Online Counseling for Anxiety in Wisconsin
Teletherapy is talk therapy done over the phone or through a videoconferencing platform. Research says it’s as effective as in-person therapy and may offer additional benefits like skipping traffic and waiting rooms.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions in the United States, affecting about 1 in 3adults at some point in their lives. They’re also highly treatable. Through support and tools like medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes, many people learn to manage their symptoms and find balance.
What are anxiety disorders?
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time as it’s a natural response to stress. But when anxious thoughts become frequent, overwhelming, or out of proportion to what’s happening around you, it may indicate an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders go beyond everyday worry and affect how you think, feel, and function. They can cause both mental and physical symptoms, including racing thoughts, muscle tension, and sleep problems. You might find yourself avoiding certain situations altogether out of fear or discomfort.
Like many mental health conditions, anxiety exists on a spectrum. Some people experience mild but persistent worry that makes daily life harder to enjoy. Others have more severe symptoms, like panic attacks or constant hypervigilance, that make it difficult to manage work, relationships, or basic routines.
Anxiety disorders can be distressing, but they’re also highly treatable. If you’re struggling, know that help is available. Getting the right support can make a big difference in how you feel and function day to day.
Signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders
The symptoms of anxiety are both mental and physical. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Feelings of nervousness or restlessness
A sense of impending danger or doom
Trouble focusing on anything but your worry or fear
Being unable to control your worry
Rapid or increased heart rate
Rapid breathing or hyperventilation
Sweating and shaking
Trouble sleeping
Nausea or stomach problems
Muscle tension
Fatigue
Depending on your specific type of anxiety, you may experience different combinations of these symptoms. For example, a sense of doom, shortness of breath, and increased heart rate are common symptoms of panic disorder, while trouble sleeping and restlessness are common symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
What causes anxiety?
We don’t know exactly what causes anxiety disorders, but there are a few things that can increase your chances of developing one. Genetics may play a part and anxiety disorders often run in families.
Sometimes anxiety can be caused by other medical conditions. For example, anxiety can be a symptom of thyroid problems, respiratory problems, or drug withdrawal. It can also be a side effect of certain medications. If you don’t have any blood relatives with anxiety, and your anxiety appeared suddenly, without any previous history, your anxiety may have a medical cause. In this case, it’s a good idea to see your primary care doctor for an evaluation to rule out an underlying medical condition.
Additional risk factors for anxiety include:
Experiencing trauma, especially in childhood
Stressful events, like the loss of a loved one or a serious illness
Drug or alcohol use
Having other mental health conditions
Anxiety disorder treatment options
Anxiety is highly treatable. Many people find that with the right support - whether that’s medication, therapy, or a combination of both - they’re able to manage symptoms and move through daily life with more confidence and ease.
Medication management
For some people, medication can play a helpful role in reducing anxiety symptoms. The right treatment depends on your symptoms, health history, and preferences. Your psychiatrist will work with you to find what works best for you. Common types of anxiety medications include:
SSRIs
SNRIs
Buspar
Short-term options like benzodiazepines, beta blockers, or hydroxyzine
Not everyone needs medication, and not every medication works the same for everyone. I will work with your PCP or Psychiatrist to help find the right medication when we determine it would be a helpful tool.
Therapy
Talk therapy is a powerful tool for managing anxiety. It’s often combined with medication, but it can also be effective on its own for many people. These are some common therapy approaches for anxiety:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on finding negative thought patterns and changing how you react to stress.
Exposure Therapy: Helps you slowly face the things or situations you fear in a safe way to lower your anxiety over time.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages you to accept difficult feelings instead of fighting them while focusing on your core values.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Blends meditation with thinking skills to keep your mind focused on the present moment.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaches skills to handle intense emotions, tolerate distress, and stay mindful.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Looks at how your relationships affect your mental health and helps you build better social habits
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Once your appointment is scheduled, an email will be sent for you to set up your portal account. A second email will include links to access needed registration paperwork. A reminder email for your appoinment will include the link to your session. In order for the session to work, you must have a reliable internet connection and camera on the computer or phone you are using.
-
Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a short consult here
-
In addition to being an experienced therapist, I have navigated my own struggles as a very late diagnosed AuDHD person. I also bring a lifetime of experience as a gamer, and member of a variety of alternative communities to the table to help craft interventions that fit YOU.
-
You can reach us anytime via our contact page , email or schedule a short consulation. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.
-
A major goal is accessibility. Reduced rates can be arranged for those without insurance or who choose not to use insurance.
-
While I can work with clients as young as 14, parents will need to be involved unless special circumstances exist.
Parents do not get access to anything spoken about without direct and clear permission from you.