Counselling Services Areas of Practice
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
GAD is a debilitating form of anxiety whereby the sufferer experiences a pervasive feeling of anxiety, particularly worry, nearly all the time. People with GAD report feeling “keyed up,” “on edge” or feel chronically unable to relax. Beyond the normal day to day worries a person may experience, someone with GAD may talk about worries “controlling” their life and interfering with day to day functioning. Sometimes sufferers feel powerless to do anything about their worrying thoughts.
Accompanying physical symptoms may include:
- Stomach aches
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
- Muscle tension
- Insomnia
If you are tired of GAD dominating your daily life, I would be pleased to work with you to develop a therapeutic plan to turn things around. Call or email me to get started.
Related Articles
Dr. Google: Friend or Foe?
An article about health anxiety and its relationship to the Internet.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
A rundown on one of my favourite therapies.
The Benefits of Anxiety
When we are in the throws of anxiety, we want immediate relief. How can there be a silver lining in all of this?
Recommended Books
Books are now linked to independent booksellers; Willow Tree Counselling receives no financial remuneration for purchases made through these links. Please consider supporting local indie bookstores - many of which are fighting to stay open.
How To Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing Top Pick
by KC Davis (2022)
While Marie Kondo taught me to let go of a lot, KC Davis helped me to forgive myself, no matter the state of my home. A boon to neurodivergent folks, those struggling with mental health issues, or anyone else who is overwhelmed by life, therapist KC Davis, offers practical, forgiving strategies and care tasks that we can all use. Highly recommended.
Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide To Reclaiming Yourself
by Nedra Glover Tawwab (2021)
This book has emerged as a prominent and popular choice for those who wish to better understand emotional boundaries and co-dependency. Straightforward and practical.
The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook
by Edmund Bourne (2020)
A best-selling self-help workbook using the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help with generalized anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, social anxiety and other anxiety-related conditions. Best for those with an interest in CBT who also have an affinity for exercises and homework.
Scaredy Squirrel Top Pick
by Melanie Watt (2006)
Children’s book with excellent adult appeal. The story about how a squirrel inadvertently faces his fears, with positive results.
Resources
Vancouver Low-Cost Counselling List
List of private master’s-level counsellors, or their interns, offering subsidized counselling. Updated quarterly.
Crisis Services and Hotlines in Vancouver
Resource list, updated quarterly.
Bounce Back Program
Telephone coaching for people with mild-moderate depression with or without accompanying anxiety. Coaching available in English, Cantonese, French and Punjabi. Family doctor’s referral required to access this program. Free.
Reduced-Cost Counselling [PDF]
A resource list of lower-cost professional counselling options in Vancouver. Corrections and suggestions welcome.
Relaxation Audio Download
From the people at Simon Fraser University’s Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction (CARMHA). Scroll down for link.
Anxiety Canada
National organization providing information and extensive online resources for managing anxiety.
Here to Help
BC-based website offering comprehensive information on a wealth of mental health conditions and addictions concerns.