Understanding anxiety disorders
Did you know that anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue and affect 19.1% of the US adult population every year? That's over 40 million people. And less than half of those folks receive treatment.
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Women are affected by anxiety at twice the rate men are.
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And half of young adults 18-24 report that anxiety symptoms negatively impact their daily lives.
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Living in a major city, like Los Angeles, has also shown to put one at a higher risk for anxiety.
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It's about time we start talking about the elephant in the room and start addressing it with effective anxiety treatment.
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Are you currently accepting new clients?My practice is currently full. Please fill out the form above to be added to the waitlist or if you need to see someone right away, I highly recommend my colleague Cyla Fisk, LMFT at Her Space Therapy LA.
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Do you take insurance? What is the per-session rate?I choose not to take insurance in my practice to ensure that every decision made about psychotherapy treatment (such as length of treatment, frequency and duration of sessions, therapy modalities, etc.) is between my clients and myself, not a third-party payer. The only way to ensure the highest quality of care and best possible outcomes is to take insurance out of the equation. If you have a PPO insurance plan, I'm happy to provide you with a monthly superbill, if applicable. I also accept HSA and FSA plans to cover the cost of therapy. The rate is $275 per 50-minute therapy session. Longer sessions are pro-rated at the usual rate.
-
Do you work with couples, children, teens and families?Nope, I do not. As much as I love the whole fam, I have found that working with individual adults is my true calling. Please see my resources list for amazing therapists with these other specialties.
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What do all of those letters mean after a therapist's name?A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who prescribes psychiatric medication A psychologist is a doctorate level clinician who can provide psychological testing and talk therapy A counselor is a general term for licensed clinicians (such as Licensed Mental Health Counselor or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) as well as people who provide other types of counsel (such as a spiritual counselor) A clinical social worker is a clinician who also has an educational background in social justice A therapist is a general term that could describe a number of different types of healing professionals (such as a physical therapist or massage therapist) A psychotherapist is someone who practices talk therapy and often carries the designation of Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and helps people with issues in their life related to mental health and difficulties in relationships A life coach can support people in a number of areas of life but isn't licensed by a state board Phew! I am a psychotherapist with an LMFT license.
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How long is a therapy session? How often do I need to go?Therapy sessions are generally 50 minutes in length. From time-to-time I will recommend longer sessions (70 or 90 minutes) for trauma-focused work or other reasons. We can discuss this further in our phone consultation. Weekly sessions are highly encouraged for the first 6-8 weeks of therapy. If you are only able to commit to every-other week to start, we can discuss further in the call if you're a good candidate for that frequency of meetings. I cannot provide therapy for a frequency less than every-other-week.
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How long does therapy take to work?This is completely dependent on the client's severity of presenting symptoms, goals, strengths, readiness to engage in the process and willingness to make behavioral changes outside the therapy room. Shorter-term therapy that is more focused on resolving a particular stressor or life phase typically ranges from about 12-18 sessions, whereas longer-term therapy that is focused more on developing insight and creating lasting transformational change on a deeper level can last 1-2 years or longer.
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What can I expect in a first therapy session?If you have any questions about confidentiality, we will clear those up before getting started to make sure you feel comfortable sharing. We will get very clear on your goals for therapy. This ensures that your therapy is 100% focused on your unique needs and objectives. I will do everything I can to help you feel safe, heard and supported to build your trust in me. You'll share about what's bothering you and I'll ask clarifying questions so that I understand your history, strengths and areas of opportunity. We'll get to work helping you meet your goals! This is completely tailored to you, so it could include increasing awareness, practicing relaxation techniques, reframing thoughts, improving self-compassion or any number of other tools in my toolbox. Lastly, we'll set an intention together for what you'd like to take from our session and put into practice until our next meeting.
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Is everything I say in therapy 100% confidential?Almost! There are rare instances in which I may need to break confidentiality such as if you are a serious danger to yourself or someone else, if you report suspected abuse or neglect of children, elders (aged 60+) or vulnerable adults or in certain legal situations. Here is a full list of situations in which I would need to break confidentiality in therapy.
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Is virtual therapy as effective is in-person therapy?Yes! Research has consistently shown that online therapy is just as effective for individuals as face-to-face therapy. There are also added benefits such as scheduling convenience, not having to pay for parking and gas, reduced time in traffic and not having to worry about childcare. You can have your therapy session in any location that is both safe and private.
Signs and symptoms of anxiety
Common types of anxiety
Generalized anxiety
Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD, is a mental health condition in which the individual worries excessively about a great number of areas of life such as work, relationships, home life, travel and day-to-day activities.
Panic attacks
Panic Disorder is a psychological issue that results in the person having panic attacks for no apparent reason. It becomes so uncomfortable that the individual begins to fear having another panic attack and may avoid situations that they believe will lead them to have another panic attack.
