Anxiety becomes a disorder when the symptoms become chronic and interfere with your daily life and your ability to function.  If you suffer from anxiety you may experience the following:

• Muscle tension

• Physical weakness

• Poor memory

• Sweaty hands

• Fear or confusion

• Inability to relax

• Constant worry

• Shortness of breath

• Palpitations

• Upset stomach

• Poor concentration

These symptoms may be  severe and upsetting enough to make you feel extremely uncomfortable, out of control and helpless.

At Maesk Counseling, we use a technique called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to reduce or eliminate symptoms and help you achieve a happier mental state. Through CBT, you will learn how your thoughts contribute to anxiety symptoms and how to change those thought patterns to reduce their occurrence and intensity. We will also use behavioral techniques to help you gradually confront and tolerate fearful situations in a controlled, safe environment.

Cognitive therapy strategies may include:

• Monitoring your "self-talk"

• Challenging unhelpful fears and beliefs

• Testing the reality of negative thoughts

Some people may respond to treatment within a few weeks or months, while others may need more than a year. Treatment may be more complex if you have multiple anxiety disorders or if you also have depression, substance abuse, or other co-existing conditions. That's why treatment is tailored specifically to each individual. At Maesk Counseling, we prioritize a person-centered approach to ensure you receive the best care.