves learning about your triggers and then finding body based interventions for self-soothing) We also incorporate mindfulness techniques, deep breathing exercises, cognitive reframing, and stress reduction strategies into anxiety therapy sessions. For social anxiety treatment, we may use gradual exposure techniques to help you build confidence. When trauma contributes to anxiety, we offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy as part of comprehensive anxiety disorder therapy.
Do you accept insurance for anxiety therapy?
We work with various insurance providers for anxiety therapy services. Coverage for anxiety counseling varies by plan, so we recommend contacting your insurance company to verify mental health benefits before your first session. Our staff can help you understand your anxiety treatment coverage and provide necessary documentation. Some clients choose to use out-of-network benefits or pay out-of-pocket for anxiety therapy to have more flexibility in scheduling and session frequency. We believe quality anxiety disorder therapy should be accessible and will work with you to find a feasible payment arrangement.
Can anxiety therapy help if I also have depression?
Yes, many people experience both anxiety and depression, and our anxiety therapists are trained to address both conditions simultaneously. Anxiety therapy techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are effective for treating co-occurring depression and anxiety. Your anxiety counselor will develop an integrated anxiety treatment plan that addresses symptoms of both conditions, recognizing that anxiety and depression often share similar underlying thought patterns and require related therapeutic approaches. Treatment for anxiety and depression together often produces better outcomes than addressing either condition alone.
Will anxiety therapy interfere with my work schedule?
We understand that work commitments are important, which is why Shift Counseling, PC offers flexible scheduling for anxiety therapy sessions, including late afternoon, evening, and potentially weekend appointments. Most anxiety counseling sessions last 50-60 minutes, making it possible to schedule anxiety treatment around work obligations. Many clients find that investing time in anxiety therapy actually improves work performance by reducing anxiety symptoms that interfere with productivity and focus. We can work with you to find anxiety therapy appointment times that minimize disruption to your schedule.
Can anxiety therapy help with work-related stress and anxiety?
Absolutely. Many clients seek anxiety therapy specifically for work-related stress, performance anxiety, or workplace social anxiety. Anxiety treatment can help you manage deadline pressure and perfectionism, develop assertiveness and boundary-setting skills, address imposter syndrome and self-doubt, improve work-life balance, and navigate workplace relationships with less anxiety. Your anxiety counselor will tailor anxiety therapy techniques to your specific work challenges while helping you build resilience and confidence in professional settings.
What if I've tried anxiety therapy before and it didn't work?
Previous unsuccessful experiences with anxiety therapy don't mean anxiety treatment won't help you now. Therapeutic fit between client and anxiety therapist is crucial for success. At Shift Counseling, PC, we take time to understand why previous anxiety counseling may not have worked and adjust our anxiety treatment approach accordingly. You may have worked with a therapist whose style didn't match your needs, discontinued anxiety therapy before experiencing full benefits, or needed different anxiety disorder treatment techniques than were offered previously. We encourage you to give anxiety therapy another try with a fresh perspective and personalized approach.
How will I know if anxiety therapy is working?
You'll know anxiety treatment is working when you notice changes such as handling previously anxiety-provoking situations with more ease, using coping strategies automatically during stressful moments, experiencing fewer physical anxiety symptoms, sleeping better and feeling more rested, receiving feedback from others about positive changes, and feeling more confident and less overwhelmed by daily life. Your anxiety counselor will regularly check in about your progress and adjust your anxiety disorder therapy plan as needed to ensure continued improvement. Many clients keep track of anxiety symptoms between sessions to monitor their progress in anxiety therapy.
What happens after I complete anxiety therapy?
After completing your primary anxiety treatment goals, you and your anxiety therapist will develop a relapse prevention plan and discuss options for ongoing support. Some clients transition to less frequent maintenance sessions, schedule periodic check-ins to maintain progress, use learned anxiety therapy techniques independently, or return for brief anxiety counseling during stressful life transitions. You're always welcome to return to Shift Counseling, PC if anxiety symptoms increase in the future. The skills learned in anxiety therapy are tools you'll carry throughout life for managing stress and maintaining mental wellness.
Begin Anxiety Counseling in North Riverside, IL
Our anxiety therapists at Shift Counseling, PC have appointments available. We are in network with BCBS PPO, Blue Choice PPO, many commercial Aetna plans,Lyra, and Cigna/Evernorth. Use the link below to see if we have appointments available that work for your schedule. We may be able to start your first appointment within a week! Our office is convenient to multiple areas of Chicagoland including Riverside, La Grange Park, Brookfield, Broadview, and more. If you’re ready to begin, just click below:
Recent Posts
