Anxiety
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural human response to stress, uncertainty, or danger—but when it becomes overwhelming, persistent, or disconnected from real-time events, it can interfere with daily life. Whether it shows up as racing thoughts, physical tension, or a constant sense of worry, anxiety can make it difficult to feel grounded or present.
You’re not alone if you’ve been feeling constantly “on edge” or like you can’t shut off your mind. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns, and it is also highly treatable.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety
While everyone experiences anxiety differently, these are some of the most common signs:
- Excessive worrying that feels hard to control
- Racing thoughts or mental “what-ifs”
- Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
- Muscle tension, headaches, or chest tightness
- Panic attacks or shortness of breath
- Avoiding situations that feel stressful or overwhelming
Anxiety may show up in generalized ways or be tied to specific situations like social settings, work, health, or past experiences.
How We Help Treat Anxiety
At Maribel Ayala Psychotherapy and Consulting, we use a flexible, integrated approach to address anxiety in a way that fits your life and experiences. Our therapy is never one-size-fits-all—we create personalized treatment plans based on your symptoms, preferences, and goals.
Therapies we may integrate include:
- EMDR Therapy to process unresolved fear or trauma contributing to anxiety
- Brainspotting and Somatic Approaches to help regulate your nervous system and physical responses
- Narrative and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to shift patterns of overthinking and self-judgement
We adapt the process based on your progress and feedback, always centering your comfort and experience. With this level of care and expertise, we help you build real tools to manage anxiety and reclaim your sense of peace.
Tips for Managing Anxiety Outside of Therapy
Alongside therapy, here are a few ways to support yourself daily:
- Try breathwork: Inhale for 6, exhale for 6 to activate a calming response
- Reduce overstimulation: Limit caffeine, screens, and multitasking
- Move your body: Gentle movement helps discharge nervous energy
- Create a routine: Structure can reduce decision fatigue and anxiety
- Practise self-compassion: Speak to yourself with the same care you’d offer a friend
Anxiety doesn’t have to rule your life—and you don’t have to manage it alone.
