Therapy for anxiety in Vancouver, WA and throughout Washington State

Anxiety, worry, intrusive thoughts, unable to relax, future-oriented thinking…

Anxiety is one of the most common reasons people come to therapy, and also one of the most misunderstood. Most people think of anxiety as worry…the kind that keeps you up at night or makes you catastrophize before a big event. And that’s part of it. But anxiety shows up in a lot of other ways too.

It can look like irritability, trouble concentrating, or a low-grade sense that something is wrong even when everything looks fine on the outside. It can show up as physical tension, a tight chest, a stomach that never quite settles. It can look like perfectionism, overworking, or staying so busy there’s no room to feel anything. Sometimes it looks like shutting down entirely.

Anxiety tends to get worse when life feels out of control, when you’re running on empty, when there’s unresolved stress that hasn’t had anywhere to go. It also tends to spike around transitions, conflict, or situations that feel high stakes. For a lot of people it’s been there so long it just feels like personality, not a problem.

Here’s what I’ve found to be true: anxiety is almost never random. It’s doing something. It usually developed for a reason, and it’s been trying to protect you ever since.

That’s where both IFS and EMDR come in. IFS helps you get curious about the anxious part of you rather than fighting it or trying to think your way out of it. When you understand what anxiety is protecting and what it needs, it doesn’t have to work as hard. EMDR works on the memories and experiences that may be fueling the anxiety underneath. The things that got stuck and keep the nervous system on alert. Together they don’t just manage anxiety, they address what’s actually driving it.

Ready to get started or learn more?

If any of this resonates, I'd encourage you to reach out. You don't have to have it figured out to take the first step. I offer a free 15-minute consultation so we can get a sense of fit before committing to anything. Click here to fill out the Client Inquiry Form or email, call, or text my office.