Kristin Mathes, LCSW
Anxiety Therapy for Adults throughout Oregon
You may look like you're holding it all together on the outside, but inside your mind never seems to slow down. You're constantly anticipating what could go wrong, over prepared and always have a plan so you can stay in control. But then you replay conversations, or feel like you can't truly relax. You may also not be able to sleep at night becuase your mind starts spinning. Anxiety can be exhausting- but you do not have to stay stuck in it.
What anxiety can look like:
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Constant worrying
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Racing thoughts
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Though spirals
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Difficulty relaxing
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Trouble sleeping
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Panic attacks
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Feeling overwhelmed
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Perfectionism
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Irritability
Physical symptoms of Anxiety:
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Nausea or upset stomach
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Chest tightness
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Shortness of breath/ difficulty breathing
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Tension headaches
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Muscle tension or twitching
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Pins and needles in your hands or feet
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Dizziness or lightheaded
How therapy can help?
Together we'll explore not only what's triggering your anxiety today, but also why your nervous system learned to stay on high alert. Using somatic therapy, Brainspotting, and attachment- focused therapy, we'll work toward helping you feel safer, more connected and confident in your daily life.
Many people have learned strategies to manage anxiety, but still feel like their body is stuck in survival mode. My approach helps address both the thoughts and the nervous system pattens that keep anxiety going. Our goal in working together is to decrease the severity of your anxiety symptoms and the frequency.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can therapy help if I've always been anxious?
Yes. many people assume anxiety is simply part of who they are, but often it's a pattern your nervous system developed over time. Therapy can help you understand those patterns and learn new ways of responding.
Can Anxiety cause physical symptoms?
Absolutely. Anxiety can contribute to muscle tension, stomach discomfort, headaches, dizziness, a racing heart, and other physical sensations. Part of therapy is learning how your body responds to stresss and how to regulate those responses.
What's the difference between anxiety and trauma?
Anxiety and trauma can overlap. Some people experience anxiety without a traumatic event, while other find that unresolved trauma keeps their nervous system in a state of constant alertness. During therapy, we'll explore what fits your experience rather than assuming one explanation.