Our therapists provide anxiety therapy in Boulder, CO

Comprehensive Anxiety Therapy in Boulder, CO

Anxiety affects millions of people worldwide. At Thriveworks Counseling in Boulder, CO, we offer premier anxiety therapy to help you regain control of your thoughts and behaviors.

Our counselors are highly qualified to address the symptoms of anxiety and provide the support you need. If anxiety interferes with your relationships, work, school, or physical health, you can seek help from a licensed therapist at Thriveworks in Boulder, CO.

Call us at (720) 864-0574 to schedule your appointment today.

Understanding Panic Attacks and Prevention Techniques

Many people with anxiety also experience panic attacks, which can be terrifying and often mistaken for heart attacks. Symptoms of a panic attack include:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Racing heart
• Stomach cramping
• A sense of impending doom

To prevent panic attacks, mental health professionals recommend the following techniques:

• Know your triggers.
• Make lifestyle modifications like increasing exercise or reducing caffeine intake.
• Regulate your breathing to send a calming signal to your brain.
• Seek professional treatment, including psychotherapy and possibly medication.
• Focus on something specific during the attack.
• Repeat calming mantras such as “This will pass” or “You are safe.”
• Engage your physical senses to ground yourself in your surroundings.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety can manifest in various ways, including urgent questions, mental and physical health issues, and maladaptive behaviors. Examples include:

Urgent Questions:

• Am I sick or dying?
• Are my loved ones going to abandon me?
• Does everyone hate me?
• Did I do something terribly wrong?
• Is my family safe?
• Am I crazy?
• Did I turn off the stove?
• Did I remember to lock the door?

Mental and Physical Health Issues:

• Unintentional weight changes
• Sleep disorders
• Gastrointestinal issues like IBS
• Depression
• Migraines and headaches
• Focus, attention, and memory problems
• Panic attacks
• Fatigue
• Agitation or restlessness
• Irritability

Maladaptive Behaviors:

• Compulsions or uncontrollable rituals like nail-biting, hand-washing, or hair-pulling
• Substance abuse

Different Types of Anxiety and Their Treatments

There are several types of anxiety disorders, each requiring specific treatments. The most common include:

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Involves mental fixations and/or uncontrollable behaviors. Treated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or medications.
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Involves persistent anxious thoughts. Treated with psychotherapy and/or medications.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Involves distress following a traumatic event. Treated with cognitive processing therapy (CPT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and more.
• Phobias: Involve severe anxiety or terror when confronted with specific fears. Treated with psychotherapy and exposure therapy.
• Separation Anxiety: Involves distress over separation from loved ones. Treated with psychotherapy and/or family therapy.
• Social Anxiety Disorder: Involves distress in social situations. Treated with CBT and/or psychotherapy.
• Panic Disorder: Involves severe anxiety leading to physical symptoms. Treated with psychotherapy and/or medications.

Schedule Anxiety Therapy at Thriveworks in Boulder, CO

If you recognize the signs of anxiety in yourself, reach out to Thriveworks Counseling in Boulder, CO. Our exceptional therapists can help you manage anxiety and improve your quality of life.

All our mental health providers are licensed and top-rated, guaranteeing you the best possible care. Call us today at (720) 864-0574 to learn more about our services and start your journey toward health and happiness.