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Many people feel anxious from time to time. You might experience intense fear about taking a test, asking for a raise, going on a date, or finishing a project on time. Occasional, mild anxiety like this is common. However, if your symptoms of anxiety are persistent anxiety, severe, and/or interfering with your daily life, you may benefit from seeking help from a mental health professional.
Individuals struggling with anxiety disorders may notice changes in their mental health and physical well-being. This could include difficulty sleeping, appetite changes, or muscle tension. They might feel disconnected from family members or others due to constant worry, irrational fear, or trouble relaxing.
Anxiety exists on a spectrum and includes mental disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, separation anxiety, specific phobias, OCD, and other conditions. People who experience anxiety symptoms may also struggle with negative thoughts that impact their self-esteem and contribute to other mental health conditions like depression and substance abuse.
A mental health professional can help determine the best treatment options. Several common anxiety treatment modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Mindfulness-based approaches, and Client-Centered Work. Talk therapy, exposure therapy, and other therapy modalities address how your symptoms of anxiety impact your everyday life and help create an effective treatment plan to manage them.
Anxiety doesn't just affect your mind—it impacts your body too. Physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, headaches, and muscle tension are common among people with anxiety and related disorders and tend to make anxiety worse. If you’re dealing with anxiety, our therapy focuses on both the mental and physical aspects of your condition, providing holistic care that helps restore balance. At our Austin practice, we offer support to help you manage and understand your symptoms effectively.
Anxiety doesn’t have a single root cause—it often results from a combination of factors. Understanding these can be an important step in managing your symptoms. Common causes of anxiety include:
No matter the cause, our compassionate therapists can help you understand your anxiety and develop strategies to manage it effectively.
At Louis Laves-Webb, LCSW, LPC-S & Associates, we understand that anxiety manifests in many forms, each with its unique challenges. Our therapists are experienced in addressing a wide variety of anxiety disorders and concerns, including:
Chronic worry and fear about everyday events and activities, often accompanied by physical symptoms like restlessness and muscle tension.
An intense fear of social situations, leading to avoidance or significant discomfort in public or group settings.
Sudden and overwhelming episodes of fear or panic, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or dizziness.
Intense fear of specific objects, situations, or activities, such as flying, heights, or enclosed spaces.
Persistent distress and anxiety following a traumatic event, characterized by flashbacks, hypervigilance, and avoidance behaviors.
Recurring unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that cause significant distress and interfere with daily life.
Worries about political instability, economic uncertainty, or personal finances that interfere with daily life.
If you’re experiencing any of these forms of anxiety, we’re here to offer personalized support and effective treatment options.
Struggling with anxiety can leave you feeling isolated, wondering if anyone else feels the way you do. You might worry that your traumatic experiences or feelings of intense fear will never improve.
You are not alone. People with anxiety disorders account for 40 million adults over 18 in the United States, and 1 in 4 adolescents ages 13-18 also experience symptoms of anxiety. If your anxiety symptoms interfere with your life, know that effective stress management techniques, therapy, and even anti-anxiety medication can help.
In my practice, I create a safe environment where clients of any age, political affiliation, gender expression, or sexual orientation feel validated, supported, and understood. Acknowledging your anxiety symptoms is often the first step toward healing. Counseling may include addressing traumatic event triggers, exploring relaxation techniques, and learning how to manage anxiety disorders effectively.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a complex condition that, although not strictly classified as an anxiety disorder, contains significant anxiety in those who live with it. OCD is characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts or obsessions, and repetitive behaviors or compulsions. People with OCD may feel driven to perform certain behaviors, such as repeatedly checking a door lock or washing a dish multiple times. These actions are often performed to alleviate the anxiety caused by the obsessions.
The distress arising from OCD can be overwhelming. Individuals with OCD may become highly anxious if they are unable to carry out their repetitive behaviors, which are often aimed at preventing perceived negative events. This inability to satisfy the compulsion can lead to heightened anxiety, perpetuating a difficult cycle of obsessions and compulsions.
Although OCD and anxiety disorders are distinct diagnoses, there is a significant overlap in their underlying causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches. Both conditions can stem from genetic and environmental factors, and they often coexist, complicating their diagnosis and treatment.
Here at Louis Laves-Webb, LCSW, LPC-S & Associates, we are equipped to handle the complexities of these co-occurring conditions. Our trained therapists understand the intricate relationship between OCD and anxiety and are experienced in a range of evidence-based treatments tailored to individual needs.
Therapies like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and specifically a type of CBT called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), have been found to be effective in treating OCD. These therapies focus on changing the thought patterns that lead to anxiety and compulsive behavior and gradually exposing individuals to situations that trigger their OCD symptoms, helping them develop healthier responses over time.
At Louis Laves-Webb, LCSW, LPC-S & Associates, we are committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive care to individuals struggling with OCD and anxiety. Our services include support groups and online therapy options, offering flexible and inclusive ways to connect with others and access professional guidance.
We understand the nuances of these disorders and the profound impact they can have on your life. With over twenty years of experience successfully treating OCD and anxiety disorders, we are here to help guide you toward greater functionality, improved well-being, and a supportive community to help you on your journey.
601 West 18th St
Austin, TX 78701
3818 Spicewood Springs Rd
Suite 300
Austin, TX 78759
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