TRIUMPH OVER TRAUMA
Be Set Free
Anxiety
DEFINITION OF ANXIETY
Anxiety is an irrational level of discomfort that is often felt as a physical sensation in our bodies when faced with a specific trigger. Specific phobias include being afraid of certain objects, such as spiders or water or social situations. Other times, anxiety is generalized across multiple domains and can be expressed through excessive worry over even the smallest details of our lives. In cases of generalised anxiety, the physical sensations may be less noticeable to you, but the internal thought processes often feel chaotic, spiralling or otherwise out of control. Often times, anxiety can present itself as a co-occurring disorder connected with experiencing trauma or through reinforced, depressed thought processes
SYMPTOMS OF MALADAPTIVE COPING WITH ANXIETY
- Frequent feelings of panic or fear
- Tightness in chest or stomach
- Spiralling, negativistic thinking patterns
- Excessive guilt
- Inability to be alone with your thoughts
- Avoidance of objects, people or situations that make you feel uncomfortable
- Heightened perception of hearing when triggered (everything sounds louder than it is)
- General uneasiness most of the time
- Shortness of breath
- Heart palpitations
- Difficulty sleeping
- Frequent nightmares or anxiety dreams that cause fear or discomfort upon waking.
- Inability to sit still most of the time
- Increased alcohol or substance use to manage discomfort
COUNSELLING PROCESS
Initial session begins with a thorough assessment of the severity of the anxiety and the root cause of the anxiety. It may include a possible referral to adjunctive treatment such as medication evaluation, or more holistic modalities such as going to a nutritionist, yoga or meditation group. Continued treatment focuses on mindfulness training that allows the person to take control of their body and mind when anxiety starts to create difficulties. At Triumph Over Trauma, I will teach you how to change the way the body and mind interpret the triggers, and develop coping skills to reduce the level of discomfort that is felt.
The most effective and efficient process is the Richards Trauma Process TRTP™. This is usually conducted over 3 x 2-hour sessions including planning for the future.