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Breathing Through Anxiety: Strategies to Calm Down When Anxious

Anxiety is something that most people will struggle with from time to time in varying degrees. Imagine with us for a moment. You are driving in your car when all of a sudden you are dizzy, your heart is racing, and you struggle to breathe. There is a thin layer of sticky sweat forming between your palms and the steering wheel. This may be the first time, but you are having a panic attack.

They can hit without much warning. If you are prepared with an understanding of what you are experiencing and different techniques to handle it, you can help yourself out of panic.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety in small doses is a part of everyday life as humans. It was a part of our survival instinct that kept our ancestors alive. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety is defined as “an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure.” It is also usually accompanied by a physical response such as rapid heart rate, trembling, sweating, and dizziness.

Within the umbrella of anxiety there are typically six subcategories to better define how it affects your life: Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety, Specific Phobias, Panic Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Here are some of the symptoms of anxiety that you may experience when you are working through it:

Feeling nervous, restless or tense
Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
Having an increased heart rate
Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
Sweating
Trembling
Feeling weak or tired
Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
Having trouble sleeping
Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems
Having difficulty controlling worry
Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety

Shallow breathing contributes to Anxiety

When people are anxious, they tend to take rapid, shallow breaths that come directly from the chest. This type of breathing, called thoracic or chest breathing, casus an upset in the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the body resulting in increased heart rate, dizziness, muscle tension, and other physical sensations. In other words, your blood is not being properly oxygenated and this may signal a stress response that contributes to anxiety and panic attacks. When you are anxious, you might not even notice that you are breathing this way.

Diaphragmatic or deep breathing, on the other hand, stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating the heartbeat, blood flow, breathing, and digestion. Deep breathing can help you avoid the “fight-or-flight” response to mentally or physically terrifying situations. When you breathe this way, you can feel your belly rise and fall with each breath.

Most people aren’t really conscious of the way they’re breathing, but generally, the easiest way to determine your breathing pattern is to put one hand on your stomach (near your waist) and the other in the middle of your chest. As you breathe, notice which hand raises the most.

If you are breathing properly, your stomach should rise and fall with each breath, and the hand resting on your stomach should rise and fall the most.

It’s important to be aware of your breath during stressful and anxious times. If you notice shallow breathing, simply consciously switching to deep breaths can help bring your body back into a calm state.

Breathing Techniques to help with Anxiety

Alternate Nostril Breathing

Alternate-nostril breathing involves blocking off one nostril at a time as you breathe through the other, alternating between nostrils in a regular pattern. When following the prompts below, you will use one finger to softly close one nostril at a time.

Close your eyes or softly gaze downward.
Inhale and exhale to begin.
Close off your right nostril with your finger.
Inhale through your left nostril.
Close off your left nostril with your finger.
Open and exhale through your right nostril.
Inhale through your right nostril.
Close off your right nostril with your finger.
Open and exhale through your left nostril.
Inhale through your left nostril.

Do your best to work up to 10 rounds of this breathing pattern. If you begin to feel lightheaded, take a break. Release both nostrils and breathe normally.

“When the mind is agitated, change the pattern of the breath”
Patanjali, Yoga Sutras

Belly Breathing

According to The American Institute of Stress, 20 to 30 minutes of belly breathing each day will reduce anxiety and stress.
Find a comfortable, quiet place to sit or lie down. You can try sitting in a chair, sitting cross-legged, or lying on your back with a small pillow under your head or knees.

Place one hand on your upper chest and the other hand on your belly, below the ribcage.
Allow your belly to relax, without forcing it inward by squeezing or clenching your muscles.
Breathe in slowly through your nose. The air should move into your nose and downward so that you feel your stomach rise with your other hand and fall inward (toward your spine).
Exhale slowly through slightly pursed lips. Take note of the hand on your chest, which should remain relatively still.

You can try this exercise as long as it feels comfortable. Benefits of belly breathing can be felt with as little as 5 minutes of daily breathwork practice.

Box Breathing

Box breathing can also be called four-square breathing. This is a simple breathing practice that can feel comfortable and calming. Follow these simple directions:

Exhale to a count of four.
Hold your lungs empty for a four count.
Inhale to a count of four.
Hold air in your lungs for a count of four.
Exhale and begin the pattern anew.

