Therapists in Gig Harbor, WA
![Photo of Colleen Bebich, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ceb30fee-6220-4fef-83ec-efead9113c14/1/320x400.jpeg)
My style of therapy is warm, accepting and compassionate. I am here to walk alongside you as you navigate life's challenges and pursue personal growth. Therapy is the beginning of new possibilities and scheduling an appointment is a brave first step. I provide a safe space to share your story where you can explore difficult emotions and struggles. You may be experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, difficult relationships, parenting struggles, grief or issues with work/life balance. You are the expert in your own life and your experiences are uniquely your own. We will work together to gain new skills and achieve desired goals.
My style of therapy is warm, accepting and compassionate. I am here to walk alongside you as you navigate life's challenges and pursue personal growth. Therapy is the beginning of new possibilities and scheduling an appointment is a brave first step. I provide a safe space to share your story where you can explore difficult emotions and struggles. You may be experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, difficult relationships, parenting struggles, grief or issues with work/life balance. You are the expert in your own life and your experiences are uniquely your own. We will work together to gain new skills and achieve desired goals.
![Photo of Nathalie Harris-Eckel, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/341b2bbc-bf3f-43d6-aeed-8790ea0ba990/1/320x400.png)
Nathalie Harris-Eckel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Gig Harbor, WA 98332 (Online Only)
At one time or another, we all find ourselves stuck and struggling to move ahead. We have learned to cope and move through our lives using tools and coping mechanisms that have worked in some ways, but have not allowed us to feel grounded, comfortable, or fully happy with our lives as we progress through them. My job is to work collaboratively with you to create safety and trust through which we can help you develop skills and gain insights, allowing you to reclaim happiness and comfort in your life. I am most passionate about supporting people dealing with Anxiety, Grief, and Life Transition issues.
At one time or another, we all find ourselves stuck and struggling to move ahead. We have learned to cope and move through our lives using tools and coping mechanisms that have worked in some ways, but have not allowed us to feel grounded, comfortable, or fully happy with our lives as we progress through them. My job is to work collaboratively with you to create safety and trust through which we can help you develop skills and gain insights, allowing you to reclaim happiness and comfort in your life. I am most passionate about supporting people dealing with Anxiety, Grief, and Life Transition issues.
![Photo of Rachel Rainbolt, MA, LMFTA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0c8ea784-6f19-4bdd-8021-f0993e6a2972/2/320x400.png)
Rachel Rainbolt
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
Gig Harbor, WA 98335 (Online Only)
If anxiety is getting in your way, we can change that.
Do you struggle to show up as the parent you want to be? If you begin your day with a whole-hearted intention for peace that seems to dissolve with each day’s anxieties and triggers, I can help. I have immediate openings for parents (and teens) who are tired of the struggle and ready for peace, freedom, connection, and joy within themselves, their relationships, and their lives.
If anxiety is getting in your way, we can change that.
Do you struggle to show up as the parent you want to be? If you begin your day with a whole-hearted intention for peace that seems to dissolve with each day’s anxieties and triggers, I can help. I have immediate openings for parents (and teens) who are tired of the struggle and ready for peace, freedom, connection, and joy within themselves, their relationships, and their lives.
![Photo of Aimee Tesdahl, MA, LMHC, LMFTA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52742c56-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I love to work with adults of any age with various concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, relational issues and grief.
Are you looking for someone that you connect with, provides compassion and support, and helps you process through your concerns? It can be hard to find the right therapist for you. My hope is that you would feel safe, understood and accepted in counseling. I work collaboratively with clients to help them manage concerns in their life. My therapeutic approach is client-centered, putting your needs first and providing you the tools you need to find healing.
I love to work with adults of any age with various concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, relational issues and grief.
Are you looking for someone that you connect with, provides compassion and support, and helps you process through your concerns? It can be hard to find the right therapist for you. My hope is that you would feel safe, understood and accepted in counseling. I work collaboratively with clients to help them manage concerns in their life. My therapeutic approach is client-centered, putting your needs first and providing you the tools you need to find healing.
