Anxiety Counseling Fort Walton Beach Call (850)757-1552

I worry about everything and am afraid something bad will happen - I have no peace in my life anymore!

I used to be energetic and excited about participating in new adventures, but I no longer - I'm exhausted!

My mind is always racing, and I can't focus to make daily decisions - I feel overwhelmed!

I constantly live in a state of tension - I feel defeated!

What's wrong with me? I need help!

Is this what anxiety feels like?

Millions of people suffer from anxiety at some point in their lives, and if they don't learn ways to control it, it can negatively impact every aspect of their lives. Anxiety affects how we feel, behave, and our physical symptoms and can seriously impair someone's ability to perform well at work, at school, and in social situations, and it could lead to relationship issues if professional help is not sought out.

Common Symptoms of Anxiety

Feeling anxious from time to time is normal when your life is stressful. However, you may experience more frequent feelings of fear or dread that interfere with your everyday activities. Feelings of worry that are difficult to control and interfere with daily activities may indicate that you suffer from Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Our anxiety counselors have helped many clients overcome debilitating effects. Here are some common anxiety symptoms:

Agitated, irritable, or on edge, unable to remain calm and still, tense muscles.
Tired, exhausted after just a short time of being awake.
Difficulties paying attention, remembering things, and making good decisions.
Panic, irrational fear, uneasiness, excessive worry when something bad happens.
Feeling cold, sweaty palms, numb, and/or tingly in your hands and feet.
Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Breathing faster and more quickly than usual or experiencing shortness of breath
Headaches, experiencing faintness, body aches, or unexplained pains.

Maybe You Feel Like You're Stuck In Endless Loops Of Panic With No Way Out

Perhaps your type of anxiety has taken control of your mind and made it difficult for you to function normally. Completely opposite of the carefree and fun-loving person you used to be. Your life has been hijacked, and you can't get rid of it. You don't know if you can take any more. Overwhelmed with panic attacks, you find yourself feeling hopeless and helpless. It seems as though there's nothing you can do to change your situation. People with anxiety disorders are suffering, and their diagnosis is real.

Examples of different types of Anxiety Disorders: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Phobia, Panic Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Social Anxiety Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder, and others.

Counseling Can Help You Feel Better About Yourself

Seeking help is worthwhile because doing so helps you better deal with your symptoms. The sooner you start working through your problems, the faster you will heal and learn to cope with symptoms or possibly eliminate them. We provide counseling services for people who experience different anxiety disorders.

Our professional counselors are trained to work with patients struggling with anxiety and will work with you in individual sessions to find solutions that fit your lifestyle and meet your needs. You deserve to live a happy, healthy life free from the negative effects.

Our New Heights Therapists Are Here For You

New Heights anxiety therapists believe that healing comes from within and have worked with many patients with anxiety. We understand your challenges when trying to recover, and we will be by your side during this journey. They use evidence-based treatments that focus on helping clients identify the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their anxiousness.

Counseling is a safe place to share your experiences and gain new insights and healthy coping skills such as deep breathing and regular exercises. We're able to create an effective plan for addressing your specific concerns. Our goal is to teach you skills to manage your emotions and improve your ability to deal with situations that trigger anxiety so that you might once again enjoy life fully.

Counseling For Anxiety With New Heights Can Help

You might not initially think you can feel better, but you can. Our Fort Walton Beach counseling office is where you'll be surrounded by caring professionals who care about helping you get better. We understand that when you are struggling with chronic anxiety, you need to talk to people who know what you're going through so they can help you. That's why we're here for you! Counseling can and does help. If you want to reclaim the life you deserve, to reduce or stop altogether feeling anxious, then we at New Heights Counseling can help you achieve that.

Our Approach to Counseling at New Heights Counseling

As an Okaloosa county counseling practice, our therapists at New Heights believe counseling is able to provide lasting relief for their clients. We have helped individuals like you get their lives back on track and move forward.

Your first appointment will be when we meet to discuss your therapy goals and any previous therapies you've had. We'll then go through a brief history of your struggles with anxiety and how it has affected your life. This will give us insight into which treatment plan and approach may best suit your situation. We'll customize our services to meet your specific needs. It's important for you to be actively involved in your therapy sessions.

