Generalized Anxiety Disorder - Therapy and Counseling in San Jose
Laura L.C. Johnson, MBA, MA, LMFT, offers therapy and counseling for generalized anxiety disorder. My San Jose therapy and counseling office on Saratoga Avenue is centrally located to serve the Silicon Valley including San Jose, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Monte Sereno, Campbell, Cupertino, Los Altos, and Santa Clara.
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Everyone experiences stress, worry and anxiety from time to time. However, this becomes a problem when there is persistent and excessive anxiety and worry. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational worry about everyday things that is disproportionate to the actual source of worry. This excessive worry often interferes with daily functioning, as individuals suffering GAD typically catastrophise, anticipate disaster, and are overly concerned about everyday matters such as health, money, death, family, friends, or work problems. They often exhibit a variety of physical symptoms, including fatigue, fidgeting, headaches, nausea, muscle tension, muscle aches, difficulty swallowing, trembling, twitching, irritability, sweating, and insomnia. These symptoms must be consistent and on-going, persisting at least 6 months, for a formal diagnosis of GAD to be made.
Common Goals of Therapy
Identify triggers and cycle of anxiety
Decrease negative thinking and increase coping thoughts
Relaxation training
Stress management
Problem solving techniques
Calm panic responses and racing thoughts
Laura L.C. Johnson, MBA, MA, LMFT
Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center for Anxiety & Related Problems Certified by the Academy of Cognitive Therapy