![Photo of Jackie M Smith, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5290cf32-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jackie M Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Feeling stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed? You work hard to be competent on the outside, maintaining control, holding your life together. Yet you know something is off on the inside. You want to be free. Free from the worry, anxiety and the patterns you keep finding yourself living over and over. You don't need to live your life this way any longer. Is this type of freedom even possible? Yes. Yes it is. You do not have to walk this path alone any longer. You have tried everything you can think of to help you sleep, help you cope, stop the flashbacks. Some of your strategies worked, but they are not enough.
Feeling stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed? You work hard to be competent on the outside, maintaining control, holding your life together. Yet you know something is off on the inside. You want to be free. Free from the worry, anxiety and the patterns you keep finding yourself living over and over. You don't need to live your life this way any longer. Is this type of freedom even possible? Yes. Yes it is. You do not have to walk this path alone any longer. You have tried everything you can think of to help you sleep, help you cope, stop the flashbacks. Some of your strategies worked, but they are not enough.
![Photo of Valerie St. John, MS, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c5d8249-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Valerie St. John
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Waitlist for new clients
My treatment helps increase self-awareness and insight while challenging unbalanced thought processes. Enhancing self-worth and self-acceptance is a core theme for my clients. Common issues I work with are depression, anxiety, disordered eating, PTSD/trauma, panic, mild dissociation, perfectionism, people-pleasing, codependency, and performance anxiety. My trauma-informed and integrative approach involves a reflective, person-centered openness, where you can develop introspection, safely release emotions, and discover your true authentic self.
My treatment helps increase self-awareness and insight while challenging unbalanced thought processes. Enhancing self-worth and self-acceptance is a core theme for my clients. Common issues I work with are depression, anxiety, disordered eating, PTSD/trauma, panic, mild dissociation, perfectionism, people-pleasing, codependency, and performance anxiety. My trauma-informed and integrative approach involves a reflective, person-centered openness, where you can develop introspection, safely release emotions, and discover your true authentic self.
![Photo of Miriam Durr, LMHCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9c17237f-24bd-4e20-8eb3-cc278230b2a9/2/320x400.jpeg)
I believe therapy is most effective when there is a relationship between therapist and client that is genuine and trusting. I enjoy working with clients who are experiencing or have experienced complex trauma, anxiety, low self-esteem, relational difficulties, and spiritual/religious confusion and oppression. I don’t posit to know all the answers. Instead, I strive to partner with you in exploring what healing and growth look like today. I love what I do and the opportunity to really get to know people (like you!).
I believe therapy is most effective when there is a relationship between therapist and client that is genuine and trusting. I enjoy working with clients who are experiencing or have experienced complex trauma, anxiety, low self-esteem, relational difficulties, and spiritual/religious confusion and oppression. I don’t posit to know all the answers. Instead, I strive to partner with you in exploring what healing and growth look like today. I love what I do and the opportunity to really get to know people (like you!).
![Photo of Lani Kish, MA, LMHC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8a941ec-77d5-42ba-b35f-3b6e489fafdd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Navigating unexpected situations or traumas, dealing with anxiety/depression can overwhelm our sense of being present in the moment and we may feel trapped inside our feelings. Sometimes difficulties have been present since childhood, left unattended or pushed down repeatedly over the years. Some clients come to counseling seeking ways to deal with a specific trauma, domestic violence, grief, loss, anger, or other distressing emotions, leaving someone feeling isolated, stuck, and without resources. Taking the next step, asking for help inside of counseling, brings you closer to the destination of recovery.
Navigating unexpected situations or traumas, dealing with anxiety/depression can overwhelm our sense of being present in the moment and we may feel trapped inside our feelings. Sometimes difficulties have been present since childhood, left unattended or pushed down repeatedly over the years. Some clients come to counseling seeking ways to deal with a specific trauma, domestic violence, grief, loss, anger, or other distressing emotions, leaving someone feeling isolated, stuck, and without resources. Taking the next step, asking for help inside of counseling, brings you closer to the destination of recovery.