We provide a full range of counseling services for our patients, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), Abdominal breathing, and other deep relaxation techniques. More people are using EMDR therapy. because it has been shown to be effective. We offer EMDR therapy at New Height Counseling. Contact us if you want to know more about how it can be used to treat anxiety or a traumatic event in your life. You should also tell your therapist if you've already talked to your primary physician about the recommendation for prescription antianxiety medications. Dr. Jen Gunter, in a video for TED Talk, gives a great overview of how anxiety affects your body and how professional help is available.

Why Choose Counseling With New Heights?

We're here for you. Our mental health counselor focuses on making you feel comfortable and having a safe space to share your concerns. We know it can be difficult to ask for help when needed. That's why we provide a variety of convenient ways to connect with us for individual therapy. We offer in-person sessions at our Fort Walton Beach, FL office and online therapy for patients in the state of Florida.

Therapy sessions require a solid therapeutic relationship between therapist and patient. It’s not just about talking, it’s about listening and understanding. Your counselor will listen to you without judgment and encourage you to explore things openly. Hope is something we can build together as we work towards a better quality of life for you.

What's Stopping You From Starting Counseling For Anxiety?

I'm worried my family won't understand or accept me. I don't want them to worry.

People afraid of being judged or misunderstood may not seek professional help for their anxiety. Counseling can be a safe space to explore your concerns without judgment. Counselors will help guide you through the steps needed to treat your anxiety. In addition to helping you manage your symptoms, therapy can improve your relationships with family members.

I'm scared to talk about it – won't that make me more anxious?

Talking about your anxiety may increase early on in treatment. Counseling can be very vulnerable because you are opening up to someone else about something you have kept hidden. You're letting down your guard, and that requires trust. As you work together, you'll develop a close bond and feel comfortable enough to open up about things that might normally cause discomfort.

It runs in my family– what If this is just how it is for me?

It doesn't have to be that way. Anxiety is treatable, and there are many ways to help you overcome it. You already know some of these things. For example, you've probably been told to exercise regularly, involve yourself in physical activities, eat healthy foods, and sleep well. And you may have learned how important it is to avoid stressors. Go into your counseling session committed and determined to learn new coping skills and various techniques; progress will come if you put forth an effort to change.

5 Myths About Anxiety

MYTH #1: It's not a real disorder.

FACT: While everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their lives, anxiety disorders involve intense fears and can interfere with a person’s daily life. Not only can it cause behavioral and psychological symptoms it also can produce physical symptoms such as but not limited to stomach problems, increased racing heart rate, heart palpitations, chest pain, rapid breathing, muscle tension, and insomnia.

MYTH #2: Medication is the only treatment available.

FACT: Medication can be effective for treating ongoing anxiety, yet this is not the only method to handle the symptoms. A combination of medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and other therapy methods, provides a better chance of long-term success. For some patients, therapy alone might be all that is needed.

MYTH #3: If I wait it out, I will get better over time.

FACT: This myth may be one of the most dangerous! Many believe their anxiety will improve with time and they don't need professional help. Research shows cognitive-behavioral therapy is highly effective, and without treatment, you won't see a lot of improvement.

MYTH #4: All you need to do is reduce stress to be cured.

FACT: Living a less stressful lifestyle will help you with your symptoms but will not magically cure you. Anxiety Disorders are not caused by stress. Chemical imbalances cause them in the brain. The best thing you can do is find a qualified therapist who understands how to treat it effectively.

MYTH #5: Therapy will take forever.

FACT: You can start to see improvement with just a few cognitive behavioral therapy sessions when you meet with a mental health professional.

Ready To Start Your Counseling For Anxiety?

Our staff and counselors at New Heights Counseling, located in Fort Walton Beach, Florida., are here to assist you with any concerns you may have. Our intake team is available by phone (850) 757-3331, Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM, or by email at info@Florida-counseling.com to answer any questions you have regarding our services. Contact us to begin counseling with one of our therapists today!

