Embodied Integrations Psychotherapy and Coaching
Dennis Guyvan, MA, LPCC. Individual Therapy and Coaching in Denver, CO and Online
Anxiety Therapy
Are you struggling with anxiety?
Is it really all in your head?
I understand Your Struggle
I've been there too. I understand how challenging it can be to navigate through each day when anxiety takes hold.
Anxiety isn't just a "negative thinking" pattern problem!
Anxiety isn't just a "negative thinking" pattern problem — it's about the very real physiological response of your nervous system. It can be incredibly invalidating to hear that anxiety is merely a negative thinking problem, especially when you feel it intensely in your body. This misconception can leave you feeling misunderstood and alone in your struggles.
The Real Reason
The real reason behind anxiety is being stuck in a "fight or flight" nervous sysyem state.
Our nervous system has three primary states:
- freeze
- fight and flight
- safety and connection
Chronic anxiety is basically your nervous system's inability to shift from "fight or flight" response (a natural reaction to perceived threats) to "safety and connection" state. When you're in "fight and flight" state, your body is on high alert, preparing you to face danger.
The Solution: Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy helps you "shift your nervous system gear" into the "safety and connection" state. Unlike cognitive approaches that focus solely on changing thoughts, somatic therapy works directly with your nervous system to bring about lasting change. Somatic therapy addresses the root cause of anxiety at a physiological level using a more holistic and natural way of working with anxiety.
How Somatic Therapy might look like in session
My style of coaching is very down-to-earth and usually includes three key elements:
1. Awareness of Sensations: Recognizing the physical sensations of anxiety, such as heat in the chest, tightness in the stomach, shortness of breath, etc. By becoming aware of these sensations, you can begin to understand how anxiety manifests in your body and start to take control.
2. Nervous System Shift: Processing anxiety and the underlying emotions to transition your nervous system into a state of "calm and connection": This involves working through the emotions and experiences that trigger your anxiety, allowing you to release pent-up stress and tension.
3. Mind and Body Integration: Integrating your thoughts and feelings after the release, leading to a harmonious balance between your mind and body. This step is crucial for maintaining the changes you've made and ensuring that you can handle future stressors with greater ease.
Your Future Without Anxiety
Imagine a life without anxiety—a life where you feel calm, confident, and in control. You can pursue your passions, build meaningful relationships, and enjoy your life without the constant shadow of anxiety. Picture waking up each day with a sense of peace and purpose, knowing that you have the tools and resilience to handle whatever comes your way.
Take the First Step!
Take the first step towards your more peaceful future. Schedule a free consultation today and discover how somatic therapy can transform your life! Together, we can unlock your potential and help you thrive in ways you never thought possible.
I am here to support you on this journey. I want to offer you a safe, compassionate,
courageous and non-judgmental space for your healing process. Are you ready to take the first step? Schedule your free 30 min consultation today to begin your journey to lasting relief from anxiety!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can Anxiety be a symptom of unprocessed underlying emotions and traumas? Anxiety is often more than just a surface-level issue; it can be a symptom of deeper, unprocessed emotions and traumas. The anxiety you're experiencing might be your body's way of signaling that something deeper needs attention and healing. UNDERSTANDING ANXIETY Anxiety is like a signal from your body and mind, alerting you to areas in your life that require your care and attention. It's not just a random, inexplicable sensation; it has a purpose. Anxiety can manifest in various forms, from generalized anxiety to specific phobias, panic attacks, or social anxiety. Each of these manifestations is your body's way of communicating with you. Here's where you come in: It's crucial to listen to what your anxiety is trying to convey. Often, anxiety is a reaction to deeper, unprocessed emotions and unresolved traumas. These underlying issues are the root causes of your anxiety. Instead of merely managing the symptoms, it's time to address these root causes. This is where somatic therapy, the approach I use, becomes your valuable ally. SOMATIC THERAPY: ADDRESSING THE ROOT CAUSE Somatic therapy is an innovative and effective modality that helps you address the root cause of your anxiety. It recognizes that your body and mind are intricately connected, and emotional experiences are not limited to your thoughts and feelings. Your body plays a crucial role in processing and holding emotions. In your journey to anxiety therapy in Denver, somatic therapy offers a holistic approach. It empowers you to explore the connection between your