Anxiety Help Counseling Houston

Anxiety 

Anxiety can manifest in many ways—perfectionism, overthinking, avoidance, or even irritability—but beneath its many disguises, the process is remarkably simple and repetitive. It starts with a "what if," sparks doubt, and urges us to seek certainty or escape. And just like that, the cycle begins again.

The most important thing to understand about anxiety is this: it is never about the story we tell ourselves.

Anxiety tricks us into believing that our worries are about real-world situations—whether it’s a test, a social event, a work deadline, or an important life decision. But in reality, anxiety is a false alarm system designed to keep us safe, even when no real danger is present.

Neuroscientist Dr. Judson Brewer describes anxiety as a habit loop:

1. A trigger (e.g., uncertainty, discomfort) causes a surge of worry.
2. We respond with a behavior—overanalyzing, avoiding, or seeking reassurance.
3. Temporary relief follows, reinforcing the cycle.

This loop makes anxiety feel real and urgent every time it appears, even when the underlying concern shifts from one situation to another (Brewer, 2021).

Many people try to manage anxiety by rationalizing their thoughts: “This probably won’t happen,” “I shouldn’t feel this way,” or “I just need to calm down.” But anxiety isn’t about logic—it’s about habit and survival instincts. The brain’s amygdala, which processes fear, reacts before the rational part of the brain can intervene (LeDoux, 2002).

Trying to reason with anxiety is like arguing with a faulty smoke alarm—it doesn’t stop the alarm from going off. Instead, we must recognize the alarm for what it is and choose how to respond.

Instead of focusing on the story anxiety tells us, we must focus on how we respond to it. Here’s how:

• Recognize the Pattern – Understand that anxiety follows a predictable loop. Naming the process (“This is just my anxiety habit loop”) can help create distance from it.
• Sit With the Discomfort – Instead of immediately seeking relief (through avoidance or reassurance), practice tolerating uncertainty. This weakens anxiety’s grip over time.
• Engage in Exposure – Gradually facing fears teaches the brain that the feared outcome is unlikely or manageable. Research supports exposure therapy as one of the most effective treatments for anxiety (Craske et al., 2014).

Anxiety isn’t about the specific worry in your head—it’s about the process your brain follows. The good news? 

That process can be rewired.

At Psy of Relief Counseling, we help adults, kids and parents learn how to recognize and interrupt anxiety’s cycle, replacing fear-based habits with confidence and resilience.

Are you ready to step outside the loop?

📩 Contact us today to learn more 

• Brewer, J. (2021). Unwinding Anxiety: New Science Shows How to Break the Cycles of Worry and Fear to Heal Your Mind. Avery.
• Craske, M. G., Treanor, M., Conway, C. C., Zbozinek, T., & Vervliet, B. (2014). Maximizing exposure therapy: An inhibitory learning approach. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 58, 10-23.
• LeDoux, J. (2002). The Emotional Brain: The Mysterious Underpinnings of Emotional Life. Simon & Schuster.

Types of Anxiety Disorders:

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): This type of anxiety disorder involves excessive and uncontrollable worry about everyday things, such as work, money, health, and family.
2. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): This type of anxiety disorder involves intense fear and anxiety in social situations, such as public speaking or meeting new people.
3. Panic Disorder: This type of anxiety disorder involves sudden and repeated panic attacks, which can cause a range of physical symptoms, including sweating, trembling, and shortness of breath.
4. Specific Phobias: This type of anxiety disorder involves an intense fear of a specific object, situation, or activity.

Treatment for Anxiety:

Anxiety disorders are treatable, and the most effective treatments usually involve a combination of therapy and medication. Some common treatment options include:

1. Exposure Therapy
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This type of therapy helps people identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety.
3. Medication: Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can be helpful in reducing the symptoms of anxiety.
4. Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
5. Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and good sleep habits can also help reduce anxiety.

If you are struggling with anxiety, know that you are not alone, and there is help available. With  counseling and support, you can learn to manage your symptoms and lead a fulfilling life. Remember to be kind to yourself, practice self-care, and reach out for help when you need it. Houston curing anxiety

If you're looking for effective books on curing anxiety, managing anxiety, exposure therapy, and evidence-based treatment strategies, the following books are excellent resources. These books focus on overcoming anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias.

Dr. Reid Wilson is a leading expert in anxiety treatment, known for his paradoxical approach that encourages people to face their fears rather than avoid them. His books are highly recommended for those looking to manage anxiety through exposure-based techniques.

• Don't Panic: Taking Control of Anxiety Attacks – This book provides a structured approach to overcoming panic attacks and general anxiety. It teaches a five-step strategy to take control of panic and reduce chronic muscle tension, which contributes to anxiety.
• Stopping the Noise in Your Head: The New Way to Overcome Anxiety and Worry – Dr. Wilson presents a unique approach to overcoming anxiety, OCD, and panic by encouraging readers to embrace uncertainty rather than avoid discomfort. This book is a powerful guide for those dealing with chronic worry and intrusive thoughts.
• Stop Obsessing!: How to Overcome Your Obsessions and Compulsions (Co-authored with Dr. Edna B. Foa) – A practical book that provides step-by-step techniques to reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsions, with a strong focus on exposure and response prevention (ERP).
• Facing Panic: Self-Help for People with Panic Attacks – A self-help guide designed to help individuals gradually confront and manage panic attacks through exposure-based strategies.

These additional books cover a range of anxiety disorders and provide practical strategies based on exposure therapy and cognitive-behavioral techniques:

• The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund J. Bourne – A comprehensive guide that offers exercises, worksheets, and exposure-based strategies to manage generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias.
• Mastery of Your Anxiety and Panic by Michelle G. Craske and David H. Barlow – This book provides a structured cognitive-behavioral program for overcoming panic disorder and agoraphobia, focusing on gradual exposure techniques.
• Getting Over OCD: A 10-Step Workbook for Taking Back Your Life by Jonathan S. Abramowitz – A step-by-step guide that teaches Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy to effectively reduce OCD symptoms.
• Anxiety, Phobias, and Panic by Reneau Z. Peurifoy – A practical book that explains anxiety disorders and provides exposure-based techniques to overcome them.
• The Anatomy of Anxiety: Understanding and Overcoming the Body’s Fear Response by Ellen Vora – This book explores both the physical and psychological aspects of anxiety, offering a holistic approach to treatment.

By incorporating these resources into your anxiety management plan, you can gain valuable tools to face fears, build resilience, and regain control over your life.

I know firsthand that anxiety is something that can be understood and conquered. With the right support and guidance, anyone can learn to manage their anxiety and live a more peaceful and fulfilling life." -Sandra Wilson LPC, NCC, counseling Houston