Social anxiety
Social Anxiety, also called Social Phobia, is a mental health condition that involves being excessively nervous about social interactions. The person may ruminate for days about having "said something stupid" or have a difficult time being on the spot. They may avoid situations like public speaking and large social events.
What is high-functioning anxiety?
High​-functioning anxiety is an invisible disability.
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Not only are you experiencing all the symptoms of anxiety, but you're also ​trying to make it look like everything is okay.
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In a city like Los Angeles, the pressure to perform is never-ending.
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Just because you're able to "do it all" doesn't mean you're not suffering.​ You deserve help just as much as anyone else.
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I know it's hard to admit that you need help. But trust me, you'll be so glad you did. You don't need to carry this burden alone.
Main causes of anxiety
Trauma history
Your anxiety could be stemming from traumatic experiences. This could be what we call "big T Trauma" like a car accident or physical abuse, or could be "little t trauma" like being bullied at school or going through a tough break up.
Lifestyle factors
There are many lifestyle factors that can be contributing your anxiety such as poor work/life balance in Los Angeles, excessive caffeine intake, lack of proper nutrition and exercise, being in toxic relationships or even positive life transitions.
Underlying health issues
There may be health issues contributing to your anxiety. As a holistic therapist, I'm happy to collaborate with other integrative medical professionals in California to help you heal the anxiety from a mind-body-spirit perspective.
Genetic predisposition
Does anxiety run in your family? Your anxiety may be partly due to a genetic predisposition. Now, this is not an area I put much focus on in our work together. Instead, we'll be focusing on all of the pieces of the puzzle you have control over changing.
What is anxiety therapy?
Anxiety therapy is just that, it's talk therapy with the specific goal of helping you heal your anxiety once and for all.
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Working with an anxiety specialist means that you know you're in the right hands. You'll be working with a therapist who has over a decade of experience helping women like you overcome anxiety.
Types of anxiety therapy in California
Mindfulness therapy for anxiety
How does mindfulness therapy for anxiety work?
Mindfulness is a tool that involves bringing a non-judgmental awareness to the present moment. In therapy sessions, I'll be guiding you to notice the 5 senses such as feeling textures, seeing the California palm trees or hearing ambient sounds.
Why practice mindfulness for anxiety?
Here's why. In anxiety disorders, the sympathetic nervous system (which is responsible for the fight/flight/freeze response) is overactive. Mindfulness cues the body and mind to relax and reset, which soothes the anxiety.
How does an anxiety therapist use mindfulness?
An anxiety therapist can help you learn this practice and take it with you outside of the therapy office. Mindfulness is a very portable practice — you can take it with you and use it anywhere in Los Angeles and beyond to manage stress.
What is the goal of mindfulness in anxiety therapy?
The main goal of mindfulness in therapy is to help you become more aware of your patterns of habitual anxious thoughts, beliefs and emotions, so that you can interrupt and change them over time.
Somatic therapy for anxiety
How does somatic therapy for anxiety work?
Somatic psychotherapy is a cutting-edge therapy modality that harnesses the innate healing abilities of the body. In session, a somatic anxiety therapist will gently slow you down and ask what sensations you feel in your body in the moment.
Why try somatic therapy for anxiety?
Anxiety doesn't just exist as anxious thoughts in the mind. It manifests as physical symptoms such as rapid heart rate, gastrointestinal issues, muscle tension and more. Somatic approaches help your body return to a sense of safety.
How can a somatic therapist help with anxiety?
Long before you notice an anxious thought, there's a body sensation and an emotion that starts the cascade. A somatic anxiety therapist helps you develop body awareness so that you can heal anxiety at the source.
What is the goal of somatic therapy for anxiety?
The intention of somatic therapy is to provide a safe environment and safe relationship in which you can release the tension and stress from your body that has built up over the years that is likely at the root of anxiety.
CBT for anxiety
How does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy work?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is all about understanding the connection between our thoughts, feelings and behaviors. CBT is often cited as the best therapy for anxiety due to extensive scientific support. California is a hub for great CBT therapists.
Why try CBT for anxiety?
Besides being the most effective therapy for anxiety, it’s also easy to learn and simple to apply to so many different life struggles and stressors. Not only will it help with anxiety, but it can be applied to any unhelpful thought pattern.
How does an anxiety therapist use CBT?
An anxiety therapist works collaboratively with you to set goals for your therapy, to help you learn CBT tools to manage anxiety day-to-day and to hold you accountable as you make progress. This includes CBT exercises in and out of session.
What is the goal of CBT for anxiety?
