Appointments are available Monday to Friday.
PLEASE NOTE: Ruth offers phone and video sessions only.
Appointments are available Monday to Friday.
PLEASE NOTE: Ruth offers phone and video sessions only.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal human response to stress or uncertainty. It can help you stay alert, prepare for challenges, or protect yourself from harm. But when anxiety happens too often, lasts too long or feels too intense, it can interfere with sleep, focus, and relationships. Many people describe feeling constantly “on,” even when there’s no clear reason to be worried.
Anxiety can show up in many ways. Some people notice physical symptoms like a racing heart, tight chest, or restlessness. Others experience nonstop worry, irritability, or a sense that something bad is about to happen.
The good news is that anxiety challenges are very treatable.
Understanding what kind of anxiety you’re dealing with is a good place to start. Each type has its own pattern, and learning how it works can help you find the right kind of help.
Generalized Anxiety
This is ongoing, excessive worry about everyday things—work, health, family, or money. The mind loops through what-ifs, and the body rarely relaxes. People with generalized anxiety often feel tense, tired, or on edge most days.
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety isn’t shyness. It’s a fear of being judged or embarrassed that can make conversations, meetings, or public situations feel painful. Many people over-analyze what they said afterward, or avoid social events altogether.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder involves sudden waves of intense fear that seem to come out of nowhere. A racing heartbeat, dizziness, or shortness of breath can make it feel like a medical emergency. Over time, people start fearing the next attack, which keeps the cycle going.
Phobias
A phobia is a strong fear tied to a specific thing—flying, heights, needles, animals, or situations like driving over bridges. Even thinking about the feared object can trigger anxiety. Avoidance offers temporary relief but keeps the fear alive.
Health Anxiety
Health anxiety (sometimes called hypochondria) happens when normal body sensations or minor symptoms trigger intense worry about serious illness. The person might check their body often, search symptoms online, or visit doctors repeatedly for reassurance.
Obsessive-Compulsive Patterns
When anxiety takes the form of intrusive thoughts or repetitive behaviours, it may fit the pattern of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). People feel driven to perform rituals or mental checks to reduce distress, even when they know the fear is exaggerated.
Getting Help For Anxiety
If you’re reading this, you’ve likely been managing anxiety on your own for a while.
Maybe it’s keeping you up at night, showing up in your relationships, or making it harder to focus at work. You’ve probably tried to push through, but the worry keeps circling back.
That’s where our therapists can help.
For adults, we use approaches that have strong research behind them—Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based methods, and somatic techniques that help settle the body’s stress response.
For children and teens, we use play therapy and creative techniques that make it easier to explore feelings, learn coping skills, and regain a sense of calm and confidence in their life.
Therapy doesn’t erase anxiety; it helps you understand it, and respond to it more effectively so that it stops running your life.
Taking The Next Step
It’s normal to feel unsure about reaching out for help with anxiety.
Many people hesitate because they don’t know what to say, worry about being misunderstood, or fear feeling overwhelmed if they start talking about it.
When you contact us, you’ll speak with someone from our client care team who will take the time to listen and understand what you’ve been dealing with. They’ll help match you with a therapist who fits your needs and preferences.
From there, your therapist will move at a pace that feels manageable for you. Our therapists are well-trained in treating anxiety and understand how overwhelming it can feel. Early sessions focus on getting to know you and noticing how anxiety shows up in your life. A few sessions later, you’ll be practicing small, practical ways to calm your body, slow your thoughts, and handle anxious moments with more confidence.
Anxiety doesn’t have to run your life. Let’s work together!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I know if therapy will actually help my anxiety?
A. If anxiety is affecting sleep, focus, or relationships, therapy can help you understand it and learn skills to manage it. Many people notice small changes within the first few sessions.
Q. What kind of therapy works best for anxiety?
A. Approaches like CBT, ACT, mindfulness, and somatic work have strong research support for anxiety. Your therapist will choose the right mix for your situation.
Q. What should I expect in my first therapy session?
A. You’ll talk about what’s been hardest and what you hope to change. Your therapist listens, explains how sessions work, and helps you set a small first goal.
Q. How do I pick the right therapist for anxiety?
A. Look for someone trained in evidence-based approaches for anxiety who also feels like a good fit personally. Our team helps match you with someone who fits your needs.
Q. Do I need a doctor’s referral to start therapy?
A. No. You can contact a therapist or clinic directly to begin.
Q. Is anxiety therapy covered by insurance?
A. Most insurance plans cover sessions with a Registered Psychotherapist or Social Worker. Check your plan under “psychotherapy” or “social work.”
Q. How long does anxiety therapy usually take?
A. It depends on your goals and how long anxiety has been around. Some people feel better within weeks; others work on deeper patterns over a few months.
