It’s not always easy to explain what anxiety feels like. Some people notice their mind picking things apart at all hours. Others describe a kind of restlessness that never fully lets up. You may not know exactly what’s wrong, but you can tell something isn’t right. That’s a fine place to begin.
At Intuitive Counseling, we help clients in Charleston and throughout South Carolina sort through what anxiety has taken from them and what it’s trying to protect. We offer both in-person sessions at our Charleston office and telehealth appointments for clients across the state. If you’re ready to speak with a therapist, give us a call at (843) 944-2283.
Anxiety Disrupts Your Entire Life: We Can Help
When anxiety is active, it affects everything. You might feel pressure behind your eyes, tension in your shoulders, or that quick drop in your stomach that shows up for no obvious reason. Conversations can feel harder to follow, and simple decisions might take more effort than they used to. At night, your mind may speed up just when you’re trying to fall asleep. Over time, even the good parts of life can begin to feel out of reach. It may also be hard to go to work or family gatherings, and depression is often soon to follow.
We don’t rush to conclusions. Instead, we listen carefully to how anxiety shows up in your life. That includes your thoughts, your physical symptoms, your past experiences, and your present stressors. The goal is to make room for real change, not just to manage symptoms, but to understand what they mean.
What Contributes to Anxiety?
There isn’t a single reason that anxiety develops. Sometimes the nervous system is on alert for good reason. Other times, it’s reacting to stress that never had a way to work itself out. We help you look at what’s been happening and what might still be playing a role.
Past Experiences That Still Carry Weight
If you’ve lived through fear, unpredictability, or high expectations, your body and mind may have learned to stay alert long after the threat was gone. Therapy can offer a chance to untangle those responses from the present.
Internal Pressure and Perfectionism
Some clients speak about the pressure to perform, please others, or always be “on.” That kind of stress doesn’t have to come from a major trauma. Sometimes it builds from small moments that were never acknowledged. It’s exhausting, and it can take time to notice what’s behind it.
Identity, Isolation, and Uncertainty
The world can be difficult to navigate—especially when you feel like you don’t fit the mold. We welcome clients who are exploring identity, living through transition, or trying to manage anxiety related to safety, belonging, or discrimination.
We Treat Many Forms of Anxiety
Anxiety is not one-size-fits-all. We work with clients facing a wide range of symptoms and concerns. Each session is shaped by your needs and goals.
Generalized Anxiety
If worry sticks around even when things are going fine, it can be draining. The thoughts may shift from one topic to another without relief. Over time, this kind of thinking can leave you feeling worn out and frustrated. In therapy, we build new ways to respond to worry—without pretending it doesn’t exist.
Panic Attacks
Panic can feel overwhelming. When it happens more than once, it may start to shape your life. Some people begin avoiding certain places or situations out of fear that another attack might come. We work on understanding what’s happening and helping you feel safer in your body again.
Social Anxiety
If being around others leaves you tense, second-guessing everything you said, or avoiding social plans altogether, you’re not alone. Social anxiety often centers around fear of judgment, embarrassment, or rejection. Therapy offers a place to explore where those thoughts come from and how to loosen their grip.
Specific Fears and Phobias
Whether your anxiety centers around driving, flying, medical appointments, or something else, we can work through it together. These fears often make more sense than they’re given credit for. We help you understand the pattern, and if you’re ready, begin to shift it.
Coexisting Conditions
It’s common for anxiety to show up alongside depression, disordered eating, trauma, or substance use. You don’t have to separate those things out. We treat you as a whole person, not a diagnosis.
Therapy That Meets You Where You Are
Our practice was created by two experienced clinicians—Jennie Ozan, Psy.D., and Leigh Rzepecki, LCSW, CADC—who believed therapy could be something better. We’ve built a team that takes the time to listen and tailors every session to the person in front of us. We’re not here to follow a script. You talk about what matters to you, and we work from there.
We’re also happy to collaborate with other providers when helpful. Some clients benefit from medication, diet changes, or body-based practices in addition to talk therapy. We’ll never push an agenda, but we’ll share ideas when appropriate.
Anxiety Therapy FAQs
Do I need a diagnosis to start?
No. If anxiety is interfering with your life, that’s enough of a reason to talk with someone. You don’t need a label to begin the process.
What if I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t help?
That’s something you can bring into the conversation. Maybe the approach wasn’t right for you. Maybe the timing was off. We take care in finding a therapist who fits your style and your needs.
Will I have to talk about everything?
No. You share what you’re ready to. Some clients start with practical concerns and ease into deeper conversations later on. That’s perfectly valid.
Can I do virtual sessions for anxiety?
Yes. We offer virtual therapy throughout South Carolina and in-person sessions in Charleston. We’ll talk with you about which option feels most accessible and effective.
Speak With a Charleston Anxiety Therapist Today
If anxiety is interfering with how you sleep, connect, or move through your day, we’re here to help. You don’t have to go it alone or wait for it to get worse.
Call us at (843) 944-2283 to schedule a session with a Charleston therapist who will take the time to understand what’s really going on. We’ll move at your pace, together.