The intention of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for anxiety is to help you interrupt the cycle of anxious thoughts, feelings and behaviors so that you can enjoy life without anxiety. Once you master this, you won't need therapy anymore.
Anxiety therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Hi there, I'm Natalie!
If you've gotten this far down the page, I'm assuming it's striking a chord. :P I'd be honored to help you in your journey towards healing anxiety.
Wondering what to expect?
I offer both in-person therapy in Los Angeles, as well as online therapy in California. Talking to me won't feel clinical or cold, I promise. It's important to me to be real with you and help put your anxiety at ease.
Still on the fence?
I've helped many California women like you and have witnessed the transformation from anxious to empowered. If you think I might be a fit, I encourage you to take the next step and schedule a free, no-pressure phone consultation.
I offer online scheduling to avoid phone tag :)
Questions about anxiety therapy in Los Angeles, CA
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Are you currently accepting new clients?My practice is currently full. Please fill out the form above to be added to the waitlist or if you need to see someone right away, I highly recommend my colleague Cyla Fisk, LMFT at Her Space Therapy LA.
-
Do you take insurance? What is the per-session rate?I choose not to take insurance in my practice to ensure that every decision made about psychotherapy treatment (such as length of treatment, frequency and duration of sessions, therapy modalities, etc.) is between my clients and myself, not a third-party payer. The only way to ensure the highest quality of care and best possible outcomes is to take insurance out of the equation. If you have a PPO insurance plan, I'm happy to provide you with a monthly superbill, if applicable. I also accept HSA and FSA plans to cover the cost of therapy. The rate is $275 per 50-minute therapy session. Longer sessions are pro-rated at the usual rate.
-
Do you work with couples, children, teens and families?Nope, I do not. As much as I love the whole fam, I have found that working with individual adults is my true calling. Please see my resources list for amazing therapists with these other specialties.
-
What do all of those letters mean after a therapist's name?A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who prescribes psychiatric medication A psychologist is a doctorate level clinician who can provide psychological testing and talk therapy A counselor is a general term for licensed clinicians (such as Licensed Mental Health Counselor or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) as well as people who provide other types of counsel (such as a spiritual counselor) A clinical social worker is a clinician who also has an educational background in social justice A therapist is a general term that could describe a number of different types of healing professionals (such as a physical therapist or massage therapist) A psychotherapist is someone who practices talk therapy and often carries the designation of Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and helps people with issues in their life related to mental health and difficulties in relationships A life coach can support people in a number of areas of life but isn't licensed by a state board Phew! I am a psychotherapist with an LMFT license.
-
How long is a therapy session? How often do I need to go?Therapy sessions are generally 50 minutes in length. From time-to-time I will recommend longer sessions (70 or 90 minutes) for trauma-focused work or other reasons. We can discuss this further in our phone consultation. Weekly sessions are highly encouraged for the first 6-8 weeks of therapy. If you are only able to commit to every-other week to start, we can discuss further in the call if you're a good candidate for that frequency of meetings. I cannot provide therapy for a frequency less than every-other-week.
-
How long does therapy take to work?This is completely dependent on the client's severity of presenting symptoms, goals, strengths, readiness to engage in the process and willingness to make behavioral changes outside the therapy room. Shorter-term therapy that is more focused on resolving a particular stressor or life phase typically ranges from about 12-18 sessions, whereas longer-term therapy that is focused more on developing insight and creating lasting transformational change on a deeper level can last 1-2 years or longer.
-
What can I expect in a first therapy session?If you have any questions about confidentiality, we will clear those up before getting started to make sure you feel comfortable sharing. We will get very clear on your goals for therapy. This ensures that your therapy is 100% focused on your unique needs and objectives. I will do everything I can to help you feel safe, heard and supported to build your trust in me. You'll share about what's bothering you and I'll ask clarifying questions so that I understand your history, strengths and areas of opportunity. We'll get to work helping you meet your goals! This is completely tailored to you, so it could include increasing awareness, practicing relaxation techniques, reframing thoughts, improving self-compassion or any number of other tools in my toolbox. Lastly, we'll set an intention together for what you'd like to take from our session and put into practice until our next meeting.
-
Is everything I say in therapy 100% confidential?Almost! There are rare instances in which I may need to break confidentiality such as if you are a serious danger to yourself or someone else, if you report suspected abuse or neglect of children, elders (aged 60+) or vulnerable adults or in certain legal situations. Here is a full list of situations in which I would need to break confidentiality in therapy.
-
Is virtual therapy as effective is in-person therapy?Yes! Research has consistently shown that online therapy is just as effective for individuals as face-to-face therapy. There are also added benefits such as scheduling convenience, not having to pay for parking and gas, reduced time in traffic and not having to worry about childcare. You can have your therapy session in any location that is both safe and private.
