Therapy for Anxiety

What is Anxiety?​

 

Anxiety is a normal human response — it’s your mind and body’s way of preparing for challenges or potential danger. But when those feelings become constant, overwhelming, or start to interfere with daily life, anxiety can begin to take a toll on your wellbeing.

​

In recent years, anxiety has become increasingly common, especially among young adults in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, rates of anxiety have more than doubled over the past decade. About 1 in 10 young women and a growing number of young men report living with a diagnosed anxiety disorder. These numbers reflect what many people are feeling — that stress, uncertainty, and pressure can easily add up. The good news is that anxiety is highly treatable, and therapy can make a meaningful difference.

​

What are the Symptoms of Anxiety?​

 

Anxiety can show up in many ways, such as:

• Physical signs: racing heart, tense muscles, restlessness, trouble sleeping, or stomach discomfort.

• Thought patterns: constant worry, overthinking, or imagining worst-case scenarios.

• Emotional reactions: feeling on edge, irritable, or overwhelmed.

• Behaviours: avoiding certain situations, over-preparing, or seeking reassurance often.

 

If these experiences feel familiar and ongoing, therapy can help you learn to manage anxiety and reconnect with calm.

​

How Does Anxiety Develop?​

 

Anxiety often develops from a mix of factors — biology, environment, and learned patterns. Some people are naturally more sensitive to stress, while others may have grown up in environments that taught them to stay “on alert.”

​

Perfectionism, self-criticism, or a habit of avoiding uncomfortable feelings can also keep anxiety going. Big life changes, uncertainty, or transitions (like moving, starting school, or relationship stress) can bring these patterns to the surface. Over time, the more we try to fight or avoid anxiety, the stronger it tends to grow — and that’s where therapy can help break the cycle.

​

When Should I Seek Therapy For Anxiety?​​

 

It’s completely normal to feel anxious before an exam, interview, or big decision. But if anxiety feels like it’s running the show, it might be time to reach out. You may benefit from therapy if you notice:

• Worry or tension that doesn’t go away

• Difficulty sleeping, focusing, or relaxing

• Avoiding things that matter to you because of fear or stress

• Physical symptoms like a racing heart, tight chest, or nausea

• Feeling like your anxiety is holding you back

 

Therapy offers a supportive, non-judgmental space to understand what’s happening, learn coping tools, and start feeling more in control.

​

How Can Reclaim Psychotherapy Help?​

 

At Reclaim Psychotherapy, we help you move beyond anxiety — not by trying to eliminate it, but by changing your relationship with it.

​

Our therapists use evidence-based approaches such as:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): to identify and challenge anxious thought patterns and develop practical coping strategies.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): to help you accept anxious feelings while staying focused on what matters most to you.

• Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT): to quiet your inner critic and build self-kindness.

• Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT): to cultivate calm awareness and reduce reactivity.

 

We tailor therapy to your individual needs and goals — whether that’s feeling more grounded, building confidence, or navigating life transitions with greater ease.

​

​