4-7-8 Breathing

The 4-7-8 breathing exercise, also called the relaxing breath, acts as a natural tranquilizer for the nervous system. At first, it’s best to perform the exercise seated with your back straight. Once you become more familiar with the breathing exercise, however, you can perform it while lying in bed:

Place and keep the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue behind your upper front teeth for the duration of the exercise.
Completely exhale through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.
Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
Hold your breath for a count of seven.
Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight.

Resonance Breathing

Resonance breathing, or coherent breathing, can help you get into a relaxed state and reduce anxiety

Lie down and close your eyes.
Gently breathe in through your nose, mouth closed, for a count of six seconds. Don’t fill your lungs too full of air.
Exhale for six seconds, allowing your breath to leave your body slowly and gently without forcing it.
Continue for up to 10 minutes.

Take a few additional minutes to be still and focus on how your body feels.

Note: Sometimes people with a panic or anxiety disorder may feel increased anxiety or panic while practicing breathing exercises. This may be due to the increased focus on breathing. It is important to talk with a counselor about any challenges that come up when practicing breathwork. Often, the increase in anxiety or panic is temporary and due to the newness of the breathing technique.

When to seek out counseling for anxiety

Like we mentioned above, anxiety is a part of every person’s life. If you find that your anxiety is keeping you from certain activities, interfering with your work, or affecting your relationships; it is a good idea to seek out some help. Breathing techniques are an excellent starting point. If you are not seeing the improvement you might like or want extra tools for your belt to tackle your anxiety, we are here in Southlake, Texas to help with just that.

We offer counseling assistance to those looking to take back control of their lives and feel confident again. Anxiety does not have to control your life anymore! If you are located here in Texas, we offer in office services to those in the DFW area and telehealth options for those who cannot make it into the office. To schedule a consultation to see how we can address your anxiety concerns give a call, text us, or email us. We are here to help you live the life you always dreamed of.

Postpartum Support | Help for Depression and Anxiety

The 9 months leading up to birth are a uniquely beautiful and challenging time. Every woman and every pregnancy is different. There is a lot of anticipation, planning, and uncertainty during this time. Much focus and attention goes into the 9 months before birth, but the truth is that the challenges don’t end there. Whether this is your first or your fourth child, there is no way to fully prepare for the months after birth. Kids have a way of keeping things interesting, and even the most experienced mothers can struggle to manage life with littles. It’s a beautifully, exhausting season of life. If you are struggling in pregnancy or in the postpartum period, there is help. You do not have to figure it out on your own. Read on to learn more about postpartum disorders, their symptoms, and treatment.

How do I know if I have Postpartum Depression or Anxiety?

Postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety can show up in many different ways. The symptoms of PPD are not always obvious and are sometimes difficult to detect when they first begin. In fact, postpartum disorders don’t always show up right after birth. Sometimes symptoms don’t appear right away. PPD symptoms may manifest as late as 6 months after birth. Regardless of when the symptoms begin, here are some common signs of postpartum depression:

Tearfulness, sadness, feeling “blah”
Easily overwhelmed
Difficulty sleeping
Excessive worry and guilt
Easily agitated
Anxiety
Uncontrollable rage
Trouble making decisions
Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

How to prepare for birth with postpartum depression in mind

The months leading up to birth are full of preparation. Rooms are made ready, maternity leave arranged, and you may even prepare your body with prenatal vitamins. If you have experienced depression or postpartum depression previously then you are at a greater risk of developing postpartum depression. This is a good time to learn how you rest and recharge. Work on communication with your partner and practice asking for & accepting help. When the baby comes, these skills will be helpful.

If you are experiencing depression or anxiety before birth, find a counselor who works specifically with women. Prenatal counseling can help you navigate the stress and worries of childbirth. Your counselor will help you learn positive coping skills to manage the months ahead.

What is Self Care for Postpartum?

