Anxiety Therapist San Jose
Elisa Martínez, LMFT
Takeaway: Anxiety can range from a constant buzz of background worry to intense panic attacks and overwhelm. As an anxiety therapist I help adults in San Jose, Ca. (and beyond!) find freedom from stress, worried thoughts and emotions so they can feel more grounded in their daily life. With customized treatment and support tailored to your specific needs, ease and calm is within reach!
Anxiety feels HORRIBLE.
The intense emotions, excessive worrying, sky-rocketing stress and even fear of your own thoughts wreak havoc on your mind, relationships and well-being.
I see you and feel you, because I've been there.
If you're in San Jose, California and want to find a way OUT of the vicious cycle of dread, worry and stress, I'll:
break down common types of anxiety disorders and when you should seek treatment.
describe different types of anxiety therapies and how soon you might expect to find relief from symptoms.
share coping techniques to use in daily life to alleviate worry, manage stress and support your mental health.
May the following information be a step in the right direction as you seek to care for your mental health!
Does this sound like you?
While each person has their unique anxiety "triggers," here are some common anxiety symptoms:
Persistent, excessive worrying about the future, relationships, work/school, health, world events, etc.
Difficulty focusing and concentrating
Sleep problems (insomnia or restless sleep)
Overthinking, overanalyzing and "worst-case scenario" thinking
Irritability and impatience
Avoiding/withdrawing from people, socializing, and situations or activities that trigger anxiety
Physical symptoms and discomfort (muscle tension, restlessness, fatigue, stomach issues, headaches, trembling, racing heart, etc.)
You may also experience symptoms of panic or intense fear, phobias, social anxiety and/or depression.
If so, you may be experiencing anxiety.
The toll of anxiety can be brutal when your own thoughts feel like the enemy.
Anxiety disorders are commonly associated with feelings of depression, relationship issues (study), low self-esteem (study) and health problems. Anxiety left untreated can snowball, affecting just about every area of your life.
The good news: There is support and treatment that can help you find calm and ease.
So what exactly is anxiety, and how do you know when your mental health symptoms might indicate that you have an "anxiety disorder"?
I'll cover this and share more about the professional counseling and personalized care that I provide as an anxiety treatment specialist to people in San Jose, California and throughout the state (hint: it's more than your typical "talk therapy"!)
What is anxiety?
It's normal to experience feelings of fear in reaction to dangerous situations that trigger your body's "fight or flight" stress response. This stress response is a natural, healthy physiological reaction that instinctively moves you to take immediate action to stay safe (like running away from a predator!). These sensations last for a short period of time, subsiding once the threat has passed. This is your healthy "survival brain" at work!
But modern life stress - financial insecurity, work/school problems, health challenges, relationship conflict and more - can also feel threatening to our well-being. We enter the territory of anxiety disorders when symptoms become chronic, ongoing and/or severe or excessive, negatively impacting how we feel and function.
Note: the stress of our world and the realities of war, environmental disaster, racism, oppression, homophobia, etc. can trigger much anxiety - and rightfully so. When circumstances are overwhelming on a basic human level, anxiety can be a normal response to abnormal life circumstances! Individual therapy and anxiety treatment can definitely empower and support you to better navigate this stress and access more inner calm and grounding.
Learn more about the psychotherapy support I provide for those living in San Jose, Ca. and elsewhere.
Types of anxiety disorders
If anxiety is negatively impacting your mental health and how you show up in your life, you may be struggling with an anxiety disorder. There are many anxiety disorders that fall under the "anxiety disorder" umbrella. Here are the most common anxiety disorders and their symptoms:
Note: the following is informational only. To determine if you're experiencing symptoms of an anxiety disorder, consult with a licensed therapist or other mental health professional.
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With this anxiety disorder, you experience excessive, persistent and often unrealistic anxiety in various areas of life. It's difficult to control your worried thoughts and emotions. You may experience insomnia, fatigue, problems focusing, muscle tension or other physical discomfort. While almost 7 million U.S adults struggle with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, less than half get treatment for this very treatable mental health disorder!
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This anxiety disorder is characterized by recurring, unexpected panic attacks - sudden and overwhelming feelings of fear that peak within a short period. Panic attacks are intensely emotional episodes accompanied by physical symptoms (e.g., racing heart, dizziness, shortness of breath, and more). You avoid places/situations that might trigger your panic attacks, which can result in your life activities becoming increasingly restricted.
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Those with Social Anxiety Disorder experience intense emotions of anxiety in public and social situations, including a profound sense of embarrassment and fear of being judged or scrutinized by others. Social anxiety can sometimes be associated with low self-esteem and leads to social avoidance, which can negatively impact relationships (which are part of a fulfilling life). Learn more about this anxiety disorder here.
