Panic attacks are scary. The function of the amygdala – the part of the brain in charge of the ‘flight, fight, freeze’ response – plays a big role in panic attacks. Essentially, the amygdala is tricking us to think there is danger or a threat – when that is not typically the case. When this happens, it is extremely terrifying. The sudden feeling of intense fear triggers physical symptoms that can feel life-threatening, including like you are having a heart attack. Testing at the ER shows nothing physically or medically wrong – which makes it more confusing. Common everyday experiences (washing dishes, getting dressed, etc) as well as typical workday (same work meeting every week) may create a panic attack. And the hardest part, once this occurs, the amygdala is now reinforced, and so the next time you go to this meeting, you are fearful of the panic attack happening.

• Here are some of the more common symptoms of panic attacks:
• Rapid or pounding heartbeat or feel like you are having a heart attack
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or tightness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Sweating or chills
• Trembling or shaking
• Nausea or stomach distress
• Fear of losing control or impending doom

How I help clients control and overcome panic attacks

Panic attacks can feel frightening and confusing—especially when they seem to come out of nowhere. When the brain’s alarm system misfires, everyday situations can suddenly feel dangerous, and the fear of another panic attack can begin to shape your choices and routines. Over time, this cycle can make even familiar activities feel overwhelming.

Therapy can help interrupt this pattern. In our work together, I use evidence-based approaches to understand how panic is operating in your body and mind, reduce anticipatory fear, and retrain your nervous system. This includes mindfulness-based strategies to help you notice physical sensations and anxious thoughts without escalating them, as well as solution-focused therapy to identify what is already working and build practical, actionable steps toward relief. If panic attacks are limiting how you live, reach out to begin moving toward feeling more grounded, confident, and in control.

Stress is a natural part of life, but when it becomes constant or overwhelming, it can impact your wellbeing in many different ways. You might feel like you’re constantly running on empty, struggling to keep up with demands at work, home, or in your relationships. Sometimes you may experience physical symptoms like headaches or nausea. And even though feeling stresses may cause you to feel fatigued, it can also create interrupted sleep or even insomnia.

When stress builds, it can leave you feeling exhausted, irritable, and disconnected from the things that used to bring you joy. You might find yourself snapping at loved ones, avoiding responsibilities, or simply going through the motions of daily life without really being present.

It is important to explore what’s contributing to your stress and overwhelm. Negative thought patterns, coupled with intense emotions and strong physiological symptoms, can create harsh self -talk. I teach practical strategies and offer tools both in our session and in-between appointments to get out of these patterns, challenge intrusive thoughts and create a more balanced perspective.

How I can help you find relief and manage stress

I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you identify and reframe thought patterns that intensify your stress, mindfulness-based techniques to cultivate present-moment awareness and reduce racing thoughts. If you carry your stress anywhere in your body, then it may be helpful to incorporate somatic interventions like progressive muscle relaxation and diaphragmatic breathing. I also integrate principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you develop psychological flexibility – this is learning to acknowledge difficult thoughts and feelings without being fused to these thoughts. My approach also intertwines being skills-focused, giving you practical strategies you can use both in session and in your daily life.

Besides managing your stress, my goal is for you to gain a deeper understanding of your stress triggers. To do that, we will also focus on building resilience and investigating boundaries – all aimed at your overall wellbeing. The goal isn’t to eliminate all stress from your life, but to help you develop a healthier relationship with it and to look at it differently.

Work occupies a significant portion of life. It shapes identity, financial stability, relationships, and, at times, self-worth. When something feels off in your career—whether it’s burnout, dissatisfaction, conflict, or uncertainty—it can spill into every other area of life. Career related stress is not simply about “liking your job.” It often involves deeper themes such as meaning, values, confidence, achievement, and fear of change.

When facing these challenges, you may notice increased anxiety, irritability, low motivation, difficulty sleeping, or a persistent sense of dread related to work. Some people experience self-doubt or harsh self-criticism. Others feel disengaged, numb, or resentful. For high-achieving professionals, career distress can be particularly disorienting—especially when outward success does not match internal satisfaction.

Career related issues often intersect with identity: Who am I if I’m not succeeding? What if I make the wrong move? I have a job and I should be grateful? I help you to challenge these questions and assumptions, identify your core values and help you uncover approaches to invalidate these self-limiting beliefs.

How I help with Work and Career Stress

My work with career related stress is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches. CBT helps identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns while simultaneously creating new behaviors. ACT supports clarifying your core values and making intentional decisions aligned with who you want to be, even in the presence of uncertainty. Solution-Focused Therapy emphasizes strengths and practical next steps. Mindfulness strengthens awareness of stress responses and builds emotional regulation – in other words, finding ways to feel more settled in the face of uncertainty.

I take an active, engaged role in sessions. I offer direct observations, challenging questions, assignments in -between appointments coupled with accountability. Theory and frameworks are always important – but actionable steps is crucial in making change.

Whether you are navigating burnout, considering a pivot, or striving for greater clarity and fulfillment in your career, the goal is to help you move forward with intention, resilience, and confidence—rather than remaining driven by fear, habit, or external expectations.

It is not uncommon to compare ourselves to others. At work, you may compare yourself to the productivity or success of your colleagues. In friendships, you may compare yourself to other friends in your circle. In romantic relationships, you may compare yourself to your partner’s previous relationships. To help combat this low self-esteem, you may seek validation. Once again, this is not abnormal. But too much seeking validation may indicate low self-esteem. Low self-esteem will cause you to think negatively about who you are – it can impact how you live your life, function at work, perform academically, and behave in relationships. Depressive and anxiety symptoms typically feed into this doubt.

How I help low self-esteem

In working with low self-esteem, I help you understand and change the patterns that keep self-doubt rooted in place. I use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify and challenge comparisons as well as modify self-critical thoughts. We also uncover core beliefs that shape how you see yourself and aim to replace them with more balanced and realistic perspectives. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) would help you notice self-judging thoughts without getting stuck in them, reduce the need for external validation, and reconnect with personal values that guide meaningful choices. Mindfulness-based strategies are used to increase awareness of your reaction to comparison which ultimately creates a knee jerk reaction to feeling rejected. The goal is to stop self-criticizing, increase your confidence and to stop avoiding. Let me guide you on a different path in strengthening your internal self-worth.