![Photo of Annaliese Jacobsson, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/30b70261-7982-400b-b725-31a3734b3be3/3/320x400.jpeg)
Annaliese Jacobsson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
If you’re frequently anxious or overwhelmed, if there are difficult events from your life continuing to invade your life in memories or nightmares, if you’re experiencing chronic pain, if you’re feeling depressed, irritable, stuck, or alone, I can help. You may have tried everything you can think of to start feeling better and nothing seems to fully address your struggles. I’m so glad you’re here. There is hope. If you don’t believe that yet, that’s ok, I am holding it for you until you can.
If you’re frequently anxious or overwhelmed, if there are difficult events from your life continuing to invade your life in memories or nightmares, if you’re experiencing chronic pain, if you’re feeling depressed, irritable, stuck, or alone, I can help. You may have tried everything you can think of to start feeling better and nothing seems to fully address your struggles. I’m so glad you’re here. There is hope. If you don’t believe that yet, that’s ok, I am holding it for you until you can.
![Photo of Sandra A Milton, LICSW, ACSW, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c3aff21-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I enjoy working with individuals and couples who are experiencing interpersonal difficulties, depression, grief/loss, anxiety, infidelity (either the faithful or the unfaithful partner), or confusion regarding their current or future life situation.
It is my hope that clients gain from counseling specific tools they can apply to their lives to feel better equipped in dealing effectively with their life circumstances. I tailor my counseling to the needs of the client, using various therapeutic techniques to provide clients skills such as communication, emotion management, coping, parenting, etc. I incorporate an educational component, presenting information to enhance knowledge regarding various issues that clients face. I often include homework to make use of the time between sessions. When desired by the client, I approach their circumstances from a biblical perspective.
I enjoy working with individuals and couples who are experiencing interpersonal difficulties, depression, grief/loss, anxiety, infidelity (either the faithful or the unfaithful partner), or confusion regarding their current or future life situation.
It is my hope that clients gain from counseling specific tools they can apply to their lives to feel better equipped in dealing effectively with their life circumstances. I tailor my counseling to the needs of the client, using various therapeutic techniques to provide clients skills such as communication, emotion management, coping, parenting, etc. I incorporate an educational component, presenting information to enhance knowledge regarding various issues that clients face. I often include homework to make use of the time between sessions. When desired by the client, I approach their circumstances from a biblical perspective.
![Photo of Alicia Elliott, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cdcf51a5-1b6f-4c1a-b9cb-27530308b14f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alicia Elliott
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Gig Harbor, WA 98335 (Online Only)
What’s your story? Is it a tragic tale of grief and loss? Or is your story a fast paced, anxiety ridden adventure repeatedly landing you in a pit of despair? I understand how difficult it can be to get control of the story of your life.
What’s your story? Is it a tragic tale of grief and loss? Or is your story a fast paced, anxiety ridden adventure repeatedly landing you in a pit of despair? I understand how difficult it can be to get control of the story of your life.
15 Second Videos
Rachel Rainbolt
Jennifer Davies
Lauren Spencer
Erin Riggio
Deanne Dietz
Donia Fdhila
Rachel J Guadamuz
Annie Laweryson
Mireille Reece
Michael Dunbry
Shannon Rickert
Jaime Cara Somatic And Trauma Therapist
Benjamin Michael Shafer
![Photo of Eunice Kim-Setiawan, MA, LMHC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/31a51c9b-46f7-4c62-9e85-c6ba72971cfd/3/320x400.jpeg)
Eunice Kim-Setiawan
Counselor, MA, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Not accepting new clients
My expertise includes coping with stress, anxiety/depression, trauma/PTSD, military/aviation families, chronic emotional pain, identity, and family of origin/generational trauma.
