A women with her hand to face thinking in a therapy session.

Anxiety Therapy

IN LAWRENCE, KS

Anxiety therapy session at Fireside Counseling in Lawrence, Kansas

YOU’RE NOT THE ONLY ONE ANXIETY IS NORMAL

Anxiety isn’t the enemy—it’s part of being human. In fact, anxiety has long been an adaptive response, helping us recognize potential dangers and make necessary changes to stay safe. The problem isn’t anxiety itself, but how our modern, fast-paced lives interact with it. Our nervous systems haven’t evolved as quickly as our environments, leading us to misinterpret stress and uncertainty as threats, even when no real danger exists.

We all experience anxiety at some point—whether it’s about a career decision, an important conversation, or a major life transition. The key isn’t trying to eliminate anxiety altogether, but learning to recognize when it’s helpful and when it’s keeping you stuck.

YOU CAN LIVE WITH ANXIETY—WITHOUT LETTING IT CONTROL YOU

A man at a computer with hands to head feeling overwhelmed.

The internet is filled with advice on how to “get rid” of anxiety, but fighting it often makes it worse. What if the goal wasn’t to eliminate anxiety, but to learn how to live well alongside it?

Think about a time when a situation felt overwhelming. Maybe you tried controlling every detail, only to feel even more frustrated. What if, instead of trying to control anxiety, you learned how to make room for it, respond to it differently, and shift your focus to what truly matters? As John McCarthy once sang, “Let it be.”

In therapy for anxiety, we’ll work together to help you stop battling anxiety and start responding to it in a way that’s meaningful and productive. You’ll learn to identify when anxiety is showing up, evaluate what it’s telling you, and take action based on your values—not fear.

HOW ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT THERAPY (ACT) CAN HELP

I take an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approach to anxiety, which means we won’t focus on “fixing” or “getting rid of” anxiety—we’ll focus on understanding it, making space for it, and shifting your energy toward what truly matters.

We’ll begin by exploring your history with anxiety:

✔ What strategies have you used to manage, control, or avoid it?

✔ Have those strategies provided lasting relief, or have they made things worse over time?

Anxiety often thrives when we avoid uncomfortable emotions, thoughts, and sensations. It’s natural to seek relief—but sometimes, the very things we do to escape anxiety only strengthen its grip. Through open and compassionate exploration, we’ll identify the avoidance patterns that may be keeping you stuck.

Once we understand how anxiety operates in your life, we’ll work on:

✔ Cultivating acceptance—learning to sit with discomfort without judgment.

✔ Building psychological flexibility—adapting to life’s challenges instead of resisting them.

✔ Aligning your actions with your values—so anxiety no longer dictates your decisions.

Anxiety doesn’t have to control your life. By learning how to engage with it differently, you can stop feeling trapped by worry and start living in a way that reflects who you truly are.

COMMON CONCERNS ABOUT STARTING ANXIETY THERAPY

Anxiety therapy session at Fireside Counseling in Lawrence, Kansas

  • If I start therapy for this, won't it just mean that I’m not strong enough?

Not at all. Seeking therapy isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of self-awareness and strength. It takes courage to acknowledge when something isn’t working and to take steps toward change. Therapy isn’t about judgment—it’s about understanding yourself better, building resilience, and gaining tools that empower you to navigate life more effectively.

  • Finances are already tight, and I don’t know if I can afford it.

Cost is a valid concern, and I believe therapy should be as accessible as possible. I’m in-network with several insurance providers, and there are options like sliding-scale fees or community resources that may help. If affordability is a concern, let’s talk through what’s possible—I want you to get the support you need.

  • I’ve heard that therapy isn’t even that efficient.

Skepticism is understandable, especially if therapy is new to you or you’ve had a negative experience in the past. Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all—what works for one person might not work for another. My approach is to tailor treatment to your specific needs, using evidence-based methods like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and other modalities to help you see real progress. While therapy doesn’t offer quick fixes, it does provide a structured path toward long-term growth and change.

Take the first step toward a life free from anxiety. Call (913) 662-3627 or submit form to explore how treatment could work for you. This risk-free conversation is an opportunity to discuss your concerns and discover a path to a more fulfilling existence. Prioritize your well-being—your journey to a brighter future starts with a simple click to get in touch.”

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