Overwhelmed by Anxiety? You’re Not Alone.
Life in a fast-paced city like Chicago can make anxiety feel like a constant companion. Whether you’re a child struggling with separation anxiety, a teenager navigating social pressures, or an adult overwhelmed by life transitions, chronic stress, relationship conflicts, or relationship challenges—the weight of anxiety can feel unrelenting. At Solway Psychology, we understand how anxiety doesn’t just affect your mind—it can impact your physical health, relationships, work performance, and overall sense of self.
You may be:
- Constantly overthinking or second-guessing yourself
- Struggling with panic attacks, restlessness, or racing thoughts
- Feeling overwhelmed by social interactions or daily responsibilities
- Battling sleep disturbances or unexplained physical symptoms
- Experiencing difficulty focusing or making decisions
- Living with fears around performance, relationships, or health
Anxiety can touch every area of life, often intertwined with other concerns such as depression, ADHD, trauma, or chronic health issues. The good news? It doesn’t have to stay this way.
Understanding Anxiety and Seeking Help
Anxiety Therapy Can Help You Regain Control
Imagine a life where you feel calm, confident, and more in control of your thoughts and emotions. Anxiety therapy can help you:
- Identify triggers and unhelpful patterns of thinking
- Learn skills to manage overwhelming emotions and physical symptoms
- Improve communication and boundary-setting in relationships
- Build self-esteem and develop healthier coping strategies
- Navigate difficult transitions with greater ease
Personalized counseling can provide the support you need to navigate these challenges effectively.
With the right therapeutic support, you can shift from surviving to thriving. Therapy is not about “fixing” you—it’s about understanding you, empowering you, and helping you feel whole again.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety
If you’re wondering whether anxiety therapy might be right for you or a loved one, here are some of the most common signs:
- Persistent worry or fear that’s difficult to control
- Irritability or mood swings
- Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
- Muscle tension, headaches, or gastrointestinal issues
- Avoidance of social situations or important tasks
- Difficulty concentrating or staying present
- Feelings of dread, panic, or doom
Everyone’s experience with anxiety is different. Whether you’re dealing with generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, or situational stress, therapy offers a safe, supportive place to work through it. Professionals in social work, alongside counselors and psychologists, play a crucial role in providing this support.
Finding the Right Therapist
Finding the right therapist is crucial for effective therapy. It’s essential to consider factors such as specialization, qualifications, and ethics when choosing a therapist. Potential therapists should have extensive experience in treating anxiety and related conditions. A good therapist should also be able to establish a trusting relationship with their clients, which is vital for successful therapy.
Our Therapists Are Here to Help
Our team at Solway Psychology is deeply committed to guiding children, teens, and adults through the process of healing from anxiety. We understand how exhausting and confusing it can be to live with constant worry, fear, or self-doubt.
We bring both compassion and clinical expertise to each session. Our practice adheres to the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct, ensuring you receive the best care possible. Many of our clients come to us after struggling alone or after trying strategies that didn’t work long-term. We’re here to walk alongside you—not to push you, but to support your growth every step of the way.
The Solway Psychology Approach to Anxiety Therapy
Our clinical philosophy is rooted in psychodynamic psychotherapy, integrating client-centered values to help individuals explore and understand the deeper roots of their anxiety. Through this reflective process, we create space for insight, healing, and personal transformation. Our team of Chicago anxiety therapists is dedicated to providing tailored support for individuals seeking help with anxiety-related challenges.
To compliment the psychodynamic underpinnings, we also offer evidence-based tools tailored to your needs, drawing from:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
To help identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that fuel anxiety.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
To support emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
To help you build psychological flexibility and live in alignment with your values.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Particularly helpful in addressing anxiety rooted in relational issues and attachment patterns.
Mindfulness, Art, and Music Therapy
Creative and body-based techniques to promote emotional expression and grounding.
We collaborate closely with you to create a personalized plan that fits your life and honors your unique experiences.
The Therapy Process
The therapy process typically begins with an initial consultation, where the therapist and client discuss their goals, expectations, and concerns. The therapist will then develop a personalized treatment plan that is uniquely tailored to each person. Specific modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) or Internal Family Systems (IFS), may also be used to help clients develop coping strategies and improve their mental health. Throughout the therapy process, the therapist will work closely with the client to monitor progress, address challenges, and make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.
Benefits of Anxiety Therapy
Anxiety therapy can have numerous benefits, including reduced symptoms of anxiety, improved mental health, and enhanced overall well-being. Therapy can also help individuals develop coping strategies, improve relationships, and increase self-esteem. Additionally, therapy can provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to discuss their concerns and feelings, which can lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth. By seeking help from a mental health professional, individuals can take the first step towards managing their anxiety and improving their quality of life.
What Might Be Holding You Back from Starting Anxiety Therapy?
“I don’t have time for therapy.”
We offer both daytime and evening appointments, Monday through Friday, to accommodate busy schedules. Therapy doesn’t have to disrupt your life—it can support it.
“I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t help.”
Not every therapeutic relationship is the right fit. At Solway Psychology, we take the time to truly understand your story and tailor our approach to meet you where you are. Our integrative methods may offer a new path forward.
“It’s hard to find a therapist who understands my specific challenges.”
We work with a wide range of co-occurring issues, including trauma, mood disruption, neurological conditions, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and gastrointestinal disorders. Our clinicians are experienced and ready to meet you with knowledge and compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety Therapy
How do I know if I need anxiety therapy?
If anxiety is interfering with your ability to enjoy life, maintain relationships, or perform everyday tasks, therapy can help. Even if your symptoms feel “mild,” you deserve support.
Do you work with both children and adults?
Yes. We provide anxiety therapy for children, adolescents, and adults, tailoring our approach based on developmental stage and individual needs.
How long does anxiety therapy take to work?
This varies for each person. Some clients notice improvement within a few weeks, while others benefit from longer-term support. We’ll discuss your goals together and regularly evaluate your progress.
Can I combine therapy with medication?
Absolutely. Many clients benefit from combining therapy with psychiatric medication. If appropriate, we’re happy to connect you with our prescribing psychiatrist to ensure integrated care.
What happens during the first session?
Your first session is an opportunity to get to know your therapist, share your experiences, and begin setting goals. There’s no pressure to dive into everything at once—we move at your pace.
Additional Resources
For individuals seeking additional resources, there are many online directories, support groups, and hotlines available. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) Directory, for example, provides a comprehensive list of licensed mental health professionals who specialize in anxiety and depression. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) also offers a range of resources, including support groups, educational programs, and advocacy services. Additionally, online therapy platforms available through our practice can provide convenient and accessible therapy services for individuals who prefer online therapy. By seeking help and utilizing these resources, individuals can take control of their mental health and improve their overall well-being.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
We are happy to offer daytime and evening appointments, Monday – Friday. Please call or email to set up a free initial phone consultation and to schedule an appointment.
Your journey toward greater calm, confidence, and connection begins with a single step. Let us help you take it.