Anxiety Counseling

Are you tired of your anxiety controlling you?

photo of girl in warm green jacket squatting against brick wall with eye closed

The causes and symptoms can vary, ranging from genetic factors and brain chemistry to life experiences and traumatic events. Many individuals, just like you, learn how to navigate through the complexities of anxiety so that they’re able to keep living their life unhindered.

By seeking support through therapy or coaching, you can discover effective tools and coping mechanisms to break free from anxiety's grip. Working with a compassionate and experienced professional can pave the way toward regaining control of your life.

  • Continually imagining the worst things that could happen leaves you feeling really nervous about the future.

  • Physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, muscle tension, and difficulty breathing make you feel like you’re in imminent danger.

  • Feeling scared and self-conscious of what others might think, leads you to avoid social situations entirely.

  • You tend to avoid people, places & things that make you feel uncomfortable.

Anxiety can feel overwhelming and debilitating, impacting various aspects of daily life. It is often described as fear, with or without the immediate presence of a threat. Anxiety affects millions of individuals worldwide. It manifests in different forms, from generalized anxiety disorder to specific phobias, social anxiety, and panic disorder, to name a few.

Do you find yourself caught in anxiety’s grip, wondering if there's a way out? The constant worry, self-doubt, and fear of the unknown can make it feel like you're living in a state of neverending unease. 

Anxiety is a common challenge, with millions of people experiencing its effects globally. According to recent studies, approximately 1 in 5 adults in the United States grapple with an anxiety disorder each year. 

view of city lights on a dark background

Anxiety is a natural response to modern society’s demands. 

Anxiety is rooted in our natural response to danger, known as fight, flight, or freeze. This reaction happens when our bodies and minds sense threats, whether real or imagined. It's not just about facing obvious dangers either -  it also includes worrying about possible threats in the future. The fear of experiencing fear itself can spiral into a negative cycle, leading individuals to avoid situations or triggers that evoke anxiety.

In a society that pushes us to go, go, go and always stay productive, we can find it hard to relax. Worries about the future, societal expectations, and environmental concerns all contribute to a general sense of unease. It's no wonder anxiety is widespread.  It's important to recognize that feeling anxious is a normal response to the challenges encountered in our daily lives. Experiencing anxiety isn't a sign of personal weakness but rather reflects the complexities of the demanding world we live in.

close up of dark green ferns

Avoiding situations that make us nervous becomes a natural coping mechanism.

man with red shirt and baseball cap standing with the sunshine hitting his face with his eyes closed

It’s an instinctive way to shield ourselves from perceived danger or discomfort. However, while avoidance can temporarily alleviate anxiety, it reinforces the underlying fears, making them more powerful over time. You gain an “escape” from the pain or discomfort of anxiety but your system learns nothing and builds no resilience to that which you fear.  

Paradoxically, confronting your fear head-on—though daunting—can be the pathway to mastering and eventually overcoming anxiety. This sounds like the last thing we want to do when anxious! If you think about it though, if the “solution” was intuitive, you would have figured a way out of this anxiety by now, right?

Facing your fears does not mean an abrupt “pull yourself up by the bootstraps” approach - not at all. At RelationshipStore, our trained counselors utilize a systematic, understanding and compassionate approach to help you overcome your anxiety. Our approach is similar to learning to swim in a pool where your feet can touch the bottom instead of immediately learning to swim in the deep end.

Rise above your anxiety to find peace inside.

Your journey toward addressing anxiety will involve embracing the discomfort and uncertainty that accompanies it. Your therapy sessions will show you that avoiding situations maintains anxiety, but facing fears promotes personal growth and resilience.

The good news is that it is not a road you’ll be navigating alone - our caring counselors are trained to be your guide. Your therapist will help you discover the power within yourself to navigate through anxiety and reclaim control over your life. 

Our counselors believe that every individual possesses the capacity to overcome anxiety and lead a fulfilling life. We hold this belief because we have firsthand witnessed, client after client, the inner strength that individuals are able to tap into so that they can move past their anxiety.

girl with long blond hair smiling slightly and looking out the window while sitting on a yellow chair
dark foggy water around boulders along a shoreline

My anxiety is about everything, not about something specific that I can pinpoint.

Although this can be challenging, our counselors are trained to help with this type of anxiety as well. Most times, there are specific causes, it's just that it can be difficult to figure out what they are on your own. This generalized anxiety often is present in instances where there are multiple anxieties existing together, a great deal of uncertainty, and triggers that may be less conscious or obvious. 

What if therapy brings up past traumas I'm not ready to confront?

Therapy is a collaboration between you and your therapist -  and your comfort and pace are a priority. Our therapists allow you to decide when and how to explore past experiences. We ensure that interventions and interactions are sensitive to your unique experiences. If and when you're ready, your therapist will provide guidance and support.

What if facing my fears is too overwhelming for me? 

Facing your fears is a gradual process and tailored to your comfort level. Our therapists work closely with you to establish a step-by-step approach, ensuring that the process is manageable and empowering rather than overwhelming. Your feedback and concerns are implemented at every step of the way. Your therapist will provide a structured and predictable environment to help you feel secure.

You want to get help with your anxiety, but you may still have some concerns…

YOU DESERVE TO LIVE ANXIETY-FREE.

If you're ready to take control and move beyond the grip of anxiety in your life, our anxiety therapists at RelationshipStore are here to assist you.

To schedule an appointment or if you have any questions, we’re available for texts and calls at (630) 974-6777, as well as via email at info@relationshipstore.org 

Our practice is located in Burr Ridge / Willowbrook, IL and offers online therapy sessions throughout Illinois.

Related Blog Posts


Our therapists who can help you today: