Anxiety Therapy Los Angeles

At its core, anxiety is the body’s instinctive reaction to both real & perceived threats or danger. It triggers the “fight-or-flight” response, a primitive survival mechanism that prepares us to defend ourselves or escape from potential harm. That is to say, when anxiety becomes chronic or disproportionate to the situation, it can be debilitating. Although anxiety is a completely normal experience, for some,, it can become excessive, intrusive, and have a negative impact on their well-being. 

The causes of anxiety are unique to each individual – so what causes one person anxiety may not cause any for another. But there are some general factors at play that I can discuss. 

Genetics:

Research shows that genetics and biological factors play a role in the development of anxiety, and individuals with a family history of anxiety disorders may have a higher predisposition to experiencing anxiety themselves

Trauma:

Trauma can also impact anxiety. Trauma can create a sensitive fight-or-flight response, making people more prone to anxiety when they have a trigger that’s associated with the trauma. 

The environment:

Living in an environment that lacks safety, support, or stability can impact anxiety. Additionally, exposure to ongoing stressful situations can wreak havoc on the nervous system. 

Personality:

Perfectionist? Self-critic? Strong need for control?  These “personality traits” may actually be trauma responses. 

It’s what we know:

Believe it or not, anxiety can even be learned through modeling or conditioning. Children who were modeled high levels of anxious behaviors may adopt these in their own adulthood. 

• Excessive worries
• Feeling restless or “on edge” 
• Difficulty sleeping 
• Headaches
• Muscle tension
• Stomachaches 
• Increased heartrate 
• Shallow breathing
• Dizziness
• Sweating 
• Difficulty concentrating
• Negative thoughts
• Being overly self-conscious 
• Changes in appetite 
• Frustration and irritability 
• Avoidance
• Fears

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):

   GAD is characterized by “chronic and excessive worry about various aspects of life, such as work, personal health, relationships, and everyday situations”.  Physical symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension, and difficulty concentrating may be present.

2.  Panic Disorder:

   Panic disorder involves recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, which are intense episodes of fear and discomfort. These panic attacks can manifest as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, and a sense of impending doom. People with panic disorder often worry about having another panic attack. 

3. Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia):

   Social anxiety disorder is characterized by “intense fear and self-consciousness in social situations.” People with social anxiety may be terrified of being judged by others or embarrassment, which leads to avoidance of social gatherings, public speaking, or even everyday interactions. Physical symptoms may include blushing, trembling, sweating, and a racing heart

4. Specific Phobias:

   Specific phobias are intense and irrational fears of certain objects or situations. Some examples include heights, spiders, flying, or enclosed spaces. 

5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):

   OCD involves “persistent and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that result in repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions).” The obsessions and compulsions often revolve around themes like contamination, orderliness, doubting, or harm. People with OCD know that their thoughts/compulsions are irrational, but still experience extreme discomfort.

6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

   PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as an accident, natural disaster, or act of violence.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition characterized by “excessive and uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life.” Symptoms also include physical sensations.  Individuals with GAD experience heightened anxiety and may find it challenging to relax, even if there isn’t a specific trigger. 

According to the latest data from the World Health Organization (WHO), anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions worldwide. It is estimated that approximately 284 million people of all ages globally experience an anxiety disorder. 

• Some tell-tale signs that you may have anxiety include:
   
  
• Excessive worries
• Physical symptoms, like rapid heartbeat, sweating, muscle tension 
• Sleep Disturbances
• A sense of “impending doom” 
• Avoiding people, places, or events that trigger anxiety
• Obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors 
• Relationship difficulties

Anxiety is an adaptive response to help keep us safe. Anxiety stimulates the fight-or-flight response, and warns us of potential dangers. 

• Increased heart rate or blood pressure 
• Muscle tension
• Issues with digestion/gut
• Difficulty sleeping
• Weakened immune system 
• Skin conditions 
• Difficulty being present
• Sexual dysfunction

Because of the effects anxiety has on the body, I utilize a holistic and somatic approach to integrate the mind and body in our therapy practice. 

While each individual’s journey with anxiety is unique, there are several highly effective treatment modalities to help treat or manage symptoms of anxiety.  Including: 

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

CBT focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety symptoms. Thus, CBT helps you understand your anxiety triggers, in addition to proven practical tools and strategies to manage symptoms. 

Trauma-focused therapy:

If you are experiencing anxiety due to a past trauma or traumas, you may be experiencing a form of complex post-traumatic stress disorder.  Trauma-focused therapy helps individuals process their trauma, understand their body’s responses to triggers, and provides insight and awareness. 

Nervous System Regulation:

Regulating the nervous system helps reduce anxiety symptoms, and helps individuals from becoming overly triggered. 

If you want an in-depth guide about how to find an anxiety therapist in Los Angeles, check out the article here. But to sum it up, you can find an anxiety therapist in Los Angeles by: 

• Asking for referrals 
• Researching online
• Checking professional organizations and directories, such as California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists or Psychology Today
• Scheduling consultations 
• Trusting your gut

Cheryl Groskopf, LMFT, LPCC, is an anxiety therapist in Los Angeles. I believe that by addressing the root causes of anxiety, you can uncover their inner strengths and develop healthy coping strategies. Through mindfulness techniques, self-reflection exercises, and psychodynamic therapy, individuals learn to navigate anxious thoughts and embrace a future free from the constraints of anxiety. By challenging negative beliefs and nurturing self-compassion, anxiety becomes a catalyst for personal growth, resilience, and long-lasting change.

Seek relief from anxiety symptoms today. Contact Cheryl Groskopf, LMFT, LPCC, for a transformative therapy experience in Los Angeles today!

Somatic Therapy

Holistic Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & Trauma-Focused CBT

Mindfulness Based Psychotherapy 

Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy

Attachment Therapy 

Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)

• NAMI Los Angeles County – A great resource for mental health support and education.
• Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health – Provides various mental health services and resources.
• Mental Health America of Los Angeles – Offers mental health services and advocacy.

• Excessive Worrying
• Restlessness
• Fatigue
• Difficulty Concentrating
• Irritability
• Muscle Tension
• Sleep Disturbances
• Nausea
• Headaches

• Rapid Heart Rate
• Shortness of Breath
• Sweating
• Trembling or Shaking
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Heartflashes
• Fear of Losing Control
• Fear of Dying