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Feeling revved up doesn't have to be your normal.
Anxiety can feel like a pit in your stomach.
Racing thoughts when you're trying to sleep.
The constant, draining feeling of waiting for the next bad thing to happen.
When you live with anxiety, it can feel like your nervous system is stuck in overdrive, and it can be an incredibly lonely and exhausting place to be.
Our therapists understand how anxiety shows up in daily life. For you, maybe it's the:
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high-functioning, always-on stress of your career,
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social anxiety that makes you want to cancel plans, or
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generalized worry that steals your joy.
Our job is to help you find the root of that fear and give you the tools to find your way back to safety and calm.
Your Guide to Anxiety Therapy
Jump to:
What is anxiety, really?
Anxiety is your body’s natural, built-in alarm system.
It’s a survival response designed to protect you from danger.
For many people, this alarm gets stuck in the on position, sounding the alert even when there is no immediate, physical threat.
When your brain perceives a threat, whether it's a deadline, social event, or a what-if thought, it can trigger a real, physical cascade of hormones and muscle tension.
Sometimes our bodies learn to be highly attentive to signs of stress.
Therapy helps you learn to work with your nervous system to regulate this alarm, so you can start to feel safe in your body again.
Are you experiencing anxiety?
Anxiety is more than just worrying. It's a state where your body’s alarm system is stuck on.
Mental & Emotional Signs (The Internal Struggle):
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Constant Hum: Background feeling of dread or impending doom.
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What If Loop: Jumping to worst-case scenario and get stuck there.
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Irritability: Feeling on edge or overwhelmed by people and noise.
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Overthinking: Replaying conversations or situations in your head.
Physical Signs (The Body Struggle):
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Wired-Tired: You're exhausted but unable to relax or sit still.
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Pressure: Tightness in your throat or chest, difficulty breathing.
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Sleep Issues: You're tired all day, but your brain wakes up at night.
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Digestive Upset: Nausea or stomach issues that flare with stress.
Behavioral Signs (The Action Struggle):
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Avoidance: Skipping social events, driving routes, or phone calls.
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Procrastination: Putting off tasks because starting feels too big.
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Reassurance: Constantly checking with others to make sure things are okay or you didn't do something wrong.
You don't have to live in survival mode forever. If you are experiencing Social Anxiety, Panic Attacks, or General Anxiety, let us help you turn down the alarm so you can finally find rest.
What causes anxiety?
There is no one single cause for anxiety.
It is a complex experience that often comes from a mix of your mental, emotional, physical, and environmental stressors.
Your nervous system has learned to be on high alert for a reason. Our job is to compassionately explore why your alarm system is so sensitive.
Some common contributing factors include:
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Genetics: Some of us are simply born with a more sensitive nervous system. Anxiety can run in families.
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Past Experiences: A history of trauma, growing up in a chaotic or critical environment, or experiencing a major loss can teach your body to stay on high alert.
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Current Life Stressors: Chronic work stress, financial worries, relationship conflict, and living in a high-pressure culture can lead to burnout and anxiety.
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Lifestyle Factors: Poor sleep, lack of movement, or not having a moment to breathe can increase anxiety.
Therapy is a powerful tool to help you understand your unique triggers and rewire old alarm responses.
When is it a good time to consider therapy for anxiety?
You don't have to be in a crisis to get support.
You might tell yourself I’m just a worrier, or I just need to relax.
But anxiety has a way of shrinking your world. You might not realize how the many small adjustments you've made to avoid anxiety have limited your life.
If your anxiety is costing you sleep, peace, or joy, it's a good time to talk to someone.
It might be time to reach out for anxiety therapy if:
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The Off Switch is Broken: You physically cannot relax, even when you know you are safe.
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Your World is Getting Smaller: You say no to opportunities, trips, or friends because it isn't worth the effort.
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Physical Symptoms are Ruling You: You are constantly worried about your heart, your stomach, or your sleep.
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You are Exhausted by Masking: It takes all your energy to appear calm at work, leaving you nothing left for home.
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Panic is Intercepting Your Life: Sudden waves of fear come out of nowhere and leave you feeling out of control.
If any of these sound familiar, you're in the right place, and we can help.
How can therapy help you with anxiety?
Therapy helps you change your relationship with anxiety, not get rid of it.
We help you understand why your alarm is ringing.
We view anxiety as a signal from your nervous system that it doesn't feel safe.
A good therapist helps you work with your anxiety and build internal safety so you don't have to live in survival mode.
Therapy for anxiety can help you:
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Regulate Your Nervous System: Learn tools to turn down the volume on your body's alarm system.
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Step out of the What If Cycle: Pause the spiral and ground yourself in what is happening in the moment.
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Uncover the Root: Understand why your anxiety is there and what your body needs to feel safe.
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Move from Avoidance to Confidence: Gently face your fears to show your brain you can handle them.
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Find True Rest: Learn what it feels like to be truly safe and relaxed in your body, so you can finally sleep and recharge.
We believe your body knows best how to protect you. We help you feel more safe, more often.
What therapy approaches work best for anxiety?
The best approach depends on the root of your anxiety.
Our therapists are trained in multiple, evidence-based models.
We collaborate with you to find the approach that fits your personality and goals, whether it's gaining practical skills, changing your relationship with your thoughts, or healing the anxious feelings in your body.
This is the collaboration part of therapy. Your therapist will get to know you and suggest the tools that will be most helpful for your specific needs.
Our therapists draw from several research-backed approaches:
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When your anxiety is mostly in your head (thoughts): If you worry about what-ifs, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy are top-down approaches for reframing anxious thought patterns that keep you stuck in a loop.
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When your anxiety is mostly in your body (feelings): If you feel revved up, shaky, or have a racing heart, Somatic Therapy is a bottom-up approach to help your nervous system regulate, release energy, and learn to turn off the alarm.
