schedule an appointment

In the fast-paced and demanding world of today, anxiety has become an increasingly prevalent diagnosis affecting individuals across diverse backgrounds. Whether triggered by societal pressures, personal relationships, or internal struggles, anxiety can manifest in various forms that impact one’s overall health and well-being. At Hess Psychological Services, we aim to help you understand and manage your anxiety by offering psychoeducation, therapeutic interventions, and healthy coping strategies.

What Is Anxiety?

At its core, anxiety is an emotion that at a maladaptive level can cause feelings of panic, dread, worry, nervousness, and fear. These intense emotions may lead to physical responses such as a rapid heart rate, sweating, and changes in breathing, or changes in one’s thought patterns. Anxiety is more than the day-to-day worry many experience and can impair one’s life to a significant degree when these worries become hard to control, understand, or predict. As a result, anxiety disorders can affect your daily life and interfere with your work, sleep, and social functioning.

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety

When it comes to deciphering whether your feelings of anxiety are normal or if they may be related to an anxiety disorder, there are certain behaviors and symptoms to look out for. Signs of an anxiety disorder can include:

  • Feelings of nervousness, restlessness, and being on edge.
  • Feelings of impending danger, doom, or panic.
  • Increased heart rate, sweating, shaking, or difficulty breathing.
  • GI Issues or headaches.
  • Trouble concentrating or impaired memory.
  • Sleep disturbances.
  • Tendency to avoid people, places, or things.

Modalities of Treatment for Anxiety

When it comes to effectively treating your anxiety the first step is understanding the contributing factors to your unique needs. Our team is qualified in working with you to identify the etiology of your anxiety and developing the best treatment plan for you.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are struggling with feelings of panic, stress, worry, or fear and find that they are impacting your daily life, it is time to get the help you deserve. At Hess Psychological Services, we are dedicated to helping our clients restore harmony and peace to their lives. To schedule a consultation with founder Dr. Heather Hess or one of her team members, please fill out an online contact form.

What is anxiety therapy?

Anxiety therapy involves strategies and techniques to manage and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It can include cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and other therapeutic approaches tailored to individual needs

How long does it typically take to see improvements?

The duration of therapy varies per individual, but many people start to notice improvements within a few weeks of regular sessions. However, significant and lasting changes often require more extended periods of therapy.

Can anxiety therapy help with panic attacks?

Yes, anxiety therapy is effective in managing panic attacks. Therapists can teach you techniques to control and prevent panic attacks and help you understand and modify the thoughts that contribute to them.

Is medication necessary for treating anxiety?

While therapy alone can be very effective, in some cases, medication might be recommended. Decisions about medication will be based on your specific symptoms and discussed thoroughly with your healthcare provider.

How long does anxiety treatment typically last at Hess Psychology?

The duration of anxiety treatment varies depending on individual needs. At Hess Psychology, we typically see some improvements within 6-10 sessions and greater improvements within 12-16 sessions, but some clients may benefit from longer-term therapy. We tailor our approach to each clients specific situation and goals.

What types of anxiety disorders does Hess Psychology treat?

Hess Psychology treats a wide range of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Our experienced therapists use evidence-based techniques to address each type of anxiety effectively.

Does Hess Psychology offer virtual anxiety therapy sessions?

Yes, Hess Psychology offers virtual therapy sessions for anxiety treatment. Our teletherapy options provide the same high-quality care as in-person sessions, allowing clients to receive support from the comfort of their own homes.

How does cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) help with anxiety at Hess Psychology?

At Hess Psychology, we use CBT to help clients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with anxiety. This evidence-based approach helps clients develop coping strategies, challenge irrational fears, and gradually face anxiety-provoking situations in a safe, supportive environment.

Can Hess Psychology help with anxiety-related sleep issues?

Yes, Hess Psychology addresses sleep issues related to anxiety. Our therapists can help clients develop healthy sleep habits, practice relaxation techniques, and manage anxiety-induced insomnia through cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and other evidence-based approaches.

TELEHEALTH

We extend our support beyond physical boundaries, offering confidential and convenient online sessions.

Learn More
Psychologist, PHD, LP at Hess Psychological Services | + posts

Hess Psychological Services was founded during COVID when I witnessed an explosion of individuals needing help dealing with the stressors of life. We have since expanded and have a brick-and-mortar location in Comstock Park, Michigan. Our team of therapists is growing and I am honored to work alongside other clinicians with a similar passion for helping others.