Anxiety Therapist in Denver, Colorado: Get Back To Your Life
"I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship."
-Louisa May Alcott-
Are you more focused on avoiding fear than on living your life? Does it feel like you can’t control anxious thoughts no matter how hard you try? Have you already tried therapy but found it ineffective?
If this sounds like you, I’m confident I can help. My name is Dr. Pamela Brody and as an anxiety therapist in Denver, Colorado, I offer effective forms of therapy to get the relief from anxiety that you deserve.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Treating Anxiety
Research shows that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is one of the most effective psychotherapies for anxiety disorders. In fact, CBT for anxiety treats more than just the symptoms of the problem. It directly changes your responses to fearful situations, changes your fearful thinking patterns, and opens up your life by changing avoidance behaviors.
In CBT for anxiety disorders, I work collaboratively with clients to develop coping strategies and skills to manage their symptoms. This may include challenging limiting beliefs, gradually facing feared situations through exposure exercises, and practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques. In addition to generalized anxiety, CBT has also been shown to be effective in treating panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, and phobias.
Common and Not-So-Common Signs of Anxiety
Anxiety manifests in various ways, and while some symptoms are obvious, others may be more subtle. Common signs of anxiety include:
- Constant worry
- Nervousness, restlessness, or being tense
- Feelings of danger, panic, or dread
- Rapid breathing or hyperventilation
- Increased or heavy sweating
- Trembling or muscle twitching
- Weakness or lethargy
- Difficulty focusing or thinking clearly about anything other than the thing you’re worried about
- Headaches, muscle tension, or an upset stomach
- Insomnia
- Obsessions about certain ideas, which can also be a sign of an obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Anxiety surrounding a particular life event or experience that has occurred in the past, which can be a sign of post-traumatic stress disorder
However, anxiety can also present in less obvious ways, such as avoiding social events, procrastinating tasks that seem overwhelming, or feeling unusually fatigued despite getting enough rest. Recognizing these symptoms is the first step in addressing anxiety and finding a path toward relief.
How an Anxiety Therapist in Denver Can Help
Anxiety isn't always bad. In fact, some anxiety is important to keep us alert and alive. When it goes beyond a certain threshold, however, it can significantly impact our lives.
Therapy offers invaluable tools for managing this higher level of anxiety, helping you understand its root causes and how to cope with triggers. As a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, I work to help you:
- Uncover the underlying causes of your anxiety, worries, and fears.
- Help you to look at situations in a new, less frightening way, and develop better coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills.
- Develop new behavioral patterns to move past your fears and into the freedom you want in your life.
Over time, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy will help you build confidence in your ability to handle anxiety and equip you with lifelong coping skills.
FAQs About Anxiety Therapy
If you're considering anxiety therapy in Denver, or have tried it before with unsuccessful results, you may have some questions. Below are a few common ones that individuals often ask.
What If I've Tried Anxiety Therapy and It Didn’t Work for Me?
It's not uncommon for people to feel like previous therapy efforts haven’t been effective. However, therapy is a personal journey, and finding the right approach or therapist may take time. Different therapists specialize in various techniques, so if one approach hasn’t worked, exploring others—such as a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness—may lead to better results.
How Can Anxiety Therapy Help Me Deal With Social Situations?
Anxiety therapy can be highly effective in addressing social anxiety. Your therapist can teach you techniques to manage anxious thoughts before and during social interactions, such as grounding exercises or practicing social skills in a low-pressure environment. Over time, therapy helps you develop confidence and reduces the fear of judgment from others.
I’ve Always Had Anxiety—How Can Therapy Help?
Even if anxiety has been a constant presence in your life, therapy can help you understand how it developed and why it persists. Long-term anxiety often involves deep-rooted patterns of thinking and behavior that anxiety therapy can help unravel. With a better understanding of your anxiety, you can learn practical techniques to reduce its intensity and improve your overall quality of life.
How Long Does Anxiety Therapy Take?
The duration of anxiety therapy varies depending on your unique situation and the severity of your symptoms. Some people notice improvements within a few weeks, while others may require several months of consistent therapy to experience significant changes. A therapist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs and goals.
Find Out More About Working With an Anxiety Therapist in Denver, CO
Anxiety doesn't have to be the central part of your life. If you're suffering with anxiety, I invite you to contact me for a consultation. Together, we can work toward finding the right treatment plan for you, so you can start your journey toward self-discovery and healing. Telehealth services for anxiety are available for individuals in Denver, CO, across Colorado, and in other states that participate in PSYPACT.