- Does your child feel fearful or afraid of certain situations, people, or activities?
- Are you feeling worried or anxious all the time?
- Does your teen panic every time they have a school exam?
Anxiety Treatment in Marin County
Understanding Anxiety: From Normal Feelings to Anxiety Disorders
While anxiety is part of being human and it’s a crucial adaptive instinct, for some people, these feelings can become more frequent and begin to take over their lives. Trying to manage these feelings on your own can feel overwhelming and isolating. Deciding to seek anxiety treatment can be hard, but our anxiety therapists can help make this process as comfortable and supportive as possible. We understand the unique challenges of anxiety and are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care.
Effective Anxiety Treatment at Wellspring: A Personalized Approach
Our skilled therapists in San Rafael specialize in treating anxiety in children, teens, and adults. Wellspring’s anxiety therapists are highly trained in using Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) to treat various anxiety issues. CBT is a proven, evidence-based approach that helps you identify how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact and contribute to your anxiety. By learning practical skills and coping tools, you will gain confidence in managing anxious feelings when they arise. CBT is an active approach involving skill-building, in-session practice, and tailored exercises to complete between sessions, often leading to rapid relief from symptoms. For some individuals, particularly those with phobias or specific fears, Exposure Therapy may be integrated into the treatment plan. Exposure Therapy helps you gradually and safely face your fears in a supportive, controlled environment. In addition to CBT and Exposure Therapy, we may incorporate other evidence-based techniques, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) or mindfulness practices, depending on your needs.
You can expect to work with a warm, caring therapist who can support you with feelings that might be hard to share with others. After an assessment, your therapist will work closely with you to develop a specific plan for anxiety treatment so that you can meet your goals and return to your daily life with more confidence and a new set of tools to use if anxiety returns in the future.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety
- Excessive worrying
- Restlessness or feeling on edge
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Sleep disturbances
- Panic attacks (briefly describe what these are)
- Physical symptoms like stomachaches and headaches.
Anxiety Issues We Treat:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Separation Anxiety
- Specific Phobias
- Social Phobia
- Selective Mutism
Have Questions?
Our Intake Coordinator can answer any questions you may have about our services.
Frequently Asked Questions: Anxiety Disorders & Treatment in San Rafael
The length of anxiety treatment varies considerably depending on several factors: the specific type of anxiety disorder, the severity of symptoms, the individual’s response to therapy, and the chosen treatment approach. Some individuals may experience improvement within a few weeks or months, especially with evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Others may benefit from longer-term therapy to address underlying issues or develop more robust coping skills. Treatment for children and teens may also have different timelines compared to adults. At Wellspring Psychotherapy Center, we create personalized treatment plans and regularly assess progress to ensure you or your child receives the appropriate level of care for the optimal duration.
Yes, numerous studies have demonstrated that online therapy (teletherapy) can be just as effective as in-person therapy for treating various anxiety disorders, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and others. Online therapy offers increased convenience and accessibility, making it a good option for many individuals and families. It can be particularly helpful for those with busy schedules, limited mobility, or who live in areas with limited access to mental health services. At Wellspring, we offer both in-person and online therapy options. We’ll discuss your preferences and needs to determine the best format for you or your child.
Anxiety disorders can manifest differently in children and teens compared to adults. Some common signs to look for include:
- Excessive worrying: Worrying about things out of proportion to the situation or worrying about many different things.
- Physical symptoms: Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or other physical complaints without a clear medical cause.
- Sleep problems: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or having nightmares.
- Changes in behavior: Increased irritability, restlessness, or difficulty concentrating.
- Avoidance: Avoiding school, social situations, or other activities they used to enjoy.
- Separation anxiety: Excessive fear or distress when separated from parents or caregivers.
- Panic attacks: Sudden episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or dizziness.
- Perfectionism
- Tantrums
If you’re concerned about your child’s or teen’s anxiety, it’s important to seek professional evaluation.
Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. However, it may require professional help when anxiety:
- Interferes with Daily Life: It prevents you from doing things you want or need to do, such as going to work or school, socializing, or taking care of yourself.
- Is Excessive and Persistent: You feel anxious most of the time, and the worry is out of proportion to the situation.
- Causes Significant Distress: Your anxiety is causing you significant emotional pain or suffering.
- Is Difficult to Control: You find it hard to manage your anxiety on your own despite your best efforts.
- Includes Physical Symptoms: You experience physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, or dizziness.
- Leads to Avoidance: You start avoiding situations or places that trigger your anxiety.
- Lasts for an Extended Period: The symptoms have persisted for several weeks or months.
If you experience any of these, consider seeking help from a mental health professional.
The first step is to reach out for a consultation. At Wellspring Psychotherapy Center, we offer a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your concerns (or your child’s concerns), answer your questions, and determine if our services are a good fit. You can contact us by phone at (415) 300-4055 , email at [email protected], or schedule a consultation. We’ll work with you to schedule an initial assessment and develop a personalized treatment plan.