Updated July'24. Not accepting new clients. Wait-list is approximately 2-3 months. I enjoy working with adults, children/adolescents, and families. I believe that counseling needs to be a safe and brave space to process hard topics. I value choices, respect, culture, education, balance, and curiosity in my work which inclines towards acceptance-commitment, attachment, compassionate, trauma-informed, and brain-based approaches. Trained in EMDR and Brainspotting. DBT certified. Asia Pacific Cultural Center referral resource. Pending VA credentialing. Fuji is my therapy Maltipoo pup in-training and attends some sessions.
My expertise includes coping with stress, anxiety/depression, trauma/PTSD, military/aviation families, chronic emotional pain, identity, and family of origin/generational trauma.
Updated July'24. Not accepting new clients. Wait-list is approximately 2-3 months. I enjoy working with adults, children/adolescents, and families. I believe that counseling needs to be a safe and brave space to process hard topics. I value choices, respect, culture, education, balance, and curiosity in my work which inclines towards acceptance-commitment, attachment, compassionate, trauma-informed, and brain-based approaches. Trained in EMDR and Brainspotting. DBT certified. Asia Pacific Cultural Center referral resource. Pending VA credentialing. Fuji is my therapy Maltipoo pup in-training and attends some sessions.
![Photo of Dr. Colleen Rustad, PhD, LCP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/179ed7cd-9a05-4c0e-b2aa-40d84314e1ec/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Colleen Rustad
Psychologist, PhD, LCP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Gig Harbor, WA 98335 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My specialties include working with adults dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues or relationship problems, as well as academic /career/ or life transition.
I will work collaboratively with you in therapy so you can work through any challenges you may be facing and achieve your goals. Whether you are experiencing a new problem, or have been struggling with something for a while, together we will work to find your inner strengths, overcome past or present challenges, and improve the quality of your life. I am a warm and compassionate therapist who provides a safe, caring, and non-judgmental environment. My goal is for you to feel more hopeful and confident, and to live the life you desire.
My specialties include working with adults dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues or relationship problems, as well as academic /career/ or life transition.
I will work collaboratively with you in therapy so you can work through any challenges you may be facing and achieve your goals. Whether you are experiencing a new problem, or have been struggling with something for a while, together we will work to find your inner strengths, overcome past or present challenges, and improve the quality of your life. I am a warm and compassionate therapist who provides a safe, caring, and non-judgmental environment. My goal is for you to feel more hopeful and confident, and to live the life you desire.
![Photo of Jennifer Davies, LMHC, EMDR, MA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1a70916f-162d-45c9-bb57-de461c754fb5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Healing often begins in the presence of another who can bear witness to the hurt and heartache endured. No one should have to walk the road of depression, anxiety, and trauma alone. I work collaboratively with clients to provide therapeutic services that best meet client's goals. I work primarily with adults dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), I provide a safe and confidential environment of unconditional acceptance for every client.
Healing often begins in the presence of another who can bear witness to the hurt and heartache endured. No one should have to walk the road of depression, anxiety, and trauma alone. I work collaboratively with clients to provide therapeutic services that best meet client's goals. I work primarily with adults dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), I provide a safe and confidential environment of unconditional acceptance for every client.
![Photo of Elizabeth M Humes, MA, LMHC, CEDS](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49626fb7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in Lifespan Integration Therapy with lasting change for those struggling with anxiety, physical issues and trauma.
Life can be very confusing at times for all of us. I welcome you to take the time for yourself to gain perspective on life's struggles. There can be great benefits in the process! I treat depression/anxiety, trauma, ADHD, Eating Disorders, and marital issues. My office is warm and cozy as we journey together thru the healing process. I use a narrative, solution-focused, CBT modality, Lifespan Integration for clearing trauma, along with a bit of humor over life's bumps. You are welcome to join me for your heart, soul, and body health!
I specialize in Lifespan Integration Therapy with lasting change for those struggling with anxiety, physical issues and trauma.
Life can be very confusing at times for all of us. I welcome you to take the time for yourself to gain perspective on life's struggles. There can be great benefits in the process! I treat depression/anxiety, trauma, ADHD, Eating Disorders, and marital issues. My office is warm and cozy as we journey together thru the healing process. I use a narrative, solution-focused, CBT modality, Lifespan Integration for clearing trauma, along with a bit of humor over life's bumps. You are welcome to join me for your heart, soul, and body health!
