Feeling anxious?

Cognitively modern humans emerged over 70,000 years ago and lived as hunter-gatherers in small groups until just 10,000 years ago. Evolution is typically a slow process and we as a species have not yet adapted to the speed, demands, and stimulation of modern life. So it’s no wonder that anxiety is so rampant in contemporary society - ranging from mild yet persistent nervousness to overwhelming and debilitating panic. Symptoms of anxiety include rumination, irritability, trouble concentrating, catastrophic thinking, and feelings of impending doom as well as lightheadedness, rapid heartbeat, difficulty sleeping, digestive issues, and shortness of breath.

But you don’t have to struggle alone. I’ll provide a calm and welcoming environment wherein we can look at your anxiety symptoms and any possible triggers. We’ll also explore your past experiences and current circumstances to determine how external factors are shaping your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Finally, we’ll integrate the empirically based anti-anxiety treatments that best fit your needs.

Evidence-based treatment

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the gold standard in anxiety treatment. Using the CBT framework, we’ll first identify and challenge the negative thought patterns - known as “cognitive distortions” - that fuel your distress. We’ll then strive to replace these negative thought patterns with the positive mental habits associated with tranquility, clarity, and empowerment. CBT is a skills-based approach so you can utilize these learned techniques whenever you experience anxiety in the future. Discover more about CBT here.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is an empirically based modality that uses bilateral stimulation - typically horizontal eye movements - to reprocess the overwhelming thoughts or painful memories that often underlie anxiety symptoms. Our brains are naturally inclined to rework distressing experiences and disturbing thoughts into more adaptive forms that can help us in the future. However, some negative thoughts or memories get stuck… and that’s where EMDR comes in. Discover more about EMDR here.

Mindfulness has been integral to Eastern philosophy for thousands of years and was first incorporated into Western psychology in the 1970s as a method of treating anxiety and other issues. Mindfulness practices foster awareness and acceptance of our thoughts and feelings, empathy and compassion for ourselves and others, and an enhanced connection with the present moment. Discover more about mindfulness here.

A personalized anti-anxiety toolkit

Everybody’s experience of anxiety is unique and requires a customized approach. We’ll collaborate on a personalized anti-anxiety toolkit of practical exercises, prepared plans, and physical resources for you to keep at your fingertips for whenever anxiety strikes. If you’re experiencing anxiety, then contact me using the form below or email me at sue@suebedfordpsychotherapy.com to book a free consultation. I’m excited to hear from you!