Anxiety lives on a spectrum and has different faces to it. Anxiety can be social, performance based, or chronic in all aspects of life. No matter the situation, anxiety can be debilitating. Anxiety also can appear as a physical ailment that we don’t even recognize as a mental health condition. Maybe you have been to the doctor many times over for stomach issues, headaches and sleep troubles. This all could be related to an anxiety disorder.
Let our team of skilled therapists help you uncover what is the source of the anxiety and tools to help you manage it.
We Help You Understand Anxiety
Anxiety can gradually take over parts of life, making it harder to work, connect with others, or enjoy daily activities. Research from the National Institute of Mental Health suggests that nearly one in three adults in the United States will face an anxiety disorder at some point.
No two people experience it the same way. For some, it is a constant hum of worry. Others notice it in the body first, with presenting symptoms like a tight chest, tense shoulders, an unsettled stomach, or nights of broken sleep. Sometimes the source is obvious, such as a demanding job or a major life change, but in other cases, it creeps in slowly. This can be shaped by a mix of genetics, brain chemistry, and of course, your environment. That is why therapy begins by learning about your history and current challenges before creating a plan that fits your needs.
How We Approach Anxiety Therapy
The first step is to get a detailed understanding of your symptoms, history, current stressors, and any strategies you have already tried. From there, we recommend an approach that could include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, mindfulness practices, or relaxation training.
In each session, we work on spotting triggers, developing responses that feel realistic, and practicing them until they become part of daily life. The aim is not only to feel better in the therapy room but also to have tools you can rely on in real-world situations.
Types of Anxiety We Work With
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD is more than the occasional stressful day. It can feel like your mind is always scanning for the next problem, large or small. This constant state of alert leaves the body tired and tense, often disrupting sleep. Even when one worry fades, another often appears. Our sessions focus on understanding where these patterns come from, how they are reinforced, and ways to interrupt them. You might learn grounding techniques, practice new ways of thinking about daily challenges, and develop routines that calm both mind and body.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder brings sudden waves of intense fear called panic attacks. These can cause shortness of breath, chest pressure, dizziness, or a racing heart. After experiencing a few, many people start to fear the next one, sometimes avoiding certain places or situations. We begin by identifying what might be triggering the episodes and introduce strategies for staying grounded during them. Over time, the goal is to restore confidence so panic is no longer in control of where you go or what you do.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety makes everyday interactions feel high-stakes. Meeting new people, speaking in front of a group, or even eating in public can seem overwhelming because of the fear of being judged. That fear often leads to avoidance, which can limit opportunities at work, in school, or socially. In therapy, we identify the specific beliefs fueling this anxiety and work on gradual, supported exposure to social situations. Along the way, you will learn techniques to ease physical tension and manage anxious thoughts in the moment.
Phobias
A phobia is a strong fear linked to a particular object or situation. This could be flying, certain animals, or crowded spaces. Even if the person knows the fear is out of proportion, the reaction can feel impossible to control. We use a step-by-step approach that begins with understanding how fear operates in the body. Then, in a safe and structured way, we introduce gradual exposure to the trigger. Over time, relaxation and coping techniques help reduce the body’s automatic fear response.
Anxiety with Co-occurring Conditions
Anxiety often appears alongside other mental health concerns, including depression, trauma, eating disorders, or substance use. These conditions can influence each other, making it harder to move forward if only one is addressed. We design treatment plans that look at the full picture, targeting both anxiety and any related issues so progress feels more balanced and lasting.
FAQs About Anxiety Counseling in Chicago
Call our Chicago office at (847) 607-1520 to schedule your first session. We will discuss your concerns, review your history, and match you with a therapist who fits your needs.
Yes. We see clients throughout Illinois via secure video sessions.
Yes. Even when anxiety has been present for a long time, therapy can help you find ways to manage it more effectively and reduce its impact on daily life.
Yes. We treat adolescents and may involve parents or guardians when their participation supports the process.
We see clients from Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, Glenview, and Northbrook, as well as Chicago neighborhoods including Rogers Park, Edgewater, and Andersonville. Our office is near the CTA Purple and Red Lines and the Metra Union Pacific North line. Drivers often take I-94, U.S. Route 41, or nearby local roads.
Get Help With Your Anxiety. Call Today
Clients come to us because they value both our experience and our welcoming environment. We adapt therapy to each person’s goals and pace, and we don’t follow a rigid formula. Whether your anxiety is a recent development or something you have carried for years, our team is here to help you find relief and build skills for the future.