At King Psychology & Health, our anxiety therapy services provide effective, compassionate treatment for individuals struggling with anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and overwhelming worry. Using evidence-based therapeutic approaches, our experienced Calgary anxiety therapist helps you understand your anxiety, develop practical coping strategies, and reclaim control over your thoughts and emotions.
What is Anxiety Therapy?
Anxiety therapy, also known as anxiety counselling or treatment, is a specialized form of psychotherapy designed to help individuals understand and manage anxiety symptoms. Through proven therapeutic techniques, anxiety therapy helps you identify triggers, challenge anxious thoughts, develop coping skills, and gradually reduce the impact of anxiety on your daily life.
Our Specialized Anxiety Therapy Services in Calgary
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Treatment Comprehensive therapy for persistent, excessive worry about everyday situations. Learn to manage chronic anxiety, reduce overthinking, and develop healthy thought patterns using evidence-based techniques.
Panic Disorder and Panic Attack Treatment Specialized treatment for sudden, intense episodes of fear and physical symptoms. Our approach helps you understand panic attacks, reduce their frequency and intensity, and build confidence in managing symptoms.
Social Anxiety Disorder Therapy Targeted treatment for fear of social situations, judgment, or embarrassment. We help you develop social confidence, challenge negative self-perceptions, and gradually re-engage with social activities.
Specific Phobias Treatment Evidence-based therapy for intense fears of specific objects, situations, or activities. Using gradual exposure techniques, we help you overcome limiting phobias and reclaim your freedom.
Health Anxiety and Medical Trauma Treatment Specialized support for anxiety related to health concerns, medical procedures, or illness. We address both the psychological and physical aspects of health-related anxiety.
Performance and Test Anxiety Practical strategies for managing anxiety in performance situations, including work presentations, exams, interviews, and other high-pressure scenarios.
Trauma-Related Anxiety and PTSD Integrated treatment using EMDR and trauma-informed approaches to address anxiety stemming from traumatic experiences, helping you process trauma and reduce anxiety symptoms.
Evidence-Based Anxiety Treatment Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) The gold standard for anxiety treatment, CBT helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. Learn practical skills to challenge anxious thoughts and develop healthier responses.
EMDR Therapy for Anxiety Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) effectively treats anxiety rooted in traumatic experiences, helping your brain process disturbing memories and reduce their emotional impact.
Exposure Therapy Gradual, controlled exposure to anxiety-provoking situations or objects in a safe, supportive environment. This proven technique helps reduce fear responses and builds confidence over time.
Mindfulness-Based Interventions Learn present-moment awareness techniques to observe anxious thoughts without being overwhelmed by them. Mindfulness practices help regulate emotions and reduce anxiety symptoms.
Somatic Approaches Body-based techniques that help you recognize and release physical tension associated with anxiety, teaching your nervous system to return to a state of calm and safety.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Learn to accept anxious thoughts and feelings while committing to actions aligned with your values, reducing the struggle against anxiety and improving quality of life.
Why Choose Anxiety Therapy at King Psychology & Health?
Experienced Anxiety Specialist Led by Lesley King, a registered psychologist with specialized training in anxiety disorders, trauma, and evidence-based treatments including EMDR and CBT.
Personalized Treatment Plans Every anxiety experience is unique. We create individualized treatment plans based on your specific symptoms, triggers, and goals for recovery.
Evidence-Based Approaches Our anxiety therapy methods are backed by research and proven effective in treating various anxiety disorders, ensuring you receive the most effective care available.
Safe and Supportive Environment Our Calgary therapy office provides a calm, confidential space where you can explore your anxiety without judgment and develop coping strategies at your own pace.
Practical Skills and Tools Learn concrete techniques you can use outside of therapy sessions to manage anxiety symptoms, prevent panic attacks, and maintain your progress.
Flexible and Accessible Care We offer flexible scheduling and work with most insurance plans to make anxiety therapy accessible when you need it most.
What to Expect in Anxiety Therapy
Initial Assessment (First 1-2 Sessions) Comprehensive evaluation of your anxiety symptoms, triggers, medical history, and life circumstances to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Skills Development Learn practical anxiety management techniques including breathing exercises, grounding techniques, thought challenging, and relaxation strategies you can use immediately.
Gradual Exposure Work When appropriate, we'll work together to gradually face anxiety-provoking situations in a controlled, supportive way to build confidence and reduce fear responses.
Cognitive Restructuring Identify and challenge anxious thought patterns, developing more balanced and realistic thinking that reduces anxiety and improves mood.
Progress Monitoring Regular check-ins to assess your progress, adjust strategies as needed, and ensure you're achieving your therapy goals effectively.