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When your anxiety is from a past event (memories): If you feel distress after a car accident or trauma, EMDR Therapy can help your brain re-process stuck memories, removing their painful emotional charge so they no longer trigger you.
This is why our therapists are trained in multiple approaches, so we can build a plan that is as unique as you are.
If you are looking for a specific modality, visit our Approaches to Therapy page.
What happens in anxiety therapy?
Therapy is a conversation, not interrogation.
In the beginning, we build safety and get to know you.
We move at your pace, focusing on stabilizing distress and building a trusting relationship before diving any deeper.
We know starting therapy can be nerve-wracking, especially when you are already dealing with anxiety.
Here is what you can expect:
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The First Session (Intake): This is a get to know you session. We'll talk about what brings you in, what your life looks like, and what you hope to get out of therapy.
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Building Your Toolkit: In the early sessions, we often focus on resourcing, giving you practical tools to manage panic attacks, regulate your nervous system, and get immediate relief from anxious feelings.
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Going Deeper (At Your Pace): Once you feel safe and have some tools, we can gently start to explore the roots of your anxiety that are keeping you stuck.
Whether you join us In-Person or for Walk & Talk Therapy in Calgary or Online from anywhere in Alberta, our goal is to create a space where you feel safe enough to heal.
Meet our featured Anxiety Therapists
Because anxiety is one of the most common reasons people come to therapy, every member of our team is trained to support you with it.
Below, you can meet a few of our therapists who have a specific passion for anxiety work and are currently accepting new clients.
CERTIFIED CANADIAN COUNSELLOR
I help people-pleasers and perfectionists who feel overwhelmed to set new boundaries, calm their nervous system, and find freedom from constant worry using EMDR and Somatic Therapy.
Exclusively Online
REGISTERED PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST
I provide a grounded, culturally safe space for BIPOC individuals and immigrants to heal from racial trauma and find a sense of control and calm using CBT and EMDR Therapy.
Exclusively Online
REGISTERED SOCIAL
WORKER
I help you slow down anxious thought cycles and reconnect with your body, offering a gentle, culturally sensitive space to explore the roots of your stress and reclaim your relaxation using ACT, CBT, and Somatic Awareness.
Exclusively Online
Why does life feel so hard right now?
Living in Alberta comes with unique stressors that fuel anxiety.
From the pressure of our boom and bust economy and high-performance work culture, to the isolation of our long winters, environmental factors play a huge role in mental health.
You are not just imagining it: the pressure is real.
Some people treat anxiety as if it exists in a vacuum, but our environment matters.
Our therapists understand the specific context of living here:
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The Hustle Culture: Calgary often has a high-pressure, work-hard-play-hard energy. It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind if you aren’t constantly productive, leading to burnout and high-functioning anxiety.
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Economic Uncertainty: The ups and downs of the Alberta economy create a background hum of financial anxiety for many families.
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Seasonal Impact (SAD): Our long, dark winters can significantly lower energy and mood, making anxiety and depression feel heavier and harder to manage for months at a time.
We understand these pressures because we live here, too. We can help you navigate them.
You don't have to carry this alone.
If you think you have to handle everything yourself, that's the anxiety talking.
You deserve support.
You deserve a place to let your guard down and feel calm in your own body.
The next step is simple. You can book a free, 15-minute consultation to meet a therapist and see if it feels like a good fit.
No pressure, no commitment, just a conversation.
Our therapists offer daytime, evening, and weekend appointments to fit your lifestyle.
Common Questions About Anxiety Therapy
What is high-functioning anxiety?
High-functioning anxiety often looks like success on the outside but feels like exhaustion on the inside. You might be a high-achiever who is organized and productive, but you are driven by a fear of failure, constant overthinking, and an inability to ever truly relax or turn your brain off.
What is the difference between a panic attack and anxiety?
Anxiety is usually a gradual buildup of worry or unease related to a specific stressor. A panic attack is a sudden, intense surge of fear that peaks within minutes, often with physical symptoms like a racing heart, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, even when there is no clear danger.
How long does anxiety therapy take to work?
While everyone is different, many clients feel a sense of relief after just a few sessions as they learn immediate coping tools. Research shows that approaches like CBT can be effective in 12-20 sessions, but we move at your pace to ensure deep, lasting change.
Do you offer direct billing?
Yes, many of our therapists can direct bill to most insurance companies (Blue Cross, Canada Life, Green Shield, Manulife, SunLife and others). If we cannot direct bill your specific plan, we will provide you with a receipt to submit for reimbursement. Learn more on our Insurance for Therapy in Calgary & Alberta page.
How much does therapy cost?
Our fees follow the Psychologists' Association of Alberta Recommended Fee Schedule. Rates vary by credential (e.g., Psychologist, Social Worker, or Certified Canadian Counsellor) and are listed on our Fees & Payment Policies page.
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
No, you do not need a referral to see a private therapist at Therapy Alberta. However, some insurance plans may require a doctor's note for reimbursement, so it's a good idea to check your benefit plan details.
Can you prescribe medication for anxiety?
No, Psychologists, Social Workers, and Counsellors do not prescribe medication. However, we can work collaboratively with your family doctor or psychiatrist. Medication can be a helpful tool to manage anxiety enough so you can do the deeper work in therapy. We support whatever path feels right for you.
Do you offer online anxiety therapy?
Yes, we offer secure video therapy to anyone in Alberta. Online therapy is convenient and effective for anxiety, especially if leaving the house or driving feels overwhelming. It allows you to do the work from the safety and comfort of your own space. The best therapist to meet your needs might live in a different area. We build great relationships online and sometimes the distance makes it a little easier to connect.
If you have more questions about therapy or the process, visit our FAQ page or contact us.
