Anxiety
Anxiety Therapy Kamloops | MindWise Counselling
Anxiousness-nervousness-apprehension-uncertainty. These are parts of the human experience.
Yet, for many it can become a daunting and challenging daily experience. Anxiousness tends to start small and grow unexpectedly; expanding into areas of life that previously felt comfortable and certain. The simplest way to ensure that the feeling remains manageable and doesn’t overwhelm you is to take steps to support yourself, one of which is by opting for therapy.
We cannot pretend to be immune to society's influences. Over the last 10 years, the word anxiety has been used more frequently to describe an experience of nervousness and uncertainty. Additionally, as the use of cellphones has risen amongst youth, their social isolation and use of social media has contributed to the increase in teen anxiety and depression rates. Whether thoughts, feelings, or physical symptoms of anxiety have you feeling stuck, you have been experiencing recent anxiousness or panic, OR you have an official diagnosis an anxiety disorder, therapy can help you transform your experiences and have peace-of-mind.
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Anxiety Therapists in Kamloops
At Mindwise, our therapists help clients manage their anxiety through evidence-based techniques that work best for each individual. We assess how anxiety is operating in clients' lives, educate, and then collaboratively work together to deconstruct and develop coping strategies that not only reduce symptoms of anxiety, but position clients to improve their overall well-being. Our goal is to empower clients to take anxiety out of the driver's seat, boss it around, and live a more fulfilling life.
What Are the Different Types of Anxiety?
There are several types of anxiety, each with characteristics; thoughts, emotions, body sensations. While a life event can bring on anxiety symptoms, it is usually temporary and it is quite different from the experience an individual has with an anxiety DISORDER, which is a diagnosis given by a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Some anxiety disorders are:
Generalized Anxiety
GAD is an anxiety disorder that is characterized by persistent and uncontrollable worrying that is out of proportion to the impact of the events. Thoughts, emotions, body sensations are connected to situations, events, and people.
Obsessive-Compulsive
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is where an individual’s intrusive thoughts forces them to both perform and repeat certain actions to relieve the stress caused by that obsession. In some cases this obsession can impair their general functioning and interfere with daily life.
Panic
Individuals experience sudden, intense and frequent symptoms. These can be identified when an individual suddenly feels fearful or extreme discomfort for no apparent reason. This is not to be confused with "panic" that would happen in one-off situations.
Post-Traumatic Stress
Post-Traumatic Stress is a term used to describe the kind of anxiety a person experiences after a traumatic event. Traffic accidents, sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence, and warfare are some traumatic events that can cause severe anxiety.
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety disorder is a where a person feels anxious or fearful that they may be judged or criticized by others. Individuals may find it hard to speak in public, meet new people, date, be interviewed for jobs, or... speak to a cashier.
Separation Anxiety
Separation Anxiety is where an individual has difficulties separating or distancing themselves from the people or places they have a strong emotional attachment to. This is different from the natural developmental stage of children.
Why Does Therapy Work So Well For Healing Anxiety?
Anxiety can be understood and managed just like any other human struggle. With support and guidance you can learn skills and techniques to cope with sudden and overwhelming feelings. With therapy you can learn how anxiety operates, to identify your triggers, use tools to manage unhelpful thoughts, and practice techniques that put you in control. Our therapists can also help you change your thinking and behaviour patterns which is beneficial in the long run.
How Many Therapy Sessions Are Needed To Overcome Anxiety?
The number of therapy sessions required varies and depends on each client’s needs, openness to doing work outside of sessions, and the level of their anxiety. Some may feel better after just a handful of sessions, while others may realise that they need more time to deal with their concerns. The choice is yours, but you can rely on our therapists to help you decide if you need guidance.
Learn How to Manage Your Anxiety With Help From MindWise
MindWise Counselling is home to several registered counsellors and social workers who have the qualifications and experience to help you understand how anxiety is working and manage it effectively. All you need to do is contact us and schedule a consultation today to begin your journey towards betterment.
What Happens If Anxiety Isn’t Treated?
