Anxiety

Anxiety has many layers, and although for many it can be a normalized emotion that protects us from immediate threats, for others it may inhibit you from feeling confident in your personal choices or actions.

Anxiety can be felt mentally when it feels difficult to turn off your mind or redirect your thoughts. It also can manifest in a variety of physical symptoms from discomfort to worries about serious illness. We also recognize that for some, anxiety is chronic and pervasive, while others may be struggling with anxiety following a difficult life event, or environmental, political, or global issues.

When working with individuals struggling with anxiety, we utilize various therapeutic interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify maladaptive thoughts, the origin of those thoughts, and work together to create more positive, adaptive ways of thinking. We also utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to identify intrusive or unwanted thoughts or beliefs and promote acknowledgement of these thoughts without allowing them to latch together into pervasive negative thought patterns.

Common symptoms of Anxiety that we treat:

  • Racing thoughts

  • Performance anxiety

  • Social anxiety

  • Illness anxiety

  • Isolation or avoidance

  • Trouble concentrating or focusing

  • Difficulties being present

  • Restlessness or hypervigilance

  • Irritability

  • Constant worrying

  • Difficulties controlling worry

ocd

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) results from a developed cycle of obsessions and compulsions. These obsessions are most often unwanted and intrusive, leading to the development of behaviors that will soothe these and reduce distress.

We acknowledge that many of these intrusive thoughts may be difficult and even distressing to talk about, but we believe in offering you a space free from any judgment. We utilize several interventions when working with those struggling with OCD, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) as appropriate, where we help you to address fears and intrusive thoughts in a safe environment.

Symptoms and types of OCD we treat:

  • Intrusive thoughts

  • Compulsive behaviors

  • Ritualistic behaviors

  • Symmetry and orderliness

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Avoidance and isolation

  • Fears of harming others

Contact us.

Whether you’re ready to cope and/or heal from anxiety or OCD, or want more information, contact us! We are happy to book a free 15 minute consultation or provide you with more information on our services

kimkoehler@afterglowcounseling.com
(312) 761-9841

Chicago, IL