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The symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder include unwanted, intrusive and "obsessive" thoughts (e.g., fear of contracting illness, of acting on frightening impulses, and more) combined with repetitive behaviors or mental acts (excessive cleaning, constantly re-checking door locks, "mental checking," etc.) to ward off feared outcomes and alleviate psychological stress. Like many anxiety disorders, OCD can be disruptive to day-to-day life functioning and a high source of stress.
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Phobias are characterized by uncontrollable, severe anxiety and overwhelming emotional distress and panic when exposed to a specific situation or object. It's an out-of-proportion response to something that typically would not cause intense fear in most individuals. Phobias can include fear of needles, air travel, blood, enclosed spaces, vomiting, certain animals, driving, and more.). The symptoms of this anxiety disorder can lead to avoidance of certain situations, objects or people, and limit your ability to engage fully in life. Phobias can also be associated with other mental health disorders (such as other anxiety disorders, depression, etc.)
Even if you don't completely match the above descriptions, this doesn't mean that you aren't struggling with an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can manifest in various ways, and a qualified mental health professional (including anxiety therapists such as myself) can provide an accurate diagnosis. Left untreated, anxiety disorders can interfere with living a fulfilling life you deserve. Anxiety treatment with a qualified therapist can be a game-changer!
I provide specialized psychotherapy for those living in San Jose, Ca. and beyond. Let's chat!
Relief from anxiety is possible. I’m here to show you how.
The inner turmoil, overwhelming feelings of dread and fear can feel unbearable. It's not uncommon to also experience depression alongside anxiety, making it all the more important to seek treatment and support with a qualified mental health professional.
I'm Elisa, and I'm a non-judgmental, open-hearted therapist who helps anxious and insecure adults in San Jose, California (and beyond) find relief from their turbulent emotions and heal their worried, self-doubting minds.
My individual therapy treatment approach for stress and anxiety disorders offers:
Hands-on, highly-individualized support as you learn and practice skills that actually work to manage stress and alleviate day-to-day anxiety;
An opportunity to safely and compassionately address the issues that fuel your anxious mind, and
Deep and gentle-yet-impactful healing of your underlying pain - be it trauma, negative beliefs about yourself or the aftermath of painful experiences - so that you can live with more clarity, calm and confidence.
I understand the neuroscience of healing anxiety and anxiety disorders, and use proven, research-based therapy modalities in a person-centered treatment approach that meets you right where you're at. The result? You-centered, effective therapy treatment that can significantly improve your mental health!
Wondering if my unique approach to individual therapy and anxiety disorder treatment might be a good fit for you? I offer online therapy and stress support for adults in Silicon Valley (such as Los Gatos, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Fremont, Cupertino, San Jose, Ca.) and throughout the entire state. Learn more about me here and let's talk!
My approach to anxiety therapy in San Jose
When it comes to treating anxiety and stress, my holistic, customized treatment approach can:
alleviate the symptoms you're dealing with via individualized, highly-specific coping tools and techniques that target the anxiety, stress, your "inner critic" and even depression. My individual therapy treatment approach allows for plenty of time to practice skills that will help you "lower the charge" of your distressing thoughts and feelings.
work skillfully and therapeutically with the thoughts, feelings, beliefs, life experiences and circumstances that give rise to your anxiety and stress- and healing those deeper wounds, leading to true, lasting change. I draw upon a rich array of time-tested therapy treatment modalities:
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Internal Family Systems Therapy
IFS therapy approaches the mind as a system of sub-personalities ("parts"). Through guided inquiry and exploration, we'll work therapeutically with the feelings of these anxious and hurting parts, leading to ease, calm and self-insight (read more here!). Suitable for anxiety disorders (including social anxiety, phobias and more), IFS an increasingly evidence-based treatment for many mental health concerns such as depression, trauma, etc.
I find IFS therapy to be one of the single most effective and user-friendly therapies for significantly improving mental health and fostering deep, life-changing healing!
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Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
EMDR therapy uses a structured approach to heal the trauma that often fuels anxiety disorders. Bilateral (side-to-side) eye movements, audio or touch reprocesses and desensitizes you to trauma-related memories "stored" in the limbic brain, dramatically lowering distress and relieving symptoms. EMDR is considered by many therapists to be a gold-standard treatment for trauma, which can be accompanied by anxiety disorders. To learn if EMDR therapy might be right for you, please reach out.
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Flash Technique
Flash Technique is an exciting new therapy treatment for rapidly healing the underlying trauma that can give rise to anxiety disorder symptoms. It's particularly helpful when your emotions and symptoms feel intolerable, and even thinking about doing "trauma work" feels overwhelming. This treatment uses rapid eye blinks and bilateral (side-to-side) eye movements, audio or self-touch as you focus on pleasant, positive experiences or memories. I was trained in this treatment approach by Dr. Phil Manfield, the original developer of Flash Technique therapy.
