Anxiety Therapy in Birmingham, AL
In fact, over 20 million adults in the U.S. suffer from some type of it. The good news is that people who seek therapy for anxiety help have a very high success rate in regaining control over their lives. To begin your path to wellness, contact us today!
Everybody worries or gets anxious from time to time – and the right amount of anxiety can even improve performance and focus; but when the worry becomes excessive, it may be a sign of a disorder. Anxiety can get much worse if it goes untreated. The great news is that the sooner you get help for managing it, the easier it is to obtain relief. Anxiety can be the result of negative events or trauma, but it can also develop without incident or warning.
Over 20 million adults in the U.S. struggle with some type of anxiety. While everyone feels worried or anxious from time to time—and a healthy amount of anxiety can even improve focus and performance—excessive or ongoing worry may be a sign of a disorder. When anxiety goes untreated, it often worsens over time. The good news is that people who seek therapy for anxiety have a very high success rate in regaining control over their lives, especially when they seek help early.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults (19.1% of the population) age 18 and older every year. (Source: ADAA)
At Birmingham Anxiety & Trauma Therapy in Alabama, we provide anxiety therapy to help you understand the root causes of your symptoms—whether they developed after a traumatic event or appeared without warning—and guide you toward meaningful, lasting relief. If anxiety is interfering with your daily life, support is available.
What Are Common Anxiety Symptoms?
Physical symptoms can include:
- sleeplessness
- tight muscles
- nausea
- a constant sense of feeling tired
- shortness of breath
- sweating
- rapid heart rate
- feeling warm all over or red in the face
- panic attacks
Other symptoms include:
- apprehension
- irritability
- restlessness
- bad dreams
- problems concentrating.
Some people find themselves imagining worst possible scenarios about situations and focusing on fears.
What Are the Different Types of Anxiety?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
People with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) experience a chronic level of frequent anxious feelings and excessive worry with little or no cause.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
People with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) have upsetting thoughts (obsessions) and try to use rituals to control the anxiety related to the upsetting thoughts. OCD often occurs with depression or eating disorders. Learn more about therapy for OCD.
Panic Disorder
People with Panic Disorder get feelings of terror or danger without any warning, called panic attacks. They feel unreal, afraid they will lose control, or are in danger. They may be convinced they are having a heart attack, going crazy, or about to die. People with repeated panic attacks can lead very restricted lives, so it’s important to seek treatment as soon as signs and symptoms develop.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after one event or multiple events that result in psychological trauma, such as disasters, military combat, threat of death, physical harm, or sexual and emotional abuse. The trauma may be re-experienced with nightmares, flashbacks or intrusive memories. Hyper vigilance and anger occur easily. PTSD severely affects ability to cope with life, and may interfere with relationships or career.
Social Anxiety
People with Social Anxiety Disorder have overwhelming anxiety about everyday social situations fear they will be harshly judged by others or do something embarrassing. Symptoms can occur with only one type of situation or may be so severe that symptoms pop up any time they are around other people. Many athletes, musicians, and actors who perform well during practice can suffer from Performance Anxiety; afraid that they will fail in front of others, freeze up, or have stage fright.
What To Expect in Anxiety Therapy
At Birmingham Anxiety & Trauma Therapy, our approach to treating anxiety begins with a comprehensive intake process to understand your background and current situation. For your first therapy session, we will set specific goals you have for therapy and set expectations for what to expect during your sessions.
Through various strategies such as lifestyle adjustments, environmental assessment, and recognizing early signs of anxiety, we can help you to develop personalized coping mechanisms. Our anxiety therapists focus on identifying the root causes of anxiety and addressing unmet needs to help you achieve a better quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everyone experiences stress from time to time, but therapy may be helpful if:
Your worry feels constant or overwhelming
You avoid situations because of fear
Anxiety interferes with sleep, work, school, or relationships
You experience panic attacks
You feel physically tense, exhausted, or on edge most days
If anxiety is limiting your life or causing distress, therapy can help you regain a sense of control.
Your first session includes a comprehensive intake where we learn about your history, current symptoms, stressors, and goals. Together, we will:
Clarify what you want to change
Identify patterns contributing to anxiety
Develop an initial treatment plan
Set expectations for the therapy process
Our goal is to create a supportive, judgment-free space where you feel understood and heard.
The length of therapy varies depending on the severity of symptoms and your goals. Some clients notice improvement within a few months, while others benefit from longer-term support. We regularly review progress and adjust treatment as needed.
For some people, mild anxiety improves with lifestyle changes. However, chronic or severe anxiety often persists without intervention and may worsen over time. Early treatment typically leads to faster and more lasting relief.
It’s completely normal to feel anxious about beginning therapy, especially when seeking help for anxiety. We move at your pace and prioritize building trust and safety in the therapeutic relationship.
Get Started at BATT
If you think you may be struggling with anxiety, we are here to help. Contact us today to book an appointment with our anxiety therapists in the Birmingham, AL area. We offer teletherapy and in-person appointments at our office in Vestavia Hills, AL.
Anxiety Resources
Anxiety Disorders Association of America
The Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the prevention, treatment and cure of anxiety disorders.
Freedom from Fear
Freedom From Fear is a national not-for-profit mental health advocacy association who seek to impact the lives of people affected by anxiety, depression, and related disorders.
National Institute of Mental Health
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the lead Federal agency for research on mental and behavioral disorders. NIMH works to improve mental health through biomedical research on mind, brain, and behavior.
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