body, mind, and emotions. By doing so, you can access the root causes of your anxiety, allowing for deep healing and lasting relief. THE ROLES OF UNPROCESSED EMOTIONS Unprocessed emotions are often at the heart of anxiety. These emotions can stem from past experiences, such as childhood traumas, loss, or life-changing events. Sometimes, they're feelings you've pushed aside because you didn't have the tools or support to process them at the time. When you don't address them, they accumulate, creating an emotional burden. Your body responds to this burden by generating anxiety as a way to alert you to the unresolved issues. The anxiety is like an alarm, saying, "Please pay attention, something needs your care." Somatic therapy understands that these unprocessed emotions are stored in your body, often in areas of tension or discomfort. It provides a safe and supportive space for you to explore and release these emotions, allowing your body to let go of the emotional burden it has been carrying. This process is not just about symptom management; it's about reaching the root causes and achieving genuine healing. THE IMPACT OF UNRESOLVED TRAUMA Trauma can also be a significant contributor to anxiety. Traumatic experiences can leave deep imprints on your nervous system, affecting your emotional and physical well-being. Whether it's a single traumatic event or a series of distressing experiences, trauma can cast a long shadow over your life. Your body and nervous system remember trauma in a way that your conscious mind may not. Trauma can lead to a heightened state of alertness, hypervigilance, and intense emotional reactions, all of which can contribute to anxiety. Unresolved trauma is like an open wound, continuously affecting your sense of safety and well-being. Somatic therapy provides a specialized space to process and heal from trauma. It recognizes that trauma is not just a story you tell; it's an experience that lives in your body. Through somatic techniques, you can access and release the stored trauma, allowing your nervous system to return to a state of balance and regulation. This profound healing process goes beyond symptom management and offers you the opportunity to reclaim your life. YOUR JOURNEY WITH SOMATIC THERAPY IN DENVER Imagine your journey through anxiety therapy in Denver with somatic therapy as a process of self-discovery and healing. Here's what you can expect along the way: 1. INITIAL ASSESSMENT Your journey begins with an initial assessment. This is an opportunity for us to understand your specific anxiety challenges, including any underlying emotions and traumas. We'll work together to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals. 2. BUILDING AWARENESS Somatic therapy places a strong emphasis on self-awareness. You'll learn to tune into the sensations in your body and notice how they correspond to your emotions. This heightened awareness is a powerful tool for recognizing and addressing unprocessed emotions and unresolved traumas. 3. EXPLORING EMOTIONS In the safety of our therapeutic space, you'll begin to explore your emotions and their somatic expressions. You'll notice where tension or discomfort resides in your body, and together, we'll gently navigate through these sensations. By doing so, you can access and process the unprocessed emotions that contribute to your anxiety. 4. RELEASING AND HEALING As you engage in somatic therapy, you'll have the opportunity to release and heal. Unprocessed emotions and unresolved trauma will find a pathway to expression and resolution. This process empowers you to let go of emotional burdens and transform your relationship with anxiety. 5. DEVELOPING COPING STRATEGIES Somatic therapy equips you with practical coping strategies to manage anxiety in your everyday life. These strategies will be rooted in your newfound self-awareness and emotional regulation, allowing you to respond to anxiety in healthier and more effective ways. 6. ACHIEVING LASTING RELIEF The ultimate goal of somatic therapy is to help you achieve lasting relief from anxiety. By addressing the root causes and fostering genuine healing, you can experience a profound transformation. Instead of managing symptoms, you can move towards a life where anxiety no longer holds you back. YOUR DECISION TO HEAL Your decision to embark on the journey of anxiety therapy in Denver with somatic therapy is a powerful and transformative choice. It's an investment in your well-being, an opportunity to address the root causes of your anxiety, and a pathway to lasting relief. By acknowledging that anxiety is often a symptom of deeper, unprocessed emotions and traumas, you're taking a significant step toward healing. I am here to support you on this journey. I offer a safe, compassionate, courageous and non-judgmental space for your healing process. Together, we'll explore the depths of your emotions, release the burdens you've carried for so long, and guide you towards the peace and well-being you deserve. The road to healing is within your reach. Are you ready to take the first step? Contact us today to begin your journey to lasting relief from anxiety in Denver. Your healing and transformation await. SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY!