Diane K. Georges, LMHC, LPC, MSW, BC-TMH
Let me start by telling you a bit about me: I love anxiety.
Yes, you read that right. Stick with me on this one.
Anxiety is our brain’s way of protecting us from threats. It’s our built-in security system and it usually works pretty well.
Anxiety prevents us from walking into oncoming traffic, helps us avoid touching a hot stove without an oven mitt, keeps us from wandering into a sleeping bear’s den… you get the picture.
But sometimes, the brain gets a little too enthusiastic. It starts trying to protect us from things that don’t actually threaten our survival and can mistake harmless things (like our own thoughts, assumptions, or expectations) for threats. This causes our brain to issue security “false alarms” that lead to unnecessary and unhelpful anxiety and distress.
OCD and anxiety can make us feel like we need to be constantly prepared for “the other shoe to drop” or for something bad to be lurking just around the corner.
It can also take the form of worrying about whether or not you did the wrong thing, that you offended someone, or that you just didn’t do enough.
Do you ever find yourself actively avoiding situations or encounters that have made you feel anxious before? Are you spending time trying to mentally block out intrusive thoughts? Are you regularly asking others for reassurance that you did the right thing? Would you describe yourself as an “overthinker?”
This can be so exhausting. It’s no wonder you’re feeling worn out!
What would it look like if your anxiety wasn’t always taking the driver’s seat? How would your life change?
Would you be able to spend more time with friends and family? Would you be kinder to yourself? Would it open you up to having more meaningful experiences?
OCD and anxiety can make you feel like you’re not in control. It’s that heart-in-your-throat sinking feeling that can grab you when you least expect it.
What if you experienced that less frequently?
My job isn’t to try to convince you that nothing bad will ever happen or help you find the perfect answer to those “what if” questions. Instead, we’ll look at the patterns that keep OCD and anxiety going and change the way you respond to intrusive thoughts and uncomfortable feelings, instead of continuing to fight against them.
I use proven and effective approaches, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I’ve received training from the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), the Beck Institute, The Cognitive Behavior Institute, and the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS), among others.
I’m an OCD and anxiety therapist who works with adults. Sessions with me are active and practical (with a little bit of humor thrown in!). I’ll listen, ask questions, and always let you know why we’re doing what we’re doing, but I’ll also challenge you when OCD or anxiety is pulling you away from the things that matter to you.
Treatment is always specific to you and together we’ll find the right pace toward helping you reach your therapy goals.