Self-care is different for everyone. When seeking out self-care, check-in with how you are feeling. The best activities will leave you feeling refreshed and recharged. You don’t have to spend a lot of time or money to take care of yourself. Whether you have 10 minutes or a few hours, here are some self-care ideas to get you thinking in the right direction:

While the baby sleeps, step outside and take some deep breaths. Notice the warmth of the sun, drink some tea, or close your eyes for a short meditation or catnap.
Cozy up on the couch and read a good book or do something that feels like it’s just for you. Watch that cheesy rom-com and revel in the “me time”.
Find 10 minutes a day to meditate. Whether you are listening to a guided meditation on simply closing your eyes and focusing on your breath, this is a time to practice disconnecting from the busyness of your mind and the responsibilities of the day. It’s okay if your mind wanders, just notice the thoughts and come back to your meditation.
If you can’t bring yourself to disconnect and relax, try journaling. You can write about your thoughts and fears, or even make a list of all the things you think you need to do. Regardless of what you journal, it is therapeutic to get the thoughts out of your head and on paper. If you wrote down a to-do list, take a second pass and prioritize according to what will make the most impact on your daily life or cross out the items that aren’t essential. Give yourself permission to be selective of how you want to spend your time.
Take a shower, put on real clothes (or at least your nicer pairs of yoga pants!). You don’t have to find time for the whole get-ready process. If you only have time to put your hair into a nicer bun and put on a new comfy outfit, that’s okay. You are taking the time to take care of yourself, and you will feel better for it.
Take a walk with the baby in a stroller. Listen to music, a podcast, or just enjoy the scenery; the goal here is to connect with what brings you joy and peace.
If you have older kids, plan a playdate. Let the kids keep each other company while you talk with another mama in your same life stage.

You’re not alone in your postpartum journey

If you are struggling with guilt and worry and you don’t know how you can keep going on and taking care of your new baby, you are likely experiencing Postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a result of hormonal fluctuations and the many changes and new responsibilities that come along with having a new baby. It’s not your fault. There is help, and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. The first thing you should do is let your partner or another adult know that you are struggling. If you can start practicing self-care, then make that a priority. But if you cannot, then start with a trip to your doctor or a counselor. Depending on your situation, postpartum depression and anxiety can be treated with medication and therapy. Your doctor and counselor will help you decide what route to take.

Everyone’s birth experience is different.

Both moms and dads can struggle with adjusting to life with a new baby, and it’s okay if you aren’t loving every minute of life with a newborn. Postpartum depression can make it difficult to bond with your baby. If you are struggling to connect with your baby, talk with your partner. Not only can they help you find outside help, but you may find that they are experiencing the same struggles. If you are struggling to find someone to connect with, call the National Postpartum Depression Warmline ( 1-800-PPD-MOMS). They are available 24-7 to listen and get you in touch with someone who can help.

How can a counselor help?

A counselor can help support you in many ways after childbirth. Whether you need a safe place to talk or you need help coming up with strategies to make life a little easier, counseling can help. Regular counseling appointments carve out time for you. During your counseling sessions, you and your mental health are the focus and goal.
If you are struggling, this quick 10 question quiz can help you determine if counseling is right for you. It’s important to remember that not all postpartum depression can be managed with therapy and the above tips. Sometimes medical or other interventions are necessary. You don’t have to figure it out on your own. Talk with your partner and find a counselor who can walk this journey with you.

What we offer here at The Well House Group in Southlake, TX

Here at The Well House Group, we are here for you in every part of life’s journey. Whether you are a new mom or you have been down this road before, we are here to provide you with the tools and support to create your best life. Couples counseling can be helpful if you are struggling to communicate with your partner.

We offer both in-person and online telehealth sessions for individual counseling and couples counseling. You can schedule a session with us today either in person or via telehealth connection by emailing us, texting us, or giving us a call today. Take back your postpartum journey with us here at The Wellhouse Group.

Academic Coaching | When School is Too Much

Classes, friends, and all the extracurriculars that it takes to ‘get ahead’ in life can leave you wondering how you are supposed to do it all. Without balance in your life, it can feel impossible. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Academic coaching can help.

Teachers, tutors, counselors, coaches. Soo many adults, so little time – and how do you know who to turn to for help? Teachers, teach you the material. They are a great first stop when you start struggling in school. They can help re-teach a concept or help you catch up with missing assignments. Tutors can help you when the subject is just too hard to figure out in the classroom. A tutor can help you re-learn tough concepts, work through homework, or study for a test.

