Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 7.3% of the global population is affected by anxiety disorders in any given year. In the United States, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that around 19% of adults experience an anxiety disorder in a given year. This makes anxiety disorders the most common mental health issue in the U.S. The prevalence of anxiety disorders can vary by age, gender, and other factors. For instance, women are more likely to experience anxiety disorders than men, with studies indicating that women are about twice as likely to be affected. Anxiety disorders also tend to begin early in life, with 50% of cases typically emerging by the age of 11. It's important that you seek help if you believe you have an anxiety disorder. I can help you learn the skills you need to manage your anxiety and enjoy a full and rewarding life.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where a person experiences recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and feels the need to perform certain behaviors or rituals (compulsions) to reduce the anxiety caused by these thoughts. For example, someone with OCD might constantly worry about germs or contamination (an obsession) and feel compelled to wash their hands repeatedly (a compulsion) to feel safe. The obsessions and compulsions can take up a lot of time, sometimes interfering with daily life and making it difficult to focus on work, school, or relationships. While the person may recognize that the thoughts and actions are excessive, they feel unable to control them. OCD affects people of all ages, and the severity of symptoms can vary. With the right treatment, many people with OCD can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks—sudden, intense episodes of fear or discomfort that often include physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or a feeling of losing control. These attacks can occur without any clear trigger and may happen at any time, even during relaxation. Over time, people with panic disorder often develop fear of having another attack, which can lead them to avoid places or situations where they previously experienced an attack, limiting their normal activities and affecting their quality of life. Normal fears, on the other hand, are temporary emotional responses to real-life stressors or potential dangers. For example, feeling nervous before a big presentation or being scared when watching a horror movie are typical experiences that are generally not overwhelming and don't interfere with a person’s daily life. Unlike panic disorder, normal fears are situational and proportional to the event at hand, and once the situation resolves, the fear usually fades. In contrast, panic disorder involves unexpected and intense feelings of fear that can happen without an obvious cause, and the anxiety tends to persist.

Phobias are intense, persistent fears of specific objects, situations, or activities that far exceed the actual danger they pose. Unlike normal fears—like feeling nervous before a test or public speaking—phobias cause significant distress and can disrupt daily life. For example, someone with a fear of flying may avoid air travel entirely, even when it’s necessary, experiencing symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and dizziness. These overwhelming reactions interfere with work, social life, and well-being. If a phobia is controlling your life or causing persistent anxiety, you don’t have to face it alone. Reach out today for support and take the first step toward overcoming your fears.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing trauma—like accidents, combat, natural disasters, or assault. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, intense anxiety, emotional numbness, and avoidance of reminders. These reactions can disrupt your daily life, relationships, and work. PTSD can appear right after the trauma or even years later, but effective treatment can help you manage symptoms and reclaim your life.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) involves excessive, uncontrollable worry about everyday situations that lasts six months or more. Unlike normal anxiety, which is temporary and tied to specific events, GAD causes persistent worry that is hard to manage—even when there’s little or no reason to worry. Physical symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension, and trouble sleeping often accompany this ongoing anxiety. This level of worry can disrupt work, relationships, and daily life. If constant worry is overwhelming you, help is available.

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), or social phobia, is an intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in social situations. This fear can cause overwhelming anxiety, leading to avoidance of events like parties, public speaking, or even everyday conversations. Symptoms include rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, and difficulty making eye contact. Unlike normal shyness, social anxiety is persistent and can deeply impact your life.

Often, social anxiety reflects deeper feelings of self-doubt and emotional isolation rooted in early experiences. Healing begins when these feelings are understood and validated in therapy, helping you build confidence and authentic connections.

My approach to stress and personal growth is rooted in self-psychology, emphasizing emotional attunement and the early relationships that shape your sense of self. Stress often comes from feeling misunderstood or disconnected, leading to anxiety, depression, or emotional distress. Healing begins through empathic attunement in therapy—a safe space where your true feelings are deeply understood and validated.

Personal growth means developing a cohesive, authentic self by accepting difficult emotions and building self-worth from within, not from others.