Anxiety Specialist

What is anxiety?

Anxiety describes feelings of fearfulness, uneasiness, or tenseness. While having moments of anxiety during stressful situations is normal, frequent episodes of anxiety can relate to an anxiety disorder.

An anxiety disorder describes fear and dread that occur for no identifiable reason. These feelings may persist and can worsen over time. The cause of an anxiety disorder isn’t well understood, but the condition may relate to your genetic history, the biology of your brain, and your environment.

There are different types of anxiety disorders that Dr. Cheri and the team at A Place to Turn, Inc. can diagnose and treat. These disorders can include:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

GAD describes excessive worry about everyday issues like health, family, and work. Anxious feelings and repetitive thoughts occur frequently and can last six months or longer.

Panic disorder

A panic disorder causes sudden, intense feelings of fear, even when there’s no danger present. Attacks can last several minutes or longer. In some cases, the thought of having another panic attack can actually trigger one.

Phobia

A phobia is an intense fear of an object or situation that’s not generally considered dangerous. Common phobias include being in crowded places, flying on airplanes, and being around certain animals.

When should I seek treatment for anxiety?

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation for an anxiety disorder with the team at A Place to Turn, Inc. if your repetitive thoughts or excessive worries interfere with your quality of life.

You should also undergo an anxiety evaluation if you experience physical symptoms of anxiety, such as:

• Chest pain
• Pounding heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath

Dr. Cheri and the team offer on-site mental health screenings to evaluate the severity of your anxiety. They also customize treatment plans to help you feel better and manage your anxiety symptoms more effectively.

How is anxiety treated?

Your treatment plan for anxiety depends on many factors. Dr. Cheri and the team may recommend one or more therapies, such as:

• Life coaching
• Psychotherapy
• Hypnotherapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Energy healing

The goal of many of these treatments is to help you recognize repetitive thought patterns and situations that trigger anxiety. You can also learn relaxation techniques that lower your stress and help your body relax.

Some patients may benefit from treatment with the Apex laser. This advanced ultra red light technology targets damaged areas of your brain that can trigger anxiety. Laser treatments can relieve anxiety symptoms, improve your mood, and enhance your quality of sleep. 

To schedule a consultation for anxiety, call A Place to Turn, Inc. today or book an appointment online.