Counselors, whether school counselors or those out in private practice, can help you with your mental health. If you are struggling with depression or anxiety, they are a great person to have on your team. Speaking of teams, we usually think of athletic coaches but there are also academic coaches. Academic coaches, like athletic ones, are there to help you reach your goals. An academic coach will help you identify what is and isn’t working with your school life. You will create goals and actionable steps to reach those goals. If your academic coach is also a counselor, then you get the best of both worlds. You get targeted strategies to meet your academic goals with the expertise to tend to your mental health along the way.

Why is Academic Coaching Beneficial?

With academic coaching at The Well House, we utilize a solution-oriented approach. We focus on the realistic goals that you set for yourself to create a path for success. When tackling a load of classwork, social pressures, and extracurriculars; it can feel like you are climbing a growing wall. As you are tackling one task, it seems like three more are coming your way including grades, parental expectations, and the demands of higher education.

Academic coaching is going to teach you how to not only climb that wall you are facing but prepare you to leap over it. Sometimes all you need is for someone to show you a better way to prioritize and organize the tasks in front of you. Academic coaches are partnering with you to create a plan that works for you. That is going to look a bit different for everyone. Some people are paralyzed by the stress of school. Working past that to a place where the workload in front of you is manageable and expectations are able to be met with vigor is a key strategy for these kinds of students. Just like we all learn a bit differently, coaches help you to find your strategy for facing the challenges ahead.

Once you have mastered the academic portion, you can also move beyond to tackle some of the harder issues that are holding you back from living your best life. It is often found that underneath the academic issues, there are real-life issues as well. Whether you are dealing with past trauma, current trauma, or just want to feel more in control, our counselors can help you to gain the confidence and resources to face it all. These are all things that someone qualified to teach or tutor may not have the resources to handle. Academic coaching addresses the whole person rather than just the school-centered mind.

Reasons You May Need Academic Coaching

It is a struggle to keep up with the classwork

Classwork can become overwhelming quickly. Unfortunately, when we are overwhelmed, it is easy to procrastinate while panicking. This snowballs to create an even bigger stressor every time you think about it. The good news is, that stress is manageable when you are working with a counselor. They are there to teach you ways to manage your academic-related stressors.

We can help you to come up with a plan to tackle that snowball one piece at a time. Helping you to break it down into bite-sized pieces allows the pressure to become more manageable. Maybe you’ve gotten behind a bit because of an illness or your extracurriculars are making it difficult to find a balance. Balance is the key to living a life this is fulfilled. Counselors are there to help you achieve the life you desire, and move beyond YouTube breathing techniques.

You are feeling a rise in anxiety surrounding classwork

That being said, anxiety creates a physical response in the body that can be hard to overcome without some techniques. You feel your heart start to race, your breathing quickens, and your muscles are tightening in preparation for your response to stress. The human body has a hard time differentiating between a physical threat to you and a mental stressor. Your body is telling you to either run, freeze, or fight. How does that translate into your work in school? This lends itself to procrastination, avoidance, and poor performance.

Recognizing when you are starting to become anxious is the first step to overcoming those physical responses. A therapist can work with you to help reframe those stress triggers in a way that you can de-escalate those physical responses in a way that is manageable. When you are able to take back control over your body, it is that much easier to tackle the classwork that is coming your way.

You are capable of doing well in school with all the right tools.

You are looking for direction when it comes to higher education

Searching for the right university or college program for you is extraordinarily overwhelming. It can feel like your entire life is going to be determined with this one single decision. It can also feel like the program that you choose is a definition of who you are for the rest of your days. If you want to know a secret, most people have no clue who they are and what they want to be when they grow up even after they’ve been working in the ‘real world’ for years. Self-discovery is a constant journey.

Choosing your college takes a heavy bit of introspection. Small or large; private or public; arts or science? Working with a counselor can help you to answer the necessary questions involved in this decision for yourself. We can’t tell you what to do with your life, but we can help guide you down the right path for you. Academic coaching can help you ask the right questions rather than all the generic questions that are coming your way.

You are overwhelmed and losing interest in school

When you feel buried by all the work and information that school flings your way, it is easy to lose interest entirely and want to give up. Giving up may seem easy at the time, but it makes for hardships later on. This is the time to reach out to people you trust to let them know how you are feeling. It can make it even worse to feel alone and discouraged. Reaching out to those people doesn’t make you weak or dumb. It means you are taking back control of your life and the way you feel.