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Brainspotting
In Brainspotting therapy, by fixing your gaze on certain areas in your field of vision, your brain is able to deeply process and alleviate the core issues, experiences or memories "stored" in the limbic brain which give rise to anxious thoughts and emotions. Many have found Brainspotting treatment to be a powerful and effective therapy for anxiety disorders (see this study), depression, trauma/PTSD and more. I am one of a growing number of therapists training in Brainspotting in the San Jose, CA region.
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Somatic- and Neuroscience-informed Treatment
Effective treatment of anxiety disorders seeks to bring physiological balance back into the nervous system to lower your felt sense of stress and bring calm to the mind. By using safe, gentle approaches involving a guided awareness of body sensations and/or movement, we can soothe your nervous system and work through the roots of psychological distress and worried feelings.
My treatment approach leverages the brain's natural capacity for memory reconsolidation, a permanent "re-learning" process which enables you to react to stress-inducing situations in a healthy, calmer and more adaptive way - without extreme mental agitation.
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Emotional Freedom Techniques
Validated as evidence-based American Psychological Association (APA) criteria, EFT is a heavily-researched treatment modality that uses elements of acupressure, cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy and more to rapidly alleviate the symptoms of stress and a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety disorders, phobias, relationship problems, depression and more. These techniques are fast-acting self-help tools that can be used between psychotherapy sessions. I'm trained in Clinical EFT and have seen fantastic treatment results in as little as one session!
Who anxiety therapy is for
I offer specialized individual therapy for those in Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Gatos and San Jose, California (and throughout the entire state) via confidential, convenient online therapy. I offer personalized care and therapy support for:
Anxious Thinkers
You're introspective and intelligent - but often spiral out in worst-case-scenario "future tripping." Wouldn't it be nice to just turn your brain OFF sometimes - or at least be able to think more positively and realistically? My "therapy for thinkers" lowers stress by turning your mind into an ally, not an enemy, so you can feel calmer and more grounded.
Insecure Achievers
You feel okay about yourself when you're hitting those marks and getting kudos. But your sense of self-worth takes a hit when you make a mistake or don't reach the high standards you hold for yourself. Maybe you struggle with imposter syndrome or are afraid that failure is just around the corner. In counseling we'll explore how you can find your inner confidence and rely less on external validation to feel secure in yourself.
Burned-Out "Doers"
You're a giver who puts the needs of others and your endless "to-do" list first. You get a lot done - but at what cost to your mental health? There can be a strong link between burnout, stress and symptoms of anxiety and depression. If you've been under chronic stress "hamster wheel" for too long, therapy treatment can be an opportunity to prioritize your own self-care and mental health. You'll lower your stress and be able to show up for your relationships, family members - and yourself - from a more renewed and revitalized place.
Self-Critical Feelers
Your "inner critic" takes up a LOT of real estate in your head, beating you up for your flaws, missteps, work performance, relationships - the list goes on. Needless to say, dealing with this inner self-loathing is stress-inducing - and can wreck your mental health! Maybe you feel things deeply and get easily overwhelmed by emotions, and criticize yourself for being "too sensitive". I offer a supportive, safe environment where you can authentically grow your self-compassion and bring down the inner intensity when the waves of emotion and stress threaten to pull you under.
If you live in San Jose, Ca. (or anywhere in the state) and this sounds like you, let's talk in a free consultation.
FAQs about working with an anxiety therapist in San Jose
No matter if you're in San Jose, Ca. or elsewhere, if you're dealing with anxiety, you want to find ease sooner rather than later! So,
When should you see a therapist for anxiety?
How do you know if you have an anxiety disorder?
What types of therapy are good for anxiety?
How long is the treatment process?
What coping techniques help lower stress and find more calm in your day-to-day life?
I've got answers! However, since you're a wholly unique person, keep in mind that your symptoms will benefit most from the personalized care that comes with an individualized treatment. Feel free to reach out anytime if you have questions about my therapy approach.
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Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) changes the thoughts and beliefs that fuel anxiety (see this meta-analysis of CBT). This treatment approach does require a fair amount of homework between sessions, and like all treatment, requires commitment and motivation. Anxiety that is connected to underlying trauma may not benefit from CBT alone (read this trauma expert's thoughts about the limits of CBT).
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a designated evidence-based treatment that's beneficial for anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD and even some physical pain. It's a user-friendly, life-changing approach to treating anxiety and stress, and many of my clients have had wonderful results with IFS treatment! Read more about IFS here and check out this informative podcast episode.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
DBT uses mindfulness, self-calming techniques and more to help you tolerate distressing emotions and develop healthy relationship skills, which can lower the stress and overwhelm characteristic of anxiety disorders. My therapeutic treatment approach draws heavily from research-supported DBT (this study even points to its advantages over CBT).
