Stuck in a cycle of anxiety? You’re not alone, and you’re not doomed to be there forever. 

Did you know that humans seek what is familiar, because familiarity is comfortable? Even if what is familiar is not what is best for you. When we are comfortable, our brain signals to our nervous system that we are safe. This ritual of what is safe becomes a memory, which our brain saves for future reference.  

When we try to make changes (even if the change is enticing) our subconscious mind bellows, Absolutely not! We’re staying right here! The potential change signals to our nervous system that we are facing danger.  Instead of taking action, we often ruminate on what’s wrong, which gives the illusion that we’re making a change. It essentially takes the place of novelty and challenge that our brains so desperately crave. 

This is not to say that anxiety is a cakewalk, or something we can just “get over.”  It is debilitating. The caveat here is that often the tools, skills and thought patterns we engage can be what’s keeping us stuck. They keep us from moving out of this vicious cycle and being present in the good. Our brain-body connection is unbelievably powerful. Caroline Unruh assists clients in harnessing this power. She uses a holistic, biopsychosocial (meaning the combination of mental, biological and environmental factors) approach to challenge unhelpful thought patterns and self-defeating behaviors. She assists in identifying coping and self-soothing skills that will help move you through the discomfort of change.  

I believe this process makes us unstoppable and fully invested in a happier, peaceful life. I have been treating and researching anxiety since 2016. I have lived it myself. I am aware of how completely life-altering it can be. I meet clients with empathy, patience and kindness. I ensure that therapy goes at a pace comfortable for my clients. I know that staying in a cycle of anxiety keeps us from meeting our true selves. Isn’t it exciting that maybe you haven't met the best version of yourself yet? I look forward to meeting them, too.