Taking with a counselor during academic coaching will help you to understand why you are feeling the way you are. Through targeted questioning, we can guide you to finding solutions to the problems that seem too hard for you at the moment right now. It’s about small steps every day to create a life that is better for you. Not only can you be doing better in school, but you can also find fulfillment in it as well. There are no guarantees that we can make school as interesting as those other hobbies you love, but we can help you reframe it to make it less annoying and tedious.

Parents, how you may be contributing to your child’s stress

As much as we love our kids, it is hard not to put undue pressure on their academic performance and life choices. You obviously want the best for their life and their future, but have you taken a step back to wonder if the way that you are approaching that is stressing them out more than necessary? Every child dreads feeling like a failure in the eyes of the people they love the most.

So, that then begs the question: as a parent, how can you help your child when they are struggling with their academic performance and overall satisfaction with their education? One step would be to put them in the best position possible to heal themselves. Take some of the pressure off from your side by letting them know that you will be there for them even when things are not going the way we planned. Listen actively to how they are feeling about school and watch for signs of stress in your child. Make sure you are leaving them time to have a social life. Developing those skills will help them to cope now and create a healthy future in their relationships.

Bringing them into a counseling practice for academic coaching can also let them know that there are more resources out there than just extra tutoring time. Grades are often a reflection of a child’s mental state as well as their learning journey. When they do come to you with a report that contains less than ideal scores, ask them how they are doing. Stress and anxiety can cause major deviations in performance. Communicating to your child that their mental state is an important part of who they are means that they are more likely to check in with themselves as well rather than just letting it go unattended.

Communication with your child

Be truly empathetic and non-confrontational

When commuting with your child when it comes to grades, you are often addressing them in a moment of personal crisis. Here are some tips to let you better communicate. First and foremost, it is better to approach them in an empathetic and non-confrontational manner. They are likely to think that you are only going to be disappointed by their underperformance. When you come to them from a place of understanding, they are more likely to really and truly connect honestly with you.

Oftentimes, this will allow you to work your way to the root of the issue rather than addressing surface-level issues. You can go from “I never get any sleep” to “I’m so stressed out about graduating and facing adult life that I am unable to shut down at night.” These are two related issues, but you can see how the first has an obvious answer (go to bed earlier) and the second means that your teen could use the help of a counselor.

Find things to praise your child for

Another way to keep the conversation constructive is to find moments to praise your child. Maybe they are struggling with their academic performance, but they are over performing in other ways. Finding those little moments for them to feel valued and appreciated can help to facilitate their openness to a way to address larger issues. At the same time, allow there to be pauses in the conversation for your child to really think about their responses. Forcing them to solve their own issues right away may not be realistic since they themselves may not even really know why they are having a hard time.

Seek a third party to help them open up

If your child is unable to communicate those frustrations and issues with you as a parent, academic counseling is a great place for them to explore the issue for themselves. Working through it on their own can be less embarrassing sometimes than talking through it with you when they are feeling the pressure of underperformance. Either way, it may be beneficial for you as a parent to seek out some support of your own. Parent coaching, like academic coaching, is a great place to find resources on how to handle the stress that comes with being a parent to all ages of children.

How The Well House Group can help you

Here in Southlake, TX we have all the resources you can need to get back on your feet. Whether we can help you with stress management strategies, create a better balance in your life, and give you help when deciding the direction for higher education. What’s best about our academic coaching is that we are your partner. As counselors, we are able to address any higher issues that present themselves during our time together. For parents, we also offer parent coaching to help you be the best equipped to help your child.

Our counseling practice is also able to provide you with in-person academic coaching as well with our HIPAA secure telehealth connection. For those students with schedules that are harder to manage between academics, extracurriculars, and sports; online counseling means it is that much easier for you to seek out help.

Schedule a consultation with us today so that we can get started on making your academic life more manageable. You can schedule with us via text, phone call, or email. School doesn’t have to be miserable. Let us help you experience success again.

Young Adult Therapy | When it gets real, get real help.

As a young adult, counseling in Southlake, TX may be the last thing on your mind. You step out into the world feeling like everything is new and fresh and also overwhelming. There are new friends, new jobs, maybe moving out on your own, and all kinds of other new experiences. All of these challenges can be exhilarating at their best and exhausting at their worst. We turn to friends for comfort and support but they do not always have the answers that we need. That is where young adult therapy can help!