Relapse Prevention Develop a comprehensive plan to maintain your progress and handle future anxiety challenges independently.
Common Anxiety Symptoms We Treat
Physical Symptoms:
- Racing heart or palpitations
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Sweating or trembling
- Muscle tension and headaches
- Nausea or stomach problems
- Fatigue and sleep difficulties
Emotional Symptoms:
- Persistent worry and fear
- Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
- Irritability and restlessness
- Sense of impending doom
- Difficulty concentrating
- Avoidance of certain situations
Behavioral Symptoms:
- Avoiding social situations or activities
- Procrastination or avoidance behaviors
- Seeking constant reassurance
- Checking behaviors or rituals
- Difficulty making decisions
- Substance use to cope with anxiety
Types of Anxiety Disorders We Treat
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Chronic, excessive worry about everyday situations and activities that interferes with daily functioning.
Panic Disorder Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks with intense fear and physical symptoms that peak within minutes.
Social Anxiety Disorder Intense fear of social situations where you might be judged, embarrassed, or humiliated by others.
Specific Phobias Irrational, intense fear of specific objects, animals, situations, or activities that leads to avoidance.
Agoraphobia Fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable, often leading to avoidance of public spaces.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) aimed at reducing anxiety or preventing feared outcomes.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Anxiety symptoms following exposure to or witnessing traumatic events, including flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.
Signs You Might Benefit from Anxiety Therapy
Consider anxiety therapy if you're experiencing:
- Persistent worry that interferes with daily activities
- Panic attacks or intense fear episodes
- Avoiding situations due to anxiety
- Physical symptoms like racing heart or shortness of breath
- Sleep difficulties due to worrying thoughts
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Using alcohol or substances to cope with anxiety
- Relationship or work problems due to anxiety
- Feeling overwhelmed by everyday stressors
- Constant need for reassurance from others
Our Approach to Common Anxiety Challenges
Overthinking and Worry Learn techniques to interrupt worry cycles, challenge catastrophic thinking, and develop more balanced perspectives on situations.
Panic Attacks Understand the physiology of panic, learn breathing and grounding techniques, and develop confidence in managing intense symptoms.
Social Fears Build social confidence through gradual exposure, communication skills training, and challenging negative self-beliefs.
Avoidance Patterns Gradually reclaim activities and situations you've been avoiding, rebuilding confidence and expanding your comfort zone.
Physical Anxiety Symptoms Learn relaxation techniques, body awareness practices, and strategies to calm your nervous system's fight-or-flight response.
Getting Started with Anxiety Therapy in Calgary
Taking the first step to seek anxiety therapy requires courage, and we're here to support you through this process. Many people find that anxiety therapy provides significant relief and improved quality of life.
Ready to find relief from anxiety?
- Book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your needs
- Schedule your initial anxiety therapy assessment
- Learn more about our evidence-based approach
Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety Therapy
How long does anxiety therapy take? Treatment duration varies depending on the severity of symptoms and individual factors. Many people notice improvement within 6-12 sessions, while others benefit from longer-term therapy. We'll discuss realistic timelines during your assessment.
Will anxiety therapy cure my anxiety completely? While therapy is highly effective for anxiety, the goal is typically symptom management and improved functioning rather than complete elimination. Most people learn to manage anxiety effectively and experience significant improvement in their quality of life.
What if I have a panic attack during therapy? Our office is a safe space, and we're trained to help you manage anxiety symptoms, including panic attacks. We'll work together to develop coping strategies and ensure you feel supported throughout the process.
Do I need medication for anxiety treatment? Many people benefit from therapy alone, while others find a combination of therapy and medication most helpful. We'll discuss your preferences and can coordinate with your physician if medication might be beneficial.
Is anxiety therapy confidential? Yes, anxiety therapy is strictly confidential. Information shared in sessions is protected by professional ethics and privacy laws, with very limited exceptions related to safety.
What's the difference between anxiety and stress? While stress is typically related to external pressures, anxiety involves persistent worry and fear that may be disproportionate to the situation. Anxiety therapy addresses both stress management and anxiety-specific symptoms.
Investment in Your Mental Health
Anxiety therapy is an investment in your overall well-being and quality of life. Many insurance plans provide coverage for anxiety treatment. We'll provide the documentation you need to maximize your benefits and make therapy accessible.
At King Psychology & Health, we believe that everyone deserves to live free from the burden of overwhelming anxiety. Our anxiety therapy services in Calgary are designed to help you develop the skills and confidence needed to manage anxiety effectively and reclaim your life. Contact us today to begin your journey toward greater peace of mind and emotional well-being.
Contact King Psychology & Health today to schedule your anxiety therapy consultation and take the first step toward anxiety relief and recovery.
