Anxiety Therapy in Sudbury, MA

Therapy provides evidence-based tools and strategies to manage anxiety effectively. Approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) help you identify unhelpful thought patterns, build healthier coping skills, and regain control over anxious feelings. It’s about learning how to respond to anxiety in a way that reduces its hold on your life.

Everyone’s journey is unique, but many people start noticing positive changes within 12 sessions. The pace depends on the severity of your anxiety, your goals, and how much practice you put into applying new skills outside of sessions. Therapy is a process, and even small steps can lead to meaningful change.

Stress is a natural response to challenging situations and usually resolves once the challenge passes. Anxiety, on the other hand, persists even when there’s no immediate threat. It often includes excessive worry, physical symptoms (like a racing heart or muscle tension), and difficulty managing daily activities. Therapy can help you distinguish between the two and develop tools to manage both.

As a psychologist, I don’t prescribe medication, but I can collaborate with your healthcare provider if you’re considering it. Therapy can be highly effective on its own, but for some, a combination of therapy and medication offers the best results. Our work together focuses on building skills to manage anxiety long-term, whether or not medication is part of your treatment.

It’s common to feel this way. Anxiety often convinces us that help won’t work. Therapy is designed to meet you where you are. We’ll start small, focusing on what feels manageable, and gradually build skills to help you feel more in control. Just showing up is a powerful first step toward change.

No. Therapy moves at your pace. While understanding the roots of your anxiety can be helpful, the focus is on building practical skills to manage anxiety in the present. We’ll create a safe, non-judgmental space where you decide what to share and when.

Yes. Perfectionism and imposter syndrome are often fueled by anxiety and self-critical thinking. Therapy helps you challenge unrealistic standards, develop self-compassion, and build confidence. You’ll learn to value progress over perfection and trust your abilities without constant self-doubt.

It’s understandable to feel hesitant if past experiences didn’t meet your needs. Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and the approach, therapist, and timing all play a role. I use evidence-based approaches like CBT, ACT, and mindfulness, tailoring each session to your unique needs. If something isn’t working, we’ll adjust to find what fits best for you.

You’ll know therapy is working when you start noticing shifts like feeling less overwhelmed, managing worries more effectively, or finding it easier to enjoy daily life. We’ll regularly check in on your progress and adjust our approach to make sure therapy is supporting your goals.

Health anxiety involves excessive worry about having a serious illness, even when medical tests show no cause for concern. Therapy helps by teaching you to challenge catastrophic thoughts, tolerate uncertainty, and focus on what you can control. CBT, ACT, and mindfulness practices are particularly effective in reducing health-related worries.

Yes, anxiety often shows up physically, causing symptoms like headaches, digestive issues, muscle tension, or a racing heart. While it’s always important to rule out medical conditions, if anxiety is the cause, therapy can help you manage these symptoms by addressing the underlying anxiety, teaching relaxation techniques, and reframing anxious thoughts.

It’s natural to feel uncertain, especially if anxiety has been a long-term struggle. Therapy is collaborative and tailored to your specific needs. Evidence-based approaches like CBT and ACT are proven to reduce anxiety, and we’ll regularly check in to ensure you’re seeing progress.