Anxiety
it gets better
If you’re here, you might be struggling with constant worry, thoughts that won’t settle, or a body that is always on alert.
We understand how anxiety shows up in persistent, physical, and deeply emotional ways and specialize in helping you find calm, clarity, and steadiness through evidence-based, compassionate, and individualized therapy that supports lasting relief and real change.
Stress and anxiety can take many forms
and boy are we feeling it these days!
Anxiety is a labels for a big mess of thoughts, behaviors, and sensations that are painful to experience in the body and make life difficult to manage. Fortunately, with various expertise and training, our therapists have solid skills to help you manage your experience and feel more control over how you live your life.
Are you experiencing:
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Restless and On Edge
Restlessness can manifest as a constant need to move, a feeling of being unable to relax, or a difficulty in settling down. A feeling of being ‘on edge’ is a result of the increasing impact of restless and watchfulness that can overwhelm the nervous system.
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Racing Thoughts
Racing thoughts occur when the mind becomes flooded with a rapid stream of ideas, worries, or concerns. This can make it difficult to focus, relax, or process emotions in a meaningful way. Sometimes, racing thoughts can lead to panic attacks.
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Difficulty with Sleep
The racing thoughts, restlessness, or watchfulness can catch up to us at night, leaving us feeling over-stimulated, preventing ease in going to sleep. Our nervous believes it’s under attack and on alert, making deep, restful sleep a challenge both to achieve and restore.
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Avoidance or Numbing
Avoidance and numbing are coping strategies used to manage overwhelming emotions. Avoidance looks like steering clear of people, places, or feelings that bring up discomfort or fear. Numbing is emotional disconnection, often through alcohol or drugs, food, or excessive work.
This is Anxiety.
we get it
Why does anxiety show up?
Result of Trauma
Traumatic events, such as abuse, loss, or significant life changes, can bring on or worsen anxiety, leading to persistent worry or fear. Unresolved experiences—especially from childhood or relational trauma—can keep the nervous system in a heightened state of alert.
Chronic Work Stress
Chronic stress from work, relationships, or financial pressure can create a constant state of tension, making it harder for the mind and body to maintain a state of well-being.
Social/Cultural Pressures
Social factors, like pressure to meet societal expectations or comparison through social media, can also contribute to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. The pressure to stay up-to-date and informed, along with exposure to distressing news, can heighten worry and fear.
Perfectionism
The constant need to make choices can overwhelm the mind, leading to anxiety about making the "right" decisions or fear of missing out on better opportunities. High self-expectations and a harsh inner critic often fuel worry, overthinking, and difficulty tolerating uncertainty.
Relational Patterns
Individuals with an anxious attachment style may experience intense fear that their partner or loved ones will leave them, which can lead to constant reassurance-seeking, jealousy, or over dependence.
How We Work with Anxiety
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Attachment-Based Therapy
Attachment-based therapy focuses on exploring the root causes of attachment patterns, often stemming from early childhood experiences. This approach helps you understand how your attachment style, how it was formed, how it affects your present-day relationships, and how to improve secure attachment behaviors.
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Cognitive Behavior Therapy
CBT focuses on how your thoughts and behaviors influence your emotional well-being and relationships. In the context of attachment issues, CBT helps individuals recognize and challenge negative beliefs about themselves and others that may be driving attachment-related struggles.
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Trauma-Informed Therapy
Trauma-informed therapy focuses on creating a safety for healing, emphasizing self-compassion and emotional regulation. Individuals can then recognize how past traumas affect present relationships and embody healthy relational behaviors. By regulating the nervous system, clients can reclaim authentic connection.
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Internal Family Systems
IFS is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals recognize and heal the different "parts" of themselves. By healing these parts and encouraging collaboration, IFS helps individuals create healthier, more balanced emotional responses in relationships. The goal is to develop understanding and integration.
Meet Your Specialists
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Meet Your Specialists ⚘
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Becky Johnston, LCSW
Together with my therapy dog-in-training, Benny, we create a relaxed and casual space for women and teens (16+) navigating anxiety, depression, OCD, burnout, or big life changes. If you're feeling stuck, I’m here to help you feel more like you and create the path to a future that looks bright.
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Tori Kenyon, LCSW
I have a naturally playful and professional approach to connection. My varied clinical past has allowed me to develop confidence and skills working with all genders ages 16 to 35. I feel at my most skilled when I’m working with life transitions, trauma, anxiety, and depression.
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Lauren Boland, LCSW
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Alicia Boone, PCLC
I have a deep passion for supporting young women navigate life, pregnancy, miscarriage, and motherhood. Helping women understand and manage the unique challenges of ADHD is also a specialty, and I provide tools to improve emotional regulation, focus, and self-esteem.
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Sarah Webb, LCSW
I work with burnout, anxiety, rage, postpartum, birth trauma, attachment, and healthy coping in women. With expert training in Somatic, Mindfulness, and Attachment, I get to the core quickly so therapy has big impact. Our collaboration will help you reclaim your power and vibrancy.
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Ellie Jorgensen, LCPC
I help individuals and families navigate life’s twists, turns, and roller coaster moments. I specialize in working with children, perinatal women, and family systems, focusing on challenges like childhood behavioral concerns, attachment, big life transitions, trauma, anxiety, and OCD.
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Logan Shrader, LCSW
“someone who is truly listening…”
“I feel like I am able to share openly with someone who is truly listening. I appreciate that sometimes you offer help with situations, but sometimes it’s just an opportunity for me to say things aloud.”
— ILLUMINATE CLIENT
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you’re seeking clarity, healing, or growth, our team is here to support you in finding what you need.