Feelings of worry and anxiety are a natural part of life. However, sometimes these feelings can develop into an anxiety disorder, becoming so overwhelming that daily life begins to feel like a struggle. Here, Laurie Burns LCSW-R CGP, a professional therapist based in Rochester, New York, shares three of the most common problems anxiety counseling can treat.

3 Issues Anxiety Counseling Can Treat

1. Generalized Anxiety

This is one of the most common anxiety issues that leads people to seek professional counseling. Generalized anxiety feels like a constant state of worry and tension. If you struggle with generalized anxiety disorder, you may find yourself spending a great deal of time worrying about unlikely disasters or overreacting to life’s normal stressors. You may find your racing thoughts keep you awake at night or leave you feeling physically sick to your stomach. Anxiety counseling will help you learn to relax your body and mind and cope with excessive worry.

2. Panic Disorder

People suffering from panic disorder experience sudden spells of very intense fear known as panic attacks. Some people may have panic attacks in specific situations, while others may have them for no discernible reason. If you’ve had one panic attack, you might find yourself living in fear, worrying this terrifying experience will happen again. A professional therapist can help those living with panic disorder learn to break the cycle of panic and fear.

3. Social Anxiety

Social anxiety is shyness taken to a crippling extreme. If you’re unable to socialize without feeling intense fear, are terrified of speaking in public, or are constantly worried others are judging you, you may be suffering from social anxiety. If your shyness is so severe it keeps you from achieving your goals in life, anxiety counseling services can provide tools to help you learn to socialize without fear.

Laurie Burns LCSW-R CGP is a licensed professional counselor with over 20 years of experience practicing in Rochester. In addition to anxiety counseling, her practice also specializes in family counseling. Visit Laurie’s website to learn more about the counseling services her practice offers, or call (585) 734-6826 to make an appointment today.