An online therapist in Southlake, TX can be like a best friend – except they are confidential, knowledgeable, and have been there before. They are kind, honest, and will turn the mirror back on you to help you grow and change. A counselor is never afraid to bring up the hard stuff. Unlike a best friend, when you are working with a counselor the focus is always on you and your needs. Whatever your struggle, counselors are impartial and capable of handling whatever you are going through. Even if you aren’t actively struggling with trauma, anxiety, or depression; a counselor can help. When you are looking to grow and learn about yourself, young adult therapy is the perfect place to do so.

Fresh out in the world

It seems like there is a massive push for everyone to grow up and become an “adult”. Maybe you are finally on your own and it hits you, “I am so not equipped to be here.” Whether you are doing your taxes for the first time or realizing how uncomfortable it is to be on your own, there is no escaping the transition from teenager to adult. The good news is that it does get easier as time goes on. The first time you go to an interview or figure out your finances is always the hardest. There is just soo much you don’t know… yet! It’s downright overwhelming when you are going through all these transitions at the same time. If you are also navigating tough emotions or mental health challenges, then it can even feel more challenging. While time can help with the newness, a counselor can make the transition easier. You don’t have to navigate these times alone – especially if your mental health is suffering – find a counselor you connect with. We can help.

Brand New Jobs

How many times has someone asked you “what do you want to do when you grow up?” Probably a lot. Everyone, including you, is wondering where you’re heading and what you plan to do. Even though it is the natural progression of things, it doesn’t make it any less daunting. Sooner or later you will end up working your first job, and you may find yourself wondering – “Is this IT?” While you may have worked in high school or through college, this job feels different. It’s a real job.. Like a career job. Talk about daunting. There is so much to consider and figure out about life. So much time was spent on getting to this point, and if you are feeling underwhelmed, overwhelmed, or less than satisfied; a counselor in Southlake, TX can help. You don’t have to have all the answers. In fact, you don’t even have to know all the questions. If you know how you are feeling, a therapist can help you sort out the rest. Young adult therapy can help to reconcile how you are coping with your career goals and your own life.

Brand New Friends

Sometimes change comes easily, and sometimes it’s hard. As you grow and find your way in the world, your friendships will follow suit. You will be meeting new people and interacting in new ways. It’s a little intimidating and awkward to figure out how to make friends in a new place. Old relationships may not work in the context of your new life, and it can be difficult when these relationships fade. How do you know when a relationship has run its course? And how do you connect with new people as an adult?

Counseling is a place to work through your relationships, both new and old. Relating to others as an adult can mean stepping out of your comfort zone to meet new people. Counselors at the Well House Group can help you navigate relationships and live a fuller life.

Brand New Places

When leaving college or home, you may find yourself in a new place. Whether you are living an hour or two away from your childhood home or you’ve moved across the country, it’s common to feel isolated in a new place. Finding a way to plug into your community can seem like an impossible task all on your own. A therapist in Southlake, TX can provide comfort and support during these transitional times. Together, you will explore ways to connect and meet people in your new community.

Even if you are moving to a new place with your partner, you will want to make new connections with others outside the relationship. Your partner cannot meet all of your social needs, and you will both benefit from diverse experiences outside of the relationship – much like you did before the move. Ease the transition by talking with a counselor on strategies for engagement and how to learn to love the new place that you will call home.

Feelings of failure

Young adulthood includes college students too. Whether you are working your first adult job or you are in college, burnout and fatigue are common. Society has expectations, parents provide pressure, and your peers always seem to be doing something better or farther along. Pressure comes from all angles, and it’s exhausting to try and keep up. If you are struggling with fear of failure, a counselor can help you keep things in perspective. Don’t wait until you burn out or break. It’s possible to move forward in life without stress and anxiety. A counselor can help you learn to listen to your own intuition or inner knowing. When you find this inner voice, it will be easier to tune out anything else that doesn’t align.

The trajectory of your life is going to look very different from the people around you – and it should! You are uniquely you, and all your successes and failures are gearing you up for something great!

Learning to cope with that failure and finding peace in who you are is important in becoming an adult.