Other therapies such as Somatic Experiencing, Sensorimotor Therapy, EMDR, and Prolonged Exposure Therapy have been used to treat symptoms that have roots in post-traumatic stress, or PTSD. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Inference-Based CBT have been shown to be particularly helpful for OCD.
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Everyone feels anxious from time to time. But if it's interfering with your relationships, work performance, overall well-being and functioning in a way that causes high stress and doesn't feel good to you, I encourage you to reach out to a mental health professional in San Jose or online to find out how psychotherapy for anxiety disorders can support you.
When your usual ways of coping with stress and worry just aren't enough anymore, counseling can be a highly effective way to learn new strategies for lowering emotional and psychological distress. Starting therapy treatment in San Jose or online is a personal decision that can open the door to significant growth, calm and healing!
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The effectiveness and timeline of anxiety treatment depends on factors such as:
Type of therapy approach
skill and expertise of your therapist
severity of your anxiety and nature of underlying issues
your comfort level and relationship with your therapist
your motivation and willingness to commit to the therapeutic process
external life stress, supports and other circumstances that affect you.
With the "right fit" therapy (and the right therapist), many can notice positive change within a few weeks to a few months of regular, consistent treatment. While some people can feel improvement in their mental health and stress level after just a few sessions, those with more complex challenges will benefit from longer-term therapy treatment and support.
I have a warm, grounded therapeutic treatment approach that:
helps you feel more calm and grounded through practical and proven coping techniques and support strategies that you can use immediately;
tends to and heals the deeper, underlying inner dynamics and issues, and
helps you skillfully navigate the stress-inducing external circumstances which play a role in your distress.
The individual therapy I provide for those in San Jose, Ca. and throughout the state is a compassionate, collaborative treatment process driven by your unique needs and goals. My expertise is offered in the context of a "person-centered" treatment plan, one which we will go over together and continually monitor to ensure that you're getting appropriate support - and the most out of therapy!
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There isn't a "magic bullet" that will *instantly* make anxiety disappear - but there are support strategies that can help alleviate stress and soothe your anxious mind.
Practice these regularly for maximum effectiveness, and also during calmer times to build them into your "muscle memory," so to speak. This way they'll be at the ready when you really need them!
Coping strategies aren't "one-size-fits-all," so do what feels right for you. If at any time they cause distress, or are medically contraindicated, stop. These are not a substitute for professional care or treatment for anxiety disorders. A trained therapist can give you more specialized strategies that are most appropriate for your unique issues.
"Voo" Breathing
This strange-looking (and sounding!) breathing and vocalization technique stimulates the vagus nerve, thought to play a role in the nervous system's stress-lowering, calming response (see this video):
Sit comfortably. Note any discomfort in your mind, feelings and body.
Inhale, then exhale as you say "voooooo" aloud. It will sound like a foghorn!
Let your exhale be slow and drawn out, feeling its vibration in your body.
Continue "voo" breathing until you notice yourself feeling calmer. Repeat as needed!
Mindfulness
Studies show that mindfulness-based practices can be effective in easing psychological and physical stress. This brief body scan meditation engages your senses to help you feel more grounded and relieve the stress of anxious rumination.
Imaginary Container
Visualization is a powerful tool for lowering stress and creating calmer, less-anxious states of mind. Try this:
Notice your body's physical sensations when you're feeling anxious. Notice how much "space" these sensations take up, their intensity, quality (tense? heavy?), etc.
Imagine the sensations have a color, shape, and/or texture.
Visualize this color/shape/texture being drawn out of your body and being placed in a strong, secure container.
See the container being closed, locked and secured. You may bury it, put it on a shelf, hurl it into outer space, etc.
Want more strategies to manage stress and anxiety disorders? Click here!
Break the cycle. Start working with an anxiety therapist in San Jose today.
If you've been feeling stuck in a pattern of stress and worry, there are anxiety therapists (like me) who know how to help with anxiety disorders! Whether you live in Los Gatos, San Jose, Ca. or anywhere else in the state, online professional counseling and treatment is an effective way to break free from the painful cycle of anxiety disorders.
My compassionate, comprehensive and holistic individual therapy offers practical, evidence-based strategies and support for stress and anxiety so that you can start feeling better. We'll work therapeutically with the root causes of your distress, using proven, customized treatment modalities.
If trauma is a contributing factor to your anxiety, I'll help you re-process the overwhelming experiences of the past in a way that is safe, respectful of your needs, and highly tolerable. Check out my trauma therapy activities blog post to learn more!
There are TONS of therapists out there in Silicon Valley cities such as Los Gatos and San Jose, Ca. It's important to find a person who is skilled in treating anxiety, offers highly personalized care and treatment, and can create a safe environment to support your healing. I see clients living in San Jose, Ca. and throughout the state with convenient, confidential online psychotherapy. To see if I might be the right therapist for you, schedule a free consultation today and let's talk.