One of the primary focuses of my practice is working with anxiety disorders, including panic attacks and panic disorder, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, phobias, agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder- as well as depression, which often accompanies anxiety.

There are as many experiences of anxiety as there are people who suffer from it. Some of the most common symptoms of anxiety include obsessive thinking and ruminating, pervasive feelings of dread, and constant feelings of being overwhelmed. There are many others as well.

Physical issues can sometimes accompany anxiety, like insomnia and sleep problems, headaches and migraines, loss of appetite, and other symptoms of physical dis-ease. In treating anxiety, as with treating any issue, it is important to look at the whole person, including patterns of thinking and behaving which keep a person from experiencing themselves authentically, lifestyle choices, and physical health. This process can be illuminating and also very rewarding, as new ways of living are discovered that help one choose vitality and personal empowerment over worry and fear. Working with anxiety also offers the opportunity to make meaning of some of life's deeper questions, such as how to live to one's fullest potential and one's purpose in their lifetime.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe anxiety disorder which results when a person is exposed to a traumatic experience which threatens them with death or serious injury, they perceive that they are threatened as such, and/or they witness this in another person. While for some people it is apparent that they are experiencing symptoms of PTSD, others may "numb out" or be preoccupied to such a high degree as means of coping, and not even realize they are suffering from PTSD. Some of the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder include the feeling of diminished interest in many areas of activity, recurrent thoughts and dreams about the traumatic event, a sense of hypervigilance, feeling constantly preoccupied, and extreme irritability and unpredictable anger.

Both anxiety and PTSD can be treated with a variety of therapies. These include EMDR therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, somatic approaches, mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, and a holistic blend of many approaches that uniquely fits each person. If you think you might be experiencing anxiety or PTSD, and wish to make an appointment, please contact me at kathryn@kathrynhirtmft.com or (510) 220-3558.