Discovering where you fit

This is where it gets juicy. Everything always comes down to you – who you are and what you want. In fact, this journey of self-discovery isn’t always smooth, but a therapist in Southlake, TX can help buffer along the way. You may not know it now, but you were made to do something awesome. That definition of awesome is entirely up to you. When you were a kid, your parents defined what you did and how you did it. Now, it’s your turn to decide. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or any other mental health challenge, this can seem entirely overwhelming. Your mental health struggles don’t have to postpone your journey. Also, your mental health is a part of your story, and the skills and strengths you develop during these tough times will be a testament to your strength and ability to overcome. Whatever your story, make it yours.

Finding your place isn’t always easy or intuitive. A young adult counselor can help you on that journey. Counseling is a place to share your deepest worries and your greatest triumphs. Your counselor will provide empathy and expertise as you find yourself.

Young Adult Therapy Can Help You Build Stronger Relationships

Are all your friends getting married or pairing up in committed relationships? Tis the season! But it’s not so merry for some. Finding the right partner isn’t easy. Especially if you are struggling with anxiety or depression, it’s hard to think about something so long-term. It is perfectly fine if you are not ready. For those who are still wondering or not so sure, these years are a great time to explore your interests. Do things you enjoy doing. Explore and live a life entirely on your terms. Get to know yourself. Whether or not you meet someone in the process isn’t the point. Having fun and getting to know what you like and don’t like is.

Maybe you already know this; but in case you don’t, relationships are never, ever going to be perfect. Whether you are cultivating deeper friendships or striving to build a future with a committed partner, all relationships provide us the opportunity to work on ourselves. This may be the first time you are exploring your stuff and realizing how the past has affected you. A counselor in Southlake, TX can help you sort through the challenges and find healthy ways to relate to the important people in your life.

Parental relationships change during this time as well

Even as you grow and become more independent, you will always be your parents’ child. The relationship with your parents has been shifting and changing for a while now. It’s normal and totally okay if you are having a tough time navigating these changes – or maybe it’s your parents who are having the tough time! However things are going for you, you will need to learn new ways to communicate with your parents.

It’s easy to revert back to childish ways when talking with parents, but these old ways of communicating aren’t going to be effective. As you learn new ways to communicate your needs and feelings, it may be helpful to get clear on what you want before having the conversation. A therapist can help you get clear on your needs and find the right words when talking with your parents.

How can we help you in young adult therapy in Southlake, TX?

There are so many things going on in your life right now, and you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. These years are special and full of opportunity, but they aren’t without struggle. The counselors at the Well House are trained to help you achieve your goals. Let us help you with your journey of self-discovery, relationship management, and communication skills.

Alongside our young adult therapy, we also offer career coaching for young adults. Finding a job that you like and enjoy doesn’t come naturally for most people. Balance and fulfillment are possible, and a counselor can help you find your way.

Other services you may be interested in include:

Parent coaching, therapy for moms, EMDR therapy, EMDR for peak performance, postpartum support, marriage counseling, and couples therapy, and teen therapy. Alongside our regular office, preparing for the rest of your life has never been easier and more accessible than ever – The Well House offers sessions both in-person and online therapy in Texas. Our HIPAA-approved connection means that you and everything that you share is safe within each session. We are excited to help you find balance, purpose, and joy in life as you ultimately, reconnect with yourself and find freedom. Call now!

EMDR Therapy | What is It & How Does it Work?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a dynamic tool that is helpful for many different concerns. EMDR therapy can help those who have suffered past traumas. It can also address persistent thoughts that are getting in the way of your goals and happiness. The EMDR Peak Performance Protocol can even help you maximize your performance and push beyond your current limits. In short, EMDR helps you rewire your brain so that you can more easily reach your goals – whatever they may be.

What makes EMDR therapy in Texas work?

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing or EMDR is a technique that allows the brain to rewire the way it thinks and perceives memories. Most often, this is in response to a traumatic event or a series of repeated traumas. When our bodies encounter something traumatic, our fear response is triggered. Then, when the fear response is on, the amygdala turns on and we react in one of three ways: fight, flight, or freeze. During these moments, our memories become jumbled and the brain has a tough time distinguishing the dangerous memories from the safe ones.