Appointment Schedule

Sunday Closed

Monday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Tuesday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Wednesday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Thursday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Weekends by Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety

What causes anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders are caused by changes in the way the brain processes information. These changes occur because of abnormal activity in certain parts of the brain. These areas regulate our emotions, control our memories, focus our attention, and make decisions. The exact cause of each type of anxiety disorder varies. There are several different factors that may cause anxiety disorders. Genetics, early experiences, and physiological changes in the body are some factors.

Is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) the same as general anxiety?

The difference between generalized anxiety disorder and general anxiety is that GAD focuses more on worry than fear. GAD is characterized by excessive worry about everyday things and people, which leads to physical symptoms. It usually starts slowly and then gets worse over time. In contrast, general anxiety usually comes out of nowhere and goes away just as fast. It's usually triggered by something specific, like a job interview or a test. People with general anxiety tend to focus their worries on themselves rather than others.

How do I know I have an anxiety disorder?

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problem in the United States. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 40 million people, or 18% of all Americans, suffer from an anxiety disorder. Anxious feelings are normal responses to stressful situations. They motivate us to act and help us cope with our environment. However, if your anxiety becomes so extreme that it interferes with your daily life or causes you distress, it may be time for professional help.

How do I find the right anxiety counselor?

To find an anxiety counselor, I should look for someone with experience in treating anxiety disorders. A good therapist will ask about my history with anxiety, what kinds of treatment I've tried, and if I am currently taking medications for it. They will also ask me about the goals I want to achieve through treatment.

How long will I need anxiety therapy?

Treatment for anxiety can last anywhere from 6 weeks to a couple of years, depending on the severity of the anxiety. Some studies show that up to 80 percent of patients improve after just four sessions. After this initial improvement, many people continue to make progress. Studies show that the longer therapy lasts, the better the chances of success.

Do I have to take medication for my anxiety?

Medication is often necessary to treat severe cases of anxiety. Your doctor will decide whether you need to start medication based on how much your anxiety is interfering with your life, how severe your anxiety is, and how well your anxiety responds to other types of treatment. Your doctor may encourage you to seek a mental health counselor to help you learn ways to manage your anxiety with or without medication.

What counseling options are available?

Treatment for anxiety is very effective. Research shows that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches patients how to change negative thinking patterns, can reduce anxiety symptoms by up to 50%. CBT has been shown to work best when combined with medication. Other therapies include relaxation training, biofeedback, hypnotherapy, and psychotherapy.

How much does it cost for counseling?

Depending on their license, experience, and type of therapy, our therapists charge anywhere from $75 to $200 per session. To learn more about the types of providers at New Heights Counseling Services, follow this LINK. For more information about rates and insurance, visit Rates & Insurance.

Begin Anxiety Treatment in Florida

You’re tired of living with anxiety. Trying to combat anxiety symptoms is exhausting. We're here to help! We offer in-person anxiety sessions at our office located in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Through online anxiety therapy. We want to make the process of beginning therapy as simple as possible. To start your journey with therapy for anxiety, follow these steps:

Reach out to New Heights Counseling. Call (850)757-1552 or email us at: info@Florida-counseling.com.
Meet with one of our Anxiety Counselors
Begin Your Healing Journey in Overcoming Anxiety

Not ready for therapy yet? Read these blogs for advice on dealing with anxiety, fear, and stress.

Because anxiety is one of our specialties at New Heights Counseling, our therapists frequently write blog posts related to anxiety, worry & stress. Here are just a few blog posts you might find useful!

Other Mental Health Services at New Heights Counseling

Anxiety treatment isn’t our only service in our Fort Walton Beach, FL, practice. Life is complicated, and we understand that you might be dealing with more than one problem. Our therapists at New Heights Counseling have a variety of specialties. We're able to offer a wide variety of mental health services. We can do so in our office in Fort Walton Beach or online in Florida. Some of our specialties include depression counseling, EMDR counseling, trauma therapy, PTSD therapy, adolescent counseling, couples counseling, family counseling, military counseling, individual counseling, group counseling, and more! We're here to help.

Anxiety Counseling

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(850) 757-331