Anxiety and Panic Disorders

Adult hugging pillow and burying head due to anxious feelings.

 
 

Find Relief from Anxiety and Panic Attacks

with Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy

Anxiety can feel like an unwelcome visitor, showing up uninvited and taking over your thoughts, body, and life. Maybe it feels like a constant buzz in the background, keeping you on edge. Or perhaps it comes as a sudden, overwhelming panic attack, leaving you feeling out of control and afraid. No matter how it shows up, anxiety is exhausting—and you don’t have to face it alone.

At Let’s Begin Therapy, I offer compassionate, evidence-based support for anxiety and panic attacks using Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. Together, we’ll uncover what’s fueling your anxiety, create a sense of internal safety, and guide you toward lasting recovery.

What Does Anxiety Feel Like?

Anxiety doesn’t look the same for everyone, but it often includes:

  • Physical symptoms: Rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, muscle tension, nausea, or sweating.

  • Emotional symptoms: Overwhelming worry, fear, or dread that feels impossible to shake.

  • Cognitive symptoms: Racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, or anticipating worst-case scenarios.

  • Behavioral symptoms: Avoiding certain situations, feeling "stuck," or developing habits to manage or mask your discomfort.

When anxiety becomes chronic or leads to panic attacks, it can disrupt your work, relationships, and well-being. You may feel isolated or powerless to change.

Understanding Anxiety Through Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Anxiety often emerges as a way to protect us, even though it doesn’t always feel that way. Internal Family Systems (IFS) offers a fresh perspective by helping us understand the different "parts" of ourselves that play a role in our anxiety.

How IFS Therapy Works

IFS is based on the idea that we all have a core Self—a calm, compassionate center capable of healing and leading. Surrounding this Self are different "parts," each with unique roles.

  • Protective parts may use anxiety to keep us safe from perceived harm or failure.

  • Vulnerable parts might carry fear, hurt, or pain from past experiences.

Instead of fighting against anxiety, IFS helps us get curious about its purpose. By gently exploring these parts, we can:

  1. Build internal safety: Create a space where your parts feel seen, heard, and understood.

  2. Reduce the intensity of anxiety: Help anxious parts trust your Self to take the lead.

  3. Address underlying wounds: Heal the fears or experiences that trigger anxiety.

A Compassionate Approach to Panic Attacks

Panic attacks can feel terrifying, as if your body is betraying you or something terrible is about to happen. IFS therapy offers a grounding, nonjudgmental way to approach these intense experiences.

During therapy, we’ll work to:

  • Identify the triggers or patterns behind your panic attacks.

  • Create a dialogue with the parts of you that activate during a panic episode.

  • Develop strategies for self-soothing and grounding when panic arises.

  • Build resilience so you feel confident facing future challenges.

Symptoms and Related Conditions I Can Help With

Anxiety and panic attacks often go hand-in-hand with other struggles. In therapy, we can also address:

  • Perfectionism or overachieving tendencies.

  • Social anxiety and fear of judgment.

  • Chronic stress and burnout.

  • Trauma or unresolved childhood experiences.

  • Intrusive thoughts or obsessive behaviors.

  • Sleep disturbances or fatigue linked to anxiety.

Why Choose IFS for Anxiety Treatment?

Many clients find IFS empowering because it shifts the focus from “fixing” anxiety to understanding and transforming it. Here’s what sets IFS apart:

  • Non-pathologizing: Anxiety isn’t your enemy—it’s a part of you trying to help.

  • Empowering: You’ll develop tools to work with your parts outside of therapy.

  • Holistic: We’ll address the root causes of your anxiety, not just the symptoms.

  • Collaborative: You’re in charge of your healing, with me as your guide.

What to Expect in Therapy

When you reach out for support, here’s how we’ll work together:

  1. Initial Consultation: We’ll discuss your goals, challenges, and how therapy can help.

  2. Building Awareness: Learn to identify and connect with your anxious parts in a safe, supportive environment.

  3. Healing and Growth: Address the fears or experiences underlying your anxiety while building self-trust and confidence.

  4. Sustaining Progress: Develop long-term strategies to maintain balance and calm in your daily life.

You’re not expected to have all the answers or know where to begin—that’s what I’m here for.

Your Next Step Toward Healing

Living with anxiety can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Therapy is a space where you can take a breath, explore what’s going on inside, and discover a path forward.

If you’re ready to start your journey toward relief, balance, and recovery, click the button below to take the next step.

By combining the powerful tools of IFS therapy with your courage and commitment, we can work together to create lasting change. Let’s begin this journey toward a calmer, more connected you.