We’ve all been nervous, worried, had stage fright, or been generally afraid. It’s a natural response to many stimuli that has been a part of human nature for millions of years. Our body experiences fear and anxiety to encourage us to respond and protect ourselves from potential dangers. What happens if these stress or fear-based reactions are happening all the time even without immediate cause? When this is the case, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. There are many different forms of anxiety disorders from separation anxiety to phobias. Anxiety disorder is a general phrase used to describe a group of mental, emotional, and behavioral conditions that can inhibit your ability to perform routine daily tasks. Everyone is different, and their assessment and treatments for anxiety disorders will be too. We are happy to offer both diagnosis and counseling services for people struggling with anxiety disorders.
Do I Have an Anxiety Disorder?
There are four main types of anxiety disorder – panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder. Each form of this condition has its own unique symptoms and warning signs, but some of the symptoms that are shared across all types of anxiety disorders include:
- Frequent feeling of panic or unease without a specific cause
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep and nightmares
- Inability to relax or sit still
- Extremities that feel numb, cold, or tingly
- Shortness of breath, gasping, or difficulty breathing
- Increased heart rate or heart palpitations
- “Cotton” mouth dryness or reduced saliva production
- Upset stomach, cramps, or nausea
- Muscle tension, aches, and pains
- Chronic headaches or migraines
- Dizziness or difficulty focusing your eyes
How are Anxiety Disorders Diagnosed?
Many people with anxiety disorders seek treatment from a medical professional due to the numerous, physical symptoms associated with these disorders. If no medical cause is found, the physician may then refer their patients to a trusted psychologist for evaluation and assessment. If you seek treatment for anxiety disorder from our team before you visit a medical professional, we may want to work with your general healthcare provider to complete tests to eliminate any potential medical conditions that could be contributing to your anxiety disorder. If all potential medical conditions are ruled out, one of our psychologists will sit down with you to review your healthy and psychological history, discuss the symptoms you’re experiencing, and help you to determine whether or not you should continue treatment for anxiety disorder.
Who Offers Assessment & Counseling for Anxiety Disorders?
Many of our skilled practitioners are familiar with anxiety disorders, and they’re happy to offer diagnosis and counseling services to help those who are suffering with anxiety disorders. The following practitioners will be happy to help you with assessment and therapy services for anxiety disorders:
she specializes in 8 – 25 yr olds.
Dr. Jennifer Spillman
Ms. Spillman is a Licensed Professional Counselor and current practicum student at Grace Psychological Services. She has more than a decade of counseling experience under her belt, and she focuses on helping adults struggling with trauma, violence, and abuse. She also regularly provides counseling options for people struggling with anxiety disorders.
Laura Stark
Laura Stark is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and is one of approximately 300 therapists in the United States that is certified in Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT). Laura obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Texas and completed a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling from Amberton University in 1997. She became a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) in 2007 and works with practicum students earning their masters as well as Licensed Professional Counselor Interns (LPC-I) to educate and mentor new counselors in the field.
Lauren Prince
Lauren is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (#58835) with specialties in Family Counseling and Trauma Treatment. She has a background in utilizing Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) to support parents and children in their healing process.
Jennifer Diaz
Jennifer is a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling. Jennifer has enjoyed working with children and families in educational and mental health settings for 13 years and has been a counselor for 7 years. Jennifer Diaz is an experienced licensed clinician who is an extremely empathetic and great listener. Jennifer believes that processing one’s traumatic experiences, regulating emotions, and learning daily coping skills builds one’s resiliency and improves one’s quality of life immensely.
Melissa James
Melissa is a Pre-doctoral Intern, under the supervision of Dr. Charles Hallmark, PhD and Dr. Gracie Reyes-McDonald, PhD. Melissa holds a Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and a Master’s of Science in Psychology with a concentration in child and adolescent development. She is CISM trained, FBI Resiliency Trained, EMDR Trained, CCTP Trained, CATP Trained, and Telemedicine Certified.
Tiffany Keith
Tiffany is a Licensed Professional Counselor and is a current first responder. She comes from a family full of Veterans and First Responders. Tiffany specializes in helping fellow First Responders, Veterans, and their family members while understanding the limitations of shift work schedules for clients. As a mother, Tiffany also has a fondness for working with young children in a play therapy setting. She works with ages 4 years+.
Blaine Cordova
Blaine Cordova is a Licensed Psychological Associate (#39578) and Psychometrist at Grace Psychological Services, PLLC, under the supervision of Dr. Reyes-McDonald. He received his Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Psychology degrees from Sam Houston State University. During his Master’s degree, he completed training in conducting psychological assessments and providing evidence-based treatment.
What Happens During Counseling for Anxiety Disorders?
Counseling for anxiety disorders may include cognitive behavior therapy, stress reduction methods, and other techniques. Every person is different, and our skilled clinicians will work with you to develop a plan to help you address anxiety disorders. Our goal is to help those struggling with anxiety disorders to lead healthy lives filled with joy and a full range of emotions without experiencing chronic feelings of anxiety.
How do I Get Started?
When you’re ready to start making changes to your daily life, the Grace Psychological Services team is here to help. We offer assessment and counseling services for kids, teens, and adults struggling with anxiety disorders in The Woodlands, Spring, the Greater Houston area, Harris County, throughout the state, and beyond. Give our office a call to find out more or schedule an appointment with one of our skilled clinicians.