Anxiety Therapy | Sequoia Counseling
Anxiety Therapy
You don't have to live in a constant state of worry. Relief is possible.
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety Is More Than Just Worry
Anxiety can show up as racing thoughts, a tight chest, or a constant sense that something bad is about to happen. At Sequoia Counseling, we understand it's your nervous system trying to protect you — and we can help you find relief.
"Anxiety isn't a flaw — it's a signal. Together, we'll learn to listen to it differently."
— The Sequoia Counseling Team
Presentations
Types of Anxiety We Treat
Anxiety shows up differently for everyone. We're experienced across the full spectrum.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Persistent, excessive worry about everyday things — work, health, family, money — that feels impossible to control.
Social Anxiety
Intense fear of judgment, embarrassment, or rejection in social situations that leads to avoidance and isolation.
Panic Disorder
Sudden, overwhelming waves of fear with physical symptoms — racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness — that can feel like a medical emergency.
Health Anxiety
Preoccupation with having or developing a serious illness, often despite reassurance from doctors.
OCD & Obsessive Compulsions
Intrusive, unwanted thoughts paired with compulsive behaviors or mental rituals performed to reduce distress.
Phobias
Intense, irrational fear of specific objects or situations that causes significant distress or avoidance.
Our Methods
How We Treat Anxiety
Proven approaches tailored to your unique nervous system and life.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Identifying and challenging the thought patterns that fuel anxiety — and replacing them with more balanced, realistic thinking.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Building distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and mindfulness skills to reduce the grip of anxiety and intrusive thoughts.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Learning to accept anxious thoughts without letting them control your behavior, while moving toward what matters most to you.
Mindfulness-Based Approaches
Developing present-moment awareness to interrupt the cycle of anxious thinking and reconnect with a sense of calm.
Somatic & Nervous System Work
Anxiety lives in the body. We use body-based techniques to regulate your nervous system and reduce the physical experience of anxiety.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT's distress tolerance and emotion regulation skills are especially effective for anxiety — helping you ride out intense moments without being overwhelmed by them.
Understanding Your Experience
Anxiety and OCD Are Different — and Both Are Treatable
They can feel similar, but they respond to different approaches. Understanding the difference helps us tailor your care.
Anxiety
Generalized anxiety
Persistent worry about everyday concerns — health, finances, relationships, or the future — that feels difficult to control.
Panic and intense worry
Sudden waves of intense fear, physical symptoms like racing heart or shortness of breath, and dread of future episodes.
Social anxiety
Fear of judgment, embarrassment, or rejection in social situations that leads to avoidance or significant distress.
Perfectionism and reassurance-seeking
Difficulty tolerating uncertainty, a need for things to be "just right," or repeated checking and reassurance-seeking to manage anxiety.
OCD
Intrusive thoughts
Unwanted, distressing thoughts that feel out of character and difficult to dismiss — not a reflection of who you are or what you want.
Obsessions
Recurring, unwanted mental images or urges that cause significant anxiety and feel impossible to ignore.
Compulsive patterns
Repetitive behaviors or mental rituals performed to reduce distress — which provide temporary relief but reinforce the cycle over time.
How treatment is individualized
OCD and intrusive thoughts respond well to DBT and ACT, which build distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and a healthier relationship with unwanted thoughts. Anxiety treatment may include CBT, somatic approaches, and mindfulness. Your therapist will tailor the approach to your specific experience.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if what I am experiencing is anxiety or OCD?
Anxiety typically involves worry about real-life concerns. OCD involves unwanted intrusive thoughts that feel distressing and out of character, often followed by compulsive behaviors or mental rituals. A therapist can help you understand what you are experiencing and which approaches are most appropriate.
Can therapy help with intrusive thoughts?
Yes. Therapy — particularly DBT and ACT — helps you change your relationship to intrusive thoughts so they lose their power, without requiring you to suppress or eliminate them.
Do you treat OCD in teens?
Yes. We work with adolescents and teens experiencing OCD, intrusive thoughts, and anxiety. Our therapists adapt evidence-based approaches for younger clients in a developmentally appropriate way.
Can anxiety and OCD therapy be done through telehealth?
Yes. We offer HIPAA-compliant telehealth for anxiety and OCD throughout California. Many clients find it easier to practice skills in their own environment.
What approaches do your therapists use for anxiety and OCD?
For anxiety: CBT, ACT, somatic therapy, EFT/Tapping, DBT, and mindfulness. For OCD and intrusive thoughts: DBT and ACT, which help build distress tolerance and a healthier relationship with unwanted thoughts. All care is individualized to your specific presentation.
Do you accept insurance for anxiety and OCD therapy?
We accept most major insurance plans including United Healthcare, Blue Shield, Sutter Health, Carelon, and Optum. Contact us to verify your specific benefits before your first session.
Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?
Reach out today to schedule your first appointment. We're here to support you every step of the way.
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