Berkeley Anxiety Help
What-if Anxiety
Anxiety is of two kinds. The first kind is “what-if?” anxiety. It goes something like this, “Such and such a thing could happen, and I won’t be able to handle it.” This kind of anxiety is very common, and very treatable.
As we work together, you'll discover that the anxiety that felt so overwhelming and unending comes from a very small number of thoughts that reappear in different situations, keeping you off balance. These thoughts are usually based on imagined difficulties or are, at best, guess work. The scary scenarios you imagine tend to be inaccurate.
This is usually the basis for panic attacks. As well as dismantling these inaccurate assumptions that can provoke panic, I will teach you simple physical techniques to calm your mind and your nervous system so that you can shortcircuit panic before it gets a hold on you.
Together we can unravel the anxiety-provoking thoughts or beliefs about your life. Looking at them objectively, you'll get to know who you really are, discovering that you actually have all the resources that you need to face life with confidence.
If you want help with overcoming a phobia, together we can go over effective, simple, and systematic techniques to do this. In small guided steps these will allow you to master situations that you may now avoid or face with fear. I will support you over time in this process so that you feel accompanied all along the way.
Existential Anxiety
The second form of anxiety my clients face is more existential or spiritual. Despite outward signs of success and happiness, there is a feeling of impermanence, emptiness, or something missing. It’s common for these clients to say, “I don’t know why I feel this way.” Some others say, “This world is a scary place, and I want to find a way to feel at peace in the midst of it.” There is a quote that expresses this:
“We are afraid of the shadow that follows our feet, but long for the sunlight that casts it."
Here, anxiety points to the longing for a fundamental connection to life that is based on an enduring sense of wholeness and peace. When clients bring these concerns to me, I support them in their search for meaning and purpose. We look at ways to find an inner security that does not depend on life shaping up in some particular way. Some clients benefit from developing a meditation practice which addresses the desire for both inner peace and a profound savoring of their lives. Others find that books, solitary time or contemplation with like-minded people helps.
If anxiety is something that you are facing and would like to begin sorting out what it involves for you, please feel free to contact me for a free 30 minute consultation either in my office or over the phone. You can call me at (510)540-0813 or e-mail me at ninashilling@msn.com, or click here. I welcome discussing these kinds of issues with you. Together we can begin to unravel what anxiety is about for you.
Specialites
About Nina
Nina Shilling provides warm, nurturing therapy to individuals and couples. She welcomes spiritual inquiry and is LGBT friendly. Her office is near the Downtown Berkeley Bart station and all major freeways.