Beneath your smile, there’s a different story altogether
Many people in your life would be surprised if they knew what was going on under the surface. You’re a master of the art of adapting - as long as you can remember, you’ve straddled at least two different cultural worlds, and to all appearances it’s effortless. Yet constantly adjusting to try and please everyone and fit into other people’s boxes has become exhausting. And you’re hyper conscious about the bits you can’t hide, maybe your accent or appearance, with each passing comment on them feeling like a stinging jab that you don’t really belong. You worry that you’ll never be enough for any ‘side’, no matter how hard you try. Your inner critic is strong, and you find yourself picking yourself apart all, finding all the faults you think your different worlds see you failing at.
You world seems to be shrinking fast as you find yourself making excuses to avoid an increasing number of social situations. You’re missing birthday parties, family events, turning down dates, and just thinking about trying new things and meeting new people spikes your anxiety.
You find yourself lying awake at night with whirring thoughts. You’re worried about how you’ll meet all the family responsibilities and expectations on your shoulders. You think about how much your family sacrificed to give you the best start they could and you feel like you’re not living up to their hopes and dreams. And the microaggressions and obstacles you’re facing at work keep circling around your mind, making it hard to be truly present with whoever you’re with and whatever you’re doing, even after work.
Your anxiety is starting to show up in your body in ways that are increasingly hard to ignore. You may be experiencing digestive issues, heart palpitations, chest pains, spells of nausea or dizziness, or panic attacks. It feels like the anxiety is spiralling out of control and it’s becoming ever harder to fully function and bring yourself back.
how i can help
Therapy for anxiety can help you feel more peace navigating your worlds.
If you’re experiencing anxiety, you’re not alone. Nearly a third of adults in the U.S. reported anxiety symptoms in 2023.
Anxiety can stem from and manifest itself in particular ways for those us who are bicultural, multicultural, dual/mixed heritage, third culture, biracial, bilingual, or mutlilingual. Navigating multiple cultural words in work, family life, relationships, and everyday life doesn’t come with a roadmap and can rouse a range of anxieties.
Counseling can help when the anxiety feels like it’s starting to take on a mind of its own and having a detrimental impact on the life you want to lead. In counseling, you will find a non-judgemental space where you can explore and understand your anxieties with a therapist who gets it, and come away feeling better resourced to address them.
Together we can work to dial down your anxiety so that life feels not only more manageable, but more expansive and enjoyable.
Counseling for anxiety is right for you if you want…
To have the tools to calm your anxiety before it escalates, and soothe it quickly if it flares up.
To experience a calmer mind, free from the constant chatter of intrusive thoughts and self-criticism
To free yourself from the physical toll anxiety is taking on your body.
To feel better equipped to navigate the challenges and stressors of navigating multiple worlds, with healthy coping strategies and increased resilience.
I want you to know:
Anxiety does not need to control your life.
Let’s work together to dial down your anxiety, so you can feel back in the driving seat of your life and navigate your different worlds with greater ease. A more enjoyable, expansive life can be yours.
faqs
Commonly Asked Questions
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The duration of counseling really varies from person to person. For some, a few sessions are enough to reduce anxiety and provide effective coping. Others find it beneficial to explore more deeply where their anxiety stems from, with ongoing support to change their patterns over several months or longer for lasting change.
This will be a collaborative process and we can keep touching base on this to decide what's best for you.
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It's essential that all parts of you find space to be truly heard in counseling. Being fluently Spanish-English bilingual, you will be free to move between the languages as and when you wish. If you have a different language that you'd like to speak in, just let me know and we can arrange for an experienced interpreter to assist us.
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Schedule a free 10-minute consultation where we can discuss what had led you to seek counseling, and you can ask any questions you may have. If you feel ready, we will schedule your first session and set out on the path of empowering you to feel more anchored from within.
Ready to get started?