Stress, PTSD and Anxiety Therapists in Amity, OR.

Everyone experiences anxiety at some point, but for some the anxiety is so frequent or intense that it interferes with their lives or even triggers panic attacks. I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help my clients get a sense of control over their own anxiety. We collaborate to learn skills to reduce the frequency or intensity of the anxious feelings, to tolerate the anxiety when it does occur so they can still function through it, and to practice habits that reduce stress and improve general mental health.

If you are a Talented & Gifted, Highly Sensitive and/or Creative person, anxiety and overwhelm may have been a life-long companion. If you grew up in Western culture, chances are good that you often have felt that you don't fit in causing pervasive social and performance anxiety. The work that I do re-educates you about your nature and helps you understand and validate how your proclivities are normal for people in this group. We work together to identify the particular lifestyle changes (environment, relationships, self-care) you can make and tools you can use to keep your nervous system balanced so that instead of withdrawing from life, creativity, and relationships, you can live fully.

Clients who I am privileged to work with, will often express a desire to talk about the stresses they are experiencing in their life. These stresses often are accompanied by anxiety. Today's world is, no doubt, a difficult place to navigate. Stress reduction, for many people, is an imbalance between what they are willing to accept and what they believe can or needs to be changed. I help them identify what part of their worries are about the past and which are about the future. We work together to establish a mindfulness approach to stress reduction which emphasizes the skill sets of consciously being in the present moment, through breathing and awareness of thought/body connection.

Just like depression, anxiety is also an emotional symptom. It is present to give you feedback that your attention is needed. Anxiety is somewhat similar but also different than stress. Anxiety often arises from a place of fear, stress sometimes expresses itself as a symptom of anxiety. It can be very confusing where these feelings come from, or you might have a very good idea where it comes from but struggle to know what to do with it all. I often say that anxiety is the sibling of depression. They are interrelated. You can become depressed about how anxious you are and then become anxious that you are still depressed! Don't fear or fret, there are ways to work with this paradox.

Is mindfulness and deep breathing not really making an impact on your stress? You're not alone! Rather than focusing on the symptoms of anxiety and stress, I've found that it's more effective to look for the root cause. What might your anxiety be trying to tell you? Is it trying to protect you from something? Even if there's no immediate danger, often our bodies are caught in protection mode. If you'd like to learn more, please reach out!

Anxiety is a future-orientated mood state. Many times we worry needlessly about and event or activity that will happen down the road. A little anxiety can bolster performance but when it becomes overwhelming and exhausting it impacts every aspect of our lives. Many of my clients find the breathing, mindfulness, and guided imagery exercise taught in session helpful. It allows them to quiet non-productive thoughts and focus on what is in their control. It empowers them to review, think, and act. You don’t have to live with anxiety, stress, or panic. Call, text, or email me today!

While most treatment approaches for anxiety and stress are effective on the surface, they don’t treat the real problem. Mantras, deep breathing, and rational dialogues about your fear being irrational rarely work---for most people don’t believe it or you! Imagine if you can trick the brain into changing without you telling your conscious mind that you are changing it? Problem with anxiety and stress is that the brain in this state knows you want to change it and it resists. Contact Kevin@kevinfleminphd.com for the ultimate stress and anxiety solution that will literally change your brain's autonomic nervous system patterns while you sit on your butt. 877-606-6161.