When our brain processes the traumatic memory and everything is jumbled. The memory and anything else associated with it will become a trigger for the emotions we are experiencing during the event. This is why our body can have such a visceral response to certain memories. Once the memory has been stored, the body doesn’t discriminate – whether you are recalling an awkward moment from 6th grade math class or a traumatic event, the body will remember and experience emotions that are in line with the way it was processed the first time.

EMDR therapy works by eliciting these memories and utilizing eye movement to reprocess the memories. You can do this with eye movements, tapping, or other less-visual methods. Over the course of each session, the mind will respond less and less to the memory or the thought. You are essentially re-learning how to think about and process memory.

EMDR allows the brain to untangle the original memories and associated emotions/beliefs. This untangling allows the person to remember the experience without re-triggering old survival responses.

EMDR will change the experience of the memory itself.

How do we know EMDR works?

EMDR is heavily researched and studied. Since its creation by psychologist Francine Shapiro around 1989, over 20,000 practitioners have been trained to perform EMDR. The American Psychological Association has a great collection of case studies demonstrating the efficacy of EMDR. At the Well House, many lives changed have been as a result of the EMDR protocols.

Who are the best candidates for EMDR Therapy in Southlake, TX?

Depending on your situation, you can use EMDR in conjunction with traditional talk therapy or in place of talk therapy. Many EMDR studies have been with individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Since its inception in the 1980s, therapists use many treatment protocols to treat a variety of needs beyond PTSD. EMDR can help with:

Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
Chronic Illness and medical issues
Depression and bipolar disorders
Dissociative disorders
Eating disorders
Grief and loss
Pain
Performance anxiety
Personality disorders
PTSD and other trauma and stress-related issues
Sexual assault
Sleep disturbance
Substance abuse and addiction
Violence and abuse

Another use for EMDR Therapy: Peak Performance Protocol

EMDR for performance works in your mind to identify and reprogram the negative emotions and beliefs that are holding you back. The EMDR for Peak Performance protocol takes these principles and applies them towards amplifying your performance potential. Whether you are an athlete looking to get an edge on your competition or an entrepreneur looking to maximize your mind, EMDR therapy in Texas is a great way to do so. Emotions can hold us back in ways that we never even knew.

If you struggle with performance anxiety or have difficulty speaking in front of any large group of people, you likely have some negative beliefs running in the background of your mind. The EMDR for Peak Performance protocol can help you break down the fears and resistance to public speaking. Your counselor will walk you through a process that begins with identifying the negative beliefs and fears that are holding you back.

When finished with the peak performance protocol, you will have a new way of seeing yourself.

You will feel confident and no longer fear public speaking and will be able to perform at your best no matter the situation.

For athletes, past injuries can lead to hesitation and can get in the way of you performing at the highest level. When you get to a certain level in your sport, the difference between good and great often comes down to your mental game. The Peak Performance protocol will strategically target the areas that are holding you back. By working with an EMDR therapist, you will begin to think differently and perform better.

What do we offer for Online EMDR Therapy in Texas or at our office in Southlake?

The counselors at The Well House are trained to work with you using EMDR therapy techniques for anything from trauma recovery to peak performance EMDR therapy. We partner with you to help you overcome your past and to create your future. With the right support, anything is possible. Learn more about us today and contact us via text, phone call, or email to get you started on the path to better living.

Begin EMDR Therapy in Southlake, TX

If you’re dealing with performance anxiety or trauma, then working with a caring EMDR therapist can help you. Our Southlake, Texas counseling group has caring therapists who specialize in online EMDR Therapy in Texas, or in-person in our Southlake, TX office. To begin your counseling journey, follow these simple steps:

Text, call or email The Well House
Meet with one of our skilled therapists
Start living your life in a more fulfilling way free from anxiety and healing from trauma!

Other Mental Health Services at The Well House

EDMR Therapy in Texas isn’t the only service we offer in our South Lake, TX counseling group. Other services include therapy for moms, parent coaching, EMDR for peak performance, therapy for teens, postpartum support for moms, academic coaching, career coaching for young adults, marriage counseling and couples therapy, young adult therapy, and for LPC Interns and Associates looking to complete their licensure requirements we offer clinical supervision in Texas. All of our services are offered via online therapy in Texas and we have limited in-person options. When you’re ready, begin therapy and start living in a healthy and more fulfilling way.