Anxiety Therapy in Port Coquitlam
A Clinical Definition of Anxiety
Anxiety is more than just feeling stressed or worried. It’s a natural response to perceived threats, but for some, it becomes overwhelming and persistent. Clinically, anxiety is characterized by excessive fear or worry that interferes with daily life. It can manifest as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety, or specific phobias.
Read More: How Therapy Can Help You Conquer Anxiety
Symptoms of Anxiety
Physical: Rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, fatigue, or stomach issues.
Emotional: Constant worry, fear, irritability, or feeling on edge.
Behavioural: Avoiding situations, difficulty concentrating, or restlessness.
How Anxiety Can Show Up in Your Life
Anxiety doesn’t just stay in your mind—it spills into every part of your life. It might show up as:
Difficulty focusing at work, leading to missed deadlines or burnout.
Avoiding social events or opportunities because of fear or self-doubt.
Struggling to sleep, leaving you exhausted and unable to perform at your best.
Feeling like you’re constantly “on edge,” even when there’s no clear reason.
Read More: 10 Effective Strategies to Manage Stress and Anxiety
Why “Just Relax” Doesn’t Work (And What Does)
If you’ve been told to “breathe” or “think positive,” you know how dismissive that feels. Anxiety isn’t a choice, but with the right tools, you can rewire your response to it.
How Anxiety Counselling Helps
Unmask Triggers
We’ll explore the roots of your anxiety – past experiences, unhelpful thought patterns, or unmet needs – so you can respond, not react.
Calm Your Body
Learn grounding techniques that actually work when you’re mid-panic, like sensory tools or breathwork tailored to your unique symptoms.
Rewrite the Script
Challenge the “what ifs” and catastrophic stories your anxiety tells you. What if you could handle uncertainty?
Take Your Life Back
Gradually face avoided situations (social events, driving, etc.) at your own pace, rebuilding confidence.
Read More: I’m Anxious, Can EMDR Help?
Are You Ready to Move Past These Symptoms?
Living with anxiety can feel like carrying a heavy weight every day. But you don’t have to do it alone. At Serenity Counselling, we help you understand your anxiety, develop coping strategies, and reclaim your life.
Ready to take the first step? - Book a free consultation
What Anxiety Really Feels Like (Beyond the Textbook)
Clinically, anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety (GAD), panic attacks, or social anxiety involve intense fear that disrupts work, relationships, and your sense of self. But let’s get real: anxiety isn’t just a checklist of symptoms. It’s…
Body Betrayal
Your heart races while you’re grocery shopping. Your hands shake during a work meeting. Stomachaches hit before school drop-off. It feels like your body’s sounding alarms for threats that don’t exist.
Mental Exhaustion
Your brain replays worst-case scenarios like a broken record. “Did I send that email correctly? What if my friend is mad at me? What if I fail?” It’s exhausting trying to outthink danger constantly.
Life Shrinking
You cancel plans, avoid promotions, or skip family gatherings because “What if I panic?” Anxiety steals moments and opportunities, leaving guilt or loneliness in its wake.
You Don’t Have to “Just Live With It”
Anxiety might feel permanent, but it’s not. Imagine:
Sleeping through the night without the mental chatter.
Walking into a room without scanning for exits.
Feeling excited about opportunities instead of terrified.
This isn’t about becoming “fearless” – it’s about building resilience so anxiety no longer calls the shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Anxiety?
A: Anxiety is more than stress ,it’s a mental health condition involving persistent fear that affects your body, thoughts, and daily life. It can show up as racing thoughts, panic, tension, or avoidance, often rooted in deeper emotional or cultural pressures. Learn more in our blog on conquering anxiety with therapy.
Q: What causes anxiety in BIPOC women?
A: Anxiety in BIPOC women often stems from intersecting factors like cultural expectations, racial trauma, high-achievement pressures, and systemic stressors, which can intensify feelings of fear and overwhelm.
Q: How can therapy help BIPOC women with anxiety?
A: Therapy offers a safe, culturally sensitive space to explore anxiety’s roots, develop coping skills, and heal from trauma related to race, identity, and cultural pressures.
Q: What types of therapy work best for anxiety in BIPOC women?
A: Approaches like EMDR, somatic therapy, and culturally affirming talk therapy are effective for anxiety, as they address both emotional and physical aspects of stress. Learn more in our blog on how EMDR can help anxiety.
Q: How can I find a therapist who understands the unique challenges BIPOC women face?
A: Finding the right therapist means looking for someone who specializes in culturally responsive care and has experience supporting clients through racial trauma. Therapists like Zahra Lakhdhir and Suki O’Huallachain offer tailored counselling services that honour the lived experiences of BIPOC women, providing a safe and empathetic space for healing and growth.