![Photo of Phylly Bland, MA, LMFTA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0bcf81c0-7381-4cee-91b0-da21ab7db2d0/2/320x400.png)
Phylly Bland
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
I am committed to helping adult individuals and couples find deeper understanding, connection, and peace in their lives. I work with adults on anxiety, overwhelm, loneliness, relationship issues, conflict, life changes and transitions, dating, parenting, friendship, identity work, and more. My work focuses on first identifying and communicating emotional experiences; and then tracking and disrupting patterns that occur individually and in relationships. I believe in collaborating side by side to define and work toward your goals together.
I am committed to helping adult individuals and couples find deeper understanding, connection, and peace in their lives. I work with adults on anxiety, overwhelm, loneliness, relationship issues, conflict, life changes and transitions, dating, parenting, friendship, identity work, and more. My work focuses on first identifying and communicating emotional experiences; and then tracking and disrupting patterns that occur individually and in relationships. I believe in collaborating side by side to define and work toward your goals together.
![Photo of Lindsey Nickell, MA, LMHC, CHT, YTT200, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ff008f2b-d0a7-4463-b590-866f385573ec/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lindsey Nickell
Counselor, MA, LMHC, CHT, YTT200
Verified Verified
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Waitlist for new clients
Do you find yourself reading the same articles to help with anxiety, depression and/or trauma and feeling like there is more that you would like to uncover? If you are looking for a more layered and meaningful approach to therapy, I may be able to help. I specialize in Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and ADHD and work hard to help you reexamine your situation in ways you might not have used before and find the tools to take control of your life. I also post weekly at Calm Body, Quiet Mind - an all things mental and bodily health newsletter found on Substack. I'm looking forward to meeting you!
Do you find yourself reading the same articles to help with anxiety, depression and/or trauma and feeling like there is more that you would like to uncover? If you are looking for a more layered and meaningful approach to therapy, I may be able to help. I specialize in Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and ADHD and work hard to help you reexamine your situation in ways you might not have used before and find the tools to take control of your life. I also post weekly at Calm Body, Quiet Mind - an all things mental and bodily health newsletter found on Substack. I'm looking forward to meeting you!
![Photo of Bonnie McKenney, MS, LMHC, NCC, MHP, CMHP, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c1e9c0d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Bonnie McKenney
Counselor, MS, LMHC, NCC, MHP, CMHP
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Waitlist for new clients
Did something(s) really bad happen? Completely stressed out, anxious, depressed or feeling stuck? Is there too much to think about and sort out? Not sure what to do next or if it's even worth it? I would like to help you feel better, and to discover greater meaning and purpose for your life. As a Certified EMDR therapist (attachment focused), I can help you process the traumatic events that have occurred. Together we can find meaning and purpose and work towards creating the new story you want for your life. I partner with teens, parents and individual adults to help sort through the difficult issues your facing today.
Did something(s) really bad happen? Completely stressed out, anxious, depressed or feeling stuck? Is there too much to think about and sort out? Not sure what to do next or if it's even worth it? I would like to help you feel better, and to discover greater meaning and purpose for your life. As a Certified EMDR therapist (attachment focused), I can help you process the traumatic events that have occurred. Together we can find meaning and purpose and work towards creating the new story you want for your life. I partner with teens, parents and individual adults to help sort through the difficult issues your facing today.
We offer individual and group therapy for a variety of concerns, including issues related to anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss, pandemic issues, adjustment, attachment, behavior, school problems, identity, and substance abuse.
I am a partner in Summit Health Management, a group founded by an eclectic partnership of four established, experienced providers with the vision of offering a variety of therapeutic services to meet the needs of children, adolescents, adults, elders, couples, and families in our community. Our group’s mission is to provide the region with experienced, compassionate, professional, and proficient mental and behavioral health care. We offer a therapy and psychiatric care for all ages, presentations, relationships and disorders, including individual, couples, family and group therapy, as well as substance abuse recovery for all ages.
