Social phobia, also called social anxiety disorder, is diagnosed when people become overwhelmingly anxious and excessively self-conscious in everyday social situations. People with social phobia have intense, persistent, and chronic fear of being watched and fear of being judged by others, in addition to being fearful of doing things that will embarrass themselves. They may worry for days or weeks before a dreaded situation. This fear may become so severe that it interferes with work, school, and other ordinary activities and often leads to difficulty in making and/or keeping friends. While it may feel difficult to step outside of your comfort zone, we provide you with knowledgeable and compassionate support as we work toward building a reliable array of tools and strategies to help you feel more confident, comfortable and accepting of yourself, your abilities, and your preferences, for connecting with others.
Panic disorder is diagnosed in people who experience spontaneous panic attacks and are preoccupied with the fear of a recurring attack. Panic attacks occur unexpectedly and can be highly debilitating. Sometimes these panic attacks lead to avoidance of an activity or environment which the sufferer has associated with a feeling of panic from their past. This avoidance could potentially lead to more severe and disabling disorders such as agoraphobia, which involves a fear of open or overcrowded spaces. Using supportive exposure techniques, cognitive behavioral principles, along with consistent real-time practical strategies, we work toward building your resiliency and sense of safety, so that you can effectively lead a fuller and more satisfying life.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a disabling condition that until recently has been largely ignored. It has been estimated that 1 to 2 percent of the general population has BDD, which is nearly 5 million people in the United States alone. BDD is aptly described as the disease of imagined ugliness. Most of us pay attention to our appearance, but BDD sufferers worry excessively and unreasonably about some aspects of their appearance. They may be concerned that their nose is too big, cheeks misshapen, eyelids too puffy, breasts too small, etc. Any blemish, such as acne, freckles, or other perceived imperfection, becomes a focal point, constantly drawing their attention and thoughts. Through the use of a variety of cognitive reprocessing strategies, we work on removing the mental blockages that keep you stuck and help you develop a healthy, accurate, and affirming sense of self.
Sigmund Freud
Whether you struggle with one of these specific conditions or experience a more generalized anxiety, I can help! My tailored approach addresses your unique needs, empowering you with practical tools to reduce worry, improve emotional resilience, and foster a sense of calm in response to the stressors of daily life.
Anxiety, in its many forms, can cause you to feel like isolating and shutting down emotionally. But know that sitting alone in your painful feelings, can only cause them to get worse. You don't have to do this alone. I can help you identify tools to effectively manage anxiety symptoms and to explore the root causes of your emotional discomfort. I've worked extensively with patients who have OCD, ADHD, and PTSD. Learn powerful, evidence-based coping strategies to improve your mood, sense of well-being, and overall quality of life.
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