The brain can handle only a limited amount of information at a time; we can think of stress as information overload, so when there's too much happening, the brain starts to triage, prioritizing, simplifying, and even plain old ignoring some things.

-Emily & Amelia Nagoski

Anxiety

Anxiety is more than just worry. Anxiety is a persistent, often uncontrollable sense of unease or dread. According to the DSM-5 criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), symptoms are present more days than not for at least six months, and they impact daily functioning.

Common Symptoms of Anxiety:

• Excessive worry about a variety of topics (work, health, relationships, etc.)

• Difficulty controlling the worry

• Feeling restless, keyed up, or on edge

• Getting tired easily or feeling worn out

• Trouble concentrating or mind going blank

• Irritability

• Muscle tension (jaw clenching, tight shoulders, etc.)

• Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless sleep)

Anxiety can be sneaky. It often disguises itself as overthinking, people-pleasing, perfectionism, or constant productivity. It can feel like you are never doing enough, no matter how hard you try. In some cases, anxiety shows up more in the body than the mind, through chronic pain, GI issues, or fatigue, so it can take time to connect the dots. For women and marginalized groups, anxiety symptoms are sometimes dismissed as being “too sensitive” or “dramatic,” which can delay getting the right support. A thorough assessment can help clarify what is really going on beneath the surface.

Stress

Stress is a natural response to demands placed on us. A little stress can be motivating—but chronic or overwhelming stress can start to affect every part of your life, especially when you don't have space to rest or recover.

Symptoms of Chronic Stress Can Include:

• Feeling overwhelmed or like you're "always behind"

• Trouble relaxing, even during downtime

• Increased heart rate, shallow breathing, or chest tightness

• Irritability or mood swings

• Changes in appetite (eating more or less than usual)

• Sleep problems (insomnia or oversleeping)

• Headaches, stomach issues, or frequent illnesses

• Feeling easily startled or reactive

• Difficulty focusing or making decisions

Stress often builds gradually, until you realize your body is constantly in fight-or-flight mode and it is hard to turn it off.

Burnout

Burnout is what happens when chronic stress goes unaddressed for too long. It is common in helping professions, high-pressure jobs, caregiving roles, and perfectionistic people who push through everything, until their body says, “No more.”

Signs You May Be Experiencing Burnout:

• Emotional exhaustion—feeling drained and unable to cope

• Cynicism, detachment, or feeling numb toward work or responsibilities

• A sense of helplessness or hopelessness

• Reduced sense of accomplishment or effectiveness

• Procrastination or avoidance of tasks that once felt manageable

• Increased use of coping mechanisms (alcohol, social media, food, etc.)

• Physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or frequent illness

• Feeling disconnected from your values, purpose, or identity

Burnout is not laziness. Burnout is your body protecting you when it has been pushed past its limit for too long. Therapy can help you recover and realign with what matters to you.

Therapy for Anxiety, Stress & Burnout

In our work together, we explore what is underneath the symptoms, while also building tools to help you feel more grounded and in control. I approach this work gently, knowing that many of my clients have been in high-pressure environments, whether that is through work, family, faith communities, or all of the above.

We might explore early messages you received about productivity, worth, or being “good,” and how those play into your current patterns. We also look at how your body responds to stress, and practice ways to calm your system so you can feel more centered and less reactive.

Depending on your needs, I may integrate:

• Parts work/Internal Family Systems (IFS)

• Somatic and nervous system regulation techniques

• EMDR for deeper healing of root-level experiences

• Narrative therapy to help you re-author your story

• Attachment-based approaches to rebuild trust in yourself and others

• Mindfulness and breathwork to reconnect with your body in the here-and-now

Why Therapy Helps

When you are stuck in survival mode, it is hard to think clearly, let alone make changes. Therapy gives you a space to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. You do not have to “have it all together” to begin. You just need a safe place to start.

Together, we work on:

• Understanding and reducing anxiety and stress responses

• Healing patterns of overwork, people-pleasing, or perfectionism

• Reconnecting with your values and limits

• Creating a sustainable life that feels more aligned

• Building resilience so you can handle challenges with more ease

Whether you are dealing with chronic anxiety, burnout from caregiving or high-demand work, or just feeling like you are hanging on by a thread, I am here to help you find solid ground. You deserve support. You deserve rest.