Anxiety is a common and often debilitating concern that many individuals, both teens and adults, grapple with in their everyday lives. As a psychologist specializing in psychodynamic, existential, and attachment-based therapy, I have seen firsthand how anxiety can manifest in various forms and impact individuals on a deep emotional level, hurting their work or school performance, making them dread interpersonal interactions and overall feeling less confident in themselves and their abilities. The toll that long-standing anxiety can take on our self-esteem is significant. In this blog, I will explore the importance of not necessarily seeking “quick fixes” for anxiety and instead embracing it as a valuable source of insight and potential growth. By understanding anxiety as a signal from the unconscious, we can embark on a journey towards greater self-awareness, resilience, and emotional well-being.
Understanding the nature of anxiety
Anxiety, in its various forms, is often rooted in unconscious conflicts, unresolved issues, or unmet needs. From a psychodynamic perspective, anxiety arises from the interplay between different parts of the psyche – the id, ego, and superego. When these aspects are in conflict, it can lead to feelings of unease, tension, and apprehension.
Rather than viewing anxiety as a mere symptom to be alleviated, it is essential to recognize it as a valuable source of information about our inner world. Anxiety serves as a signal, communicating to us that something within ourselves needs attention and exploration. This does not mean that we do not do the inner work in therapy that is needed for anxiety to eventually lessen. We certainly do and we (both patient and myself) take it seriously. It is just that our approach is such that anxiety losing its power is more of a byproduct of our work together than the one and only goal of the therapeutic endeavor.
““When there is a problem, there is not something to do, there is something to know.””
The cycle of anxiety
Anxiety has a way of perpetuating itself, often leading to what we call "second-order anxiety" – anxiety about the anxiety itself. When we experience symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat, muscle tension, or shortness of breath, it can trigger a cascade of further anxiety, intensifying our feelings of distress.
This cycle of anxiety can become overwhelming, leading to avoidance behaviors and further exacerbating our symptoms. We may begin to fear situations or experiences that trigger anxiety, leading to social isolation and a sense of helplessness, restricting our lives even more.
The role of therapy in managing anxiety
In psychodynamic therapy, we approach anxiety with a deep understanding of its underlying causes and mechanisms. Through techniques such as free association and interpretations of the dynamics that emerge in the therapy room, clients gain insight into their unconscious processes and develop healthier ways of coping with anxiety.
Rather than seeking quick fixes or temporary relief, therapy provides a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore the roots of their anxiety and work towards lasting change. By understanding anxiety as a signal of unconscious conflict, therapy becomes a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Empowering change through insight
As individuals gain insight into the origins of their anxiety, they become better equipped to manage it in their everyday lives. Therapy fosters a sense of self-awareness and resilience, empowering individuals to navigate challenging situations with greater ease and confidence.
Through the therapeutic process, clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their emotions, cultivating a sense of inner peace and acceptance. Rather than feeling threatened by the presence of anxiety, they learn to coexist with it, embracing it as a natural and integral part of the human experience.
Managing anxiety in everyday life is a journey of self-discovery and growth. By understanding anxiety as a signal from the unconscious, psychodynamic therapy aims to promote lasting psychological change and greater emotional well-being. Eventually, it aims for patients to feel more empowered and equipped to handle anxiety when it does come up, as well as to feel less threatened by its presence.
My work with teens and adults in the area of anxiety over the years makes me very hopeful about the possibilities that therapy offers to channel debilitating anxiety into the seed for deeper insight and the development of an unshakeable trust in our ability to manage it. If you or your teen is struggling with anxiety, know that you are not alone. Therapy offers a pathway to greater self-awareness, emotional well-being, and inner peace. Together, we can embark on a journey towards embracing anxiety as a source of strength and empowerment, rather than a source of fear and distress. You can start by scheduling a free 20-minute consultation at the end of this page to see if we are a good fit. I truly look forward to speaking with you.
To be-friending what once was the enemy!
Dr. P
You can read more about my work with teens at drperolini.com/anxiety-counseling
Click here to learn more about what therapy with Dr. Claudia Perolini, Licensed Psychologist, looks like.
Claudia Perolini, PhD is a psychologist in person in Weston, Florida and virtually throughout 40 states of the Unites States. She specializes in helping adults and adolescents who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or the effects of trauma live fuller and more rewarding lives.
Dr. Perolini enjoys writing on her blog about issues that she believes may be of interest to individuals who are curious about life, and interested in topics that may provide them with valuable knowledge or insight about this journey that we are all in: LIFE.