We offer individual and group therapy for a variety of concerns, including issues related to anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss, pandemic issues, adjustment, attachment, behavior, school problems, identity, and substance abuse.
I am a partner in Summit Health Management, a group founded by an eclectic partnership of four established, experienced providers with the vision of offering a variety of therapeutic services to meet the needs of children, adolescents, adults, elders, couples, and families in our community. Our group’s mission is to provide the region with experienced, compassionate, professional, and proficient mental and behavioral health care. We offer a therapy and psychiatric care for all ages, presentations, relationships and disorders, including individual, couples, family and group therapy, as well as substance abuse recovery for all ages.
![Photo of Lauren Spencer, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/483d04bf-1483-4fa4-bf57-6b11b1210a2a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lauren Spencer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Gig Harbor, WA 98332 (Online Only)
I specialize in rebuilding self esteem, improving anxiety levels, and providing relief from OCD.
Are you the person everyone depends on to have it together? The friend they call when they need support, the manager they trust to complete the important projects, the daughter they lean on the most. You’re kind, empathetic, and extremely capable, yet somehow these traits are used against you. You’re constantly thinking of you’re to-do list, but there’s never enough time. You pride yourself on giving 100% but it's impossible to do anymore. And you wish you had someone YOU could lean on. I support women as they learn to prioritize themselves, build their self-confidence, and start living lives that actually fill them with joy.
I specialize in rebuilding self esteem, improving anxiety levels, and providing relief from OCD.
Are you the person everyone depends on to have it together? The friend they call when they need support, the manager they trust to complete the important projects, the daughter they lean on the most. You’re kind, empathetic, and extremely capable, yet somehow these traits are used against you. You’re constantly thinking of you’re to-do list, but there’s never enough time. You pride yourself on giving 100% but it's impossible to do anymore. And you wish you had someone YOU could lean on. I support women as they learn to prioritize themselves, build their self-confidence, and start living lives that actually fill them with joy.
See more therapy options for Gig Harbor
Nearby Anxiety Therapists Searches for Gig Harbor
- Belfair
- Des Moines
- Fife
- Fircrest
- Lakewood
- Normandy Park
- Port Orchard
- Ruston
- Steilacoom
- Tacoma
- University Place
- Vashon
Anxiety Therapists
What are the most common treatments for anxiety?
Talk therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, is the most common treatment for anxiety. Studies have shown it is equally effective as medication. Other popular forms of therapy are popular, depending on a patient’s experience. Exposure therapy, for instance, can be useful for people dealing with fears and phobias, or who have experienced traumatic events. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy may be useful for patients who need help with emotion regulation. Anxiolytic medications, like benzodiazepines, can also help with calming a person enough to focus on the skills they’ve learned, and physical exercise has been shown to help symptoms of anxiety across the board.
How long does therapy for anxiety take to work?
The amount of time needed to alleviate symptoms depends on the severity of a person’s condition. Some therapies may take 5-20 weekly sessions to show results. Anti-depressant medications typically take two to four weeks before a benefit is felt. Anti-anxiety medications are felt typically within 20-30 minutes. Medications are best used to offer a patient a better headspace in which to work on techniques learned in therapy. Exercise, improved sleep habits, and meditation are effective, but takes weeks or months to show results.
When should I seek treatment for anxiety?
Everyone feels anxious at times, but when anxiety causes disruption to your daily life, it may be time to seek help. Such disruption can be mental, physical, or both: having fear dominate your thoughts, avoiding situations or objects that bring on feelings of anxiety, or experiencing shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or panic attacks. When these symptoms are recurrent and distressing, it may be time to talk to someone.
How effective is treatment for anxiety?
Treatment for anxiety has been shown to be moderately to highly effective, according to a large body of psychology studies and analyses. For some people, treatment using CBT or exposure therapy alone is effective. Others respond best to a combination of medication and therapy.