Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety

Understanding How Anxiety Shapes Daily Life

Persistent worry often shows up quietly before it begins shaping your entire routine. You might notice physical tension that rarely leaves your shoulders, a racing heart when facing everyday demands, or thoughts that constantly anticipate difficulties before they occur.

Over time, this heightened alertness can leave you feeling exhausted and disconnected from the activities you once appreciated. It is common to feel as though you are continually bracing for the next challenge without an opportunity to rest.

How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Brings Relief

In our work with anxiety, we primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This approach helps you examine the relationship between your thoughts, physical reactions, and daily behaviors so you can interrupt cycles of ongoing apprehension.

Together, we identify patterns that amplify stress and introduce manageable practices that ease physical tension. Alongside CBT, biofeedback is available for relaxation training and stress management when helpful. For many people, persistent worry is also accompanied by low mood, and our work can address depression when both are present.

What Getting Started and Sessions Look Like

Beginning care starts with a thoughtful intake conversation led by our intake specialist, Alethea Braun-Dunagan, M.A., LPC. You can reach out to us at (928) 774-7997 to discuss what you are experiencing and clarify your goals.

In our initial sessions, we take time to understand your history and outline a collaborative focus. Weekly meetings typically involve reviewing your recent week, exploring specific challenges, and practicing strategies you can apply between appointments, whether meeting by video or in the office.

Where Care Is Available

We offer anxiety therapy through secure video for clients across Arizona, including Yuma, as well as in participating interstate compact states. Dr. Della S. Lusk provides telepsychology in participating PSYPACT states, and Ms. Braun-Dunagan provides counseling in participating Counseling Compact states, depending on where you are physically located during each session. For local background in Yuma, you can view our Yuma counseling page.

For those seeking in-person sessions, we welcome clients at our Flagstaff office, located at 710 N Beaver Street, BLDG 4. To learn more about local options, you can explore our guide to Flagstaff counseling.

Questions people ask

How long does anxiety therapy usually take?

Therapy typically involves weekly meetings over roughly 8 to 16 weeks. This timeframe is a common path rather than a fixed promise, as each person moves at their own pace.

Is virtual therapy different from meeting in the Flagstaff office?

Our secure video sessions provide the same structured CBT approach as meeting in person. You receive focused, dedicated care from your private setting without needing to travel to an office.

Can biofeedback help with physical symptoms of anxiety?

Biofeedback is available as a complementary service to assist with stress reduction, headaches, and physical relaxation training, helping you observe how your body responds to tension.

What techniques will I learn during CBT for anxiety?

In CBT sessions, you learn to identify unhelpful thought patterns, evaluate daily stressors objectively, and apply gradual behavioral steps that reduce avoidance.