Reclaiming Your Peace of Mind
Anxiety can feel like a constant, unwelcome companion—a persistent hum of worry that disrupts your thoughts, steals your joy, and impacts your daily life. While occasional anxiety is a normal part of the human experience, for many in St. George and beyond, it can become overwhelming, affecting everything from work and school to relationships and personal well-being. The good news is that you don’t have to navigate these challenging feelings alone. Professional anxiety counseling offers a supportive, evidence-based path toward understanding your anxiety and developing the tools to manage it effectively.
At S&S Counseling, we provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space for individuals and families to find healing and build resilience. Understanding the first step is often the hardest, this guide is designed to shed light on anxiety, how counseling can help, and how to find the right support right here in our Southern Utah community.
Understanding Anxiety: More Than Just Worry
Everyone experiences stress and worry. However, a clinical anxiety disorder is different. It’s characterized by intense, excessive, and persistent fear or worry about everyday situations. These feelings can be difficult to control, are out of proportion to the actual danger, and can last a long time, significantly interfering with daily life.
Common Signs and Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder
Psychological Symptoms
- Persistent, uncontrollable worrying
- Feeling restless, irritable, or “on edge”
- Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
- A sense of impending danger or doom
- Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
Physical Symptoms
- Increased heart rate or palpitations
- Muscle tension and aches
- Fatigue or feeling easily tired
- Trembling, sweating, or shortness of breath
- Stomach problems, nausea, or dizziness
Anxiety can manifest in various ways, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety, and Phobias. Identifying your specific symptoms is a crucial first step toward finding the right treatment.
How Professional Counseling Can Help Manage Anxiety
Therapy is one of the most effective ways to manage anxiety. A trained counselor provides a safe, supportive environment to explore the root causes of your worries and develop personalized coping strategies. Beyond just talking, therapy equips you with practical tools to challenge negative thought patterns and change your behavioral responses to anxiety triggers.
At S&S Counseling, our therapists are skilled in various evidence-based approaches. Through Individual Therapy, you can work one-on-one to understand your unique experience with anxiety. We also utilize specialized techniques like:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A highly effective approach that helps you identify, challenge, and reframe the negative thought patterns that fuel anxiety.
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): EMDR is a powerful therapy that helps the brain reprocess traumatic or disturbing memories that can be at the root of anxiety symptoms. By using bilateral stimulation, like guided eye movements, it can reduce the emotional distress associated with these memories.
Anxiety doesn’t just affect individuals; it can also strain relationships and family dynamics. That’s why we also offer couples counseling and teen counseling to address anxiety within the context of your most important relationships.
Did You Know?
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders worldwide. In the United States, an estimated 19.1% of adults have had an anxiety disorder in the past year.
Globally, women are more likely to be affected by anxiety disorders than men.
Despite being highly treatable, only about one in four people with an anxiety disorder receive any form of treatment.
Finding Anxiety Support in St. George, Utah
Living in St. George provides a unique and beautiful environment, but it also comes with its own set of stressors—from rapid community growth and social pressures to the demands of work and family life. Seeking local support means connecting with a therapist who understands the context of our community and can provide relevant, accessible care.
Choosing a local counselor ensures that you have a partner in your mental health journey who is invested in the well-being of our Southern Utah community. At S&S Counseling, we are proud to offer inclusive and evidence-based counseling services across our offices in St. George, Hildale, Hurricane, and Cedar City. We believe that everyone deserves to find peace and live a fulfilling life, free from the constraints of anxiety.
Take the First Step Toward a Calmer You
If you are struggling with anxiety, know that help is available and you are not alone. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength. The caring team at S&S Counseling is here to listen and guide you on your path to healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my anxiety is serious enough for counseling?
If your anxiety is affecting your daily life—your job, relationships, sleep, or ability to enjoy things—it’s a good time to consider counseling. Therapy can provide support and strategies whether your symptoms feel mild, moderate, or severe.
What can I expect in my first anxiety counseling session?
Your first session is primarily a chance for you and your therapist to get to know each other. You’ll discuss what brought you to counseling, your symptoms, your history, and your goals. It’s a confidential, collaborative conversation designed to build a foundation of trust.
How long does therapy for anxiety take?
The duration of therapy varies for each person. Some people find relief and develop effective coping skills in a few months, while others may benefit from longer-term support. Your therapist will work with you to create a plan that meets your specific needs and goals.
Is anxiety counseling confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapy. Everything you discuss with your counselor is kept private, except in specific situations where there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, which your therapist will explain to you.
Glossary of Terms
Anxiety Disorder: A group of mental health conditions characterized by significant feelings of anxiety and fear. Unlike mild, brief anxiety, an anxiety disorder is persistent and can worsen over time.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A type of talk therapy that helps individuals identify and change destructive or disturbing thought patterns that have a negative influence on behavior and emotions.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): A structured therapy that encourages the patient to briefly focus on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion of the memory.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a number of different things. People with GAD may anticipate disaster and be overly concerned about money, health, family, work, or other issues.