Anxiety

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. — Psalm 94:19

For people who struggle with anxiety, having someone tell you to “let go and let God’ can be frustrating. Though a good idea, for people with an anxiety disorder, it isn’t so simple. At Bellevue Christian Counseling, we know how hard it can be to control negative thoughts and behaviors. Your counselor will provide you with a safe, compassionate place for you to work through your unique experience of anxiety at your own pace. With highly-effective tools for anxiety relief that works with your needs and individual expression of faith, you can work towards lasting, positive change.

Do I Have an Anxiety Disorder?

People with anxiety often describe their struggle as an endless cycle from which they cannot escape. If you’ve ever thought that anxiety is something you just “learn to live with,” you’re not alone. Many people become so entrapped by anxiety, that they accept is as a part of who they are. For others, they might feel ashamed, not realizing that they have a real medical condition, and some don’t even know they have a problem. Anxiety disorders are among the leading mental health problems in the U.S, and they come in many forms.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness, affecting 40 million adults in the U.S.

• Uncontrollable thoughts, worry, or fear.
• Feeling of dread, or impending danger.
• Racing heartbeat.
• Feeling suffocated or dizzy.
• Feeling powerless.
• Trouble concentrating.

There are many types of anxiety disorders, each with similar and varying symptoms. Each person experiences anxiety differently, so it’s important to find a trained professional who is knowledgeable in the different anxiety disorders. Our Christian counselors will help you discover solutions that work for your specific disorder and the unique challenges you face.

Types of anxiety disorders we treat include:

• Generalized anxiety disorder.
• Social anxiety disorder.
• Obsessive compulsive disorder.
• Panic disorder.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Hoarding disorder.
• Specific phobias.

If you don’t know which type of anxiety you have, don’t worry. We will help you pinpoint the exact cause of your anxiety, offer education about your anxiety type, and work with you to explore treatment options that suit your needs and goals for anxiety relief.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. — 1 Peter 5:7

As Christian counselors, we give you a safe place to shed your worries, find peace, and heal wounds. Each counselor offers their own methods for recovery, but they all have a single goal in common: helping you overcome your anxiety so you can live a healthy life that is fully connected with yourself, loved ones, and Christ.

Does Therapy Help Anxiety?

Most people respond very well to therapy for anxiety. According to a survey published in Psychiatric Times,

About 60% respond well to anxiety therapy, and up to one-third come to a full recovery

In general, studies show the effectiveness of evidence-based methods for anxiety treatment. When combined with bible-based tools, support, and guidance, you have an even better, more holistic approach. We’ve seen Christian counseling heal what other, traditional methods could not. Should you require medication to get the results you need, we also offer Christian psychiatric care.

Through Christian anxiety counseling, you can:

• Learn more about your specific anxiety condition.
• Identify the underlying causes of your anxiety.
• Develop a personalized recovery plan.
• Learn how to control negative feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
• Discuss medication expectations as needed.
• Gain skills that will help you make better choices and form healthier relationships.
• Explore faith as a tool for healing.
• Gain support for lasting recovery.

At Bellevue Christian Counseling, we’ve had the privilege of seeing lives completely transform, and we are honored to be an instrument of that change. Our holistic approach to healing of the mind, body, and spirit offers real, lasting solutions for overcoming anxiety.

Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid. — John 14:27

If you’re like many, you’d do most anything to find relief from stress and overwhelming anxiety. Unfortunately, things of this world offer little help, especially things that are unhealthy. Christian anxiety counseling operates on the foundation of Christ for finding true peace and healing. When left unchecked, anxiety can have dangerous effects on your health, often leading to things like addiction and other chronic health issues. If you or someone you love has anxiety, it’s important to get help as soon as possible.

People with an anxiety disorder are 3 to 5 times more likely to go to the doctor, and 6 times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders.

If the idea of counseling makes you nervous, it can be hard to reach out for help. We encourage you to schedule a risk-free initial session* with one of our Christian counselors so you have opportunity to work through any questions or concerns you might have. Your counselor will help you understand what to expect in counseling, so you can decide whether or not it is right for you. Christian anxiety counseling can vary, depending on your specific needs.

Types of therapy for anxiety include:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy – CBT helps you gain insight into your thought patterns and how they affect your mood and behavior. By learning what triggers your anxiety and becoming more aware of how anxiety, in turn, affects your thoughts and mood, you will be able to break the cycle of harmful behaviors and anxiety.
• Psychodynamic Therapy – Sometimes the best way to overcome anxiety is a better understanding of the root cause. This form of therapy is a kind of self-discovery geared towards helping you work through issues in your past that could be fueling your anxiety. The goal is to help you understanding why you behave as you do, so you can move forward with your life.
• Exposure Therapy – This is a form of CBT that helps you reduce your fear and anxiety responses by gradually exposing you to the stressor, strengthening you overtime. This works well for OCD and phobias.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy – DBT helps you learn healthy ways of managing negative thoughts and responses by becoming more aware of yourself, your stressors, and your emotions.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing – EMDR changes the way your brain processes information using techniques for dealing with stressful situations. This works well for panic disorders and specific phobias.
• Group Therapy – Group counseling for anxiety can be helpful for most types of anxiety, especially for those who struggle with social anxiety. With a safety net of support from like-minded people, you are given greater support and tools for anxiety recovery.

For best results, you need a Christian counselor who specializes in treating anxiety disorders. Our association of counselors includes some of the area’s most experienced and highly-trained professionals who are dedicated to helping you get the most out of each session.

Some other things to expect in Christian anxiety counseling are:

• A safe, judgment-free place for you to talk without fear, learn more about your anxiety, and gain tools for lasting recovery.
• Help from highly-trained Christian anxiety counselors who are experienced in treating all kinds of anxiety disorders by implementing the most effective methods of treatment.
• An environment where your faith is supported and used as an incremental part of your anxiety treatment.
• Client-centered counseling that is dedicated to upholding your individual needs, values, and goals for treatment.

At Bellevue Christian Counseling, we know that recovery from anxiety is possible. With the right mindset and dedication to Christ, you can work towards creating a life that is made new and whole. Anxiety shouldn’t be something that defines you. Relief is possible through Christian anxiety counseling.

Are you ready to take control of your life? Contact us today to schedule your risk-free initial session*.

To learn more about Christian counseling for anxiety or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at 425-939-6856 or Contact us Online.