Left untreated anxiety can be the underlying cause for a variety of problems that individuals face. When you learn how to cope with the stresses of life and have strategies to manage uncertainty, you will find more ease in areas of your life. Some of the concerns individuals might face when anxiety is dictating life:
Physical Health Obstacles
Individuals suffering from chronic anxiety often find themselves suffering from headaches, disrupted sleep, aching muscles, and digestive issues.
Impaired Daily Functioning
Constant thoughts & feelings of anxiety can interfere with normal life and affect performances at school, work, and even prevent you from participating in activities you used to enjoy.
Emotional Challenges
Anxiety can cause individuals to isolate and then feel depressed, struggle with confidence, and feel uncertain about their ability to cope in situations.
Phobias
Individuals with phobias display intense fear towards a specific object or situation. Most rationally understand that there’s no need to feel distressed, but still find themselves fearing it.
Navigating anxiety can be an overwhelming experience, but it's crucial to remember that seeking help is a courageous step towards a more balanced and fulfilling life. Learning the thoughts, emotions, and body sensations of anxiety is the first step in recognizing the signs and symptoms that may be affecting you or your loved ones. Anxiety therapy offers a safe and supportive environment to develop tailored strategies to manage anxious moments, identify triggers, and create healthy coping strategies.
At MindWise Counselling, our dedicated team of therapists is committed to helping you make sense of your experiences, understand how anxiety functions, hear your needs and empower you to overcome anxiety. By seeking anxiety therapy, you can learn valuable skills and techniques to cope with overwhelming feelings, change negative thought patterns, and ultimately regain control over your life.
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Remember, anxiety doesn't have to be the boss of your life. With the right support and guidance, you can learn to manage it and navigate parts of life with peace-of-mind. Take the first step towards getting unstuck and reach out for help today. You are not alone in your journey.
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Anxiety Therapy Kamloops: Frequently Asked Questions
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Do you diagnose ADHD?We are unable to diagnose ADHD at our centre. A comprehensive ADHD diagnosis done by a physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist should involve a lengthy discussion of current difficulties you are facing, past challenges and childhood experiences, and life events or situations that may be occurring. Questionnaires or assessments would also be part of the diagnosis. Feel free to schedule an appointment with one of our therapists who are trained in ADHD. They can help you understand what to expect for a diagnostic assessment, explain what forms you may be asked to complete, and answer any of your questions to the best of their ability.
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Are you born with ADHD?ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that can present in childhood and continue into adulthood. Sometimes ADHD is not evident until adulthood. While the exact cause of ADHD is not fully understood, it is generally believed that genetics play a significant role. This means that yes, individuals can be born with a predisposition to ADHD, which is influenced by various genetic and environmental factors. At MindWise Counselling, we specialize in providing tailored support for individuals with ADHD. Our team of skilled therapists offers both in-person and virtual therapy options in Kamloops, and across British Columbia. We are committed to helping adults, teens, couples, and kids manage ADHD symptoms more effectively and to create more ease in daily life. Our approach includes a combination of evidence-based techniques & strategies designed to improve executive function and overall quality of life. Whether you have ADHD or your loved one does, understanding ADHD and getting practical strategies to manage its challenges is possible. MindWise Counselling is here to support you every step of the way. Reach out today.
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At what age does ADHD peak?ADHD symptoms can peak on and off throughout one's lifetime, usually when life levels up and we face increased responsibility or a change in environment (ie. going from high school to a full time job or post-secondary program). During school years, typically when children face increased demands and expectations for attention and self-regulation, symptoms of ADHD will emerge. For some, symptoms become more evident when the consistency and routine provided by high school comes to an end. The responsibilities and expectations common to this age and the life transition starts to highlight difficulties with executive function. Some professionals refer to this as, "Failure to launch". Sometimes individuals consistently experience difficult times into adulthood but were unaware of ADHD running in the background. They unknowingly learned to use coping tools that reduced the impact of ADHD. Often when one of their children get diagnosed, these adults begin to notice symptoms of ADHD in themselves.
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What are the worst ADHD symptoms?There is no straight forward answer to this. The severity of ADHD symptoms can differ from person to person, and there are many reasons for this. Some of the most talked about symptoms are challenges with procrastination, impulsivity, directing attention (when uninterested), and emotionality - all of which impact relationships and self confidence.