31 March, 2019
Stop Worrying, Start Living!
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Is anxiety holding you back?
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Do you miss out on opportunities and experiences because you are consumed with fear and doubt
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Do you find it impossible to relax?
You don’t have to live with anxiety. Therapy can help you take back control of your life.
What is anxiety?
Some worry is necessary. If we never worried, we wouldn’t be able to plan for the future or predict dangerous situations. Worry can also be a coping strategy. When we worry, we feel that we have control over an unpredictable situation. By focusing on what can go wrong, we protect ourselves against shock or disappointment. Or at least, that’s what we tell ourselves!
When does anxiety become a problem?
About 90% of the things we worry about never actually happen. It’s easy to get stuck in a state of hypervigilance. This drains your energy, interferes with your relationships, and makes it hard to focus at work.
Life transitions, like marriage, the birth of a child, starting a new job, or a bereavement, can make anxiety worse. Some of us have chronic anxiety. We might not be able to pinpoint any particular cause, but still suffer overwhelming worry every day.
Anxiety is a common problem
You are not alone in your struggle. According to the World Health Organization, 7.7% of American women and 2.6% of men have some kind of anxiety disorder. You probably know someone else with the same problem, even if they don’t confide in you.
What’s the best treatment for anxiety?
In my work as a therapist, I combine a holistic approach with evidence-based best practices. I target the biological, social, psychological and spiritual causes of anxiety and intervene in each of these areas. I believe this is the best approach for anxiety.
My first aim will be to fully understand your life and goals, while building a relationship based on trust. We will then work together to find ways to overcome your anxiety using modalities including CBT, Rogerian, solution-focused therapy, and exposure therapy. Every person is different and I tailor treatment to suit each client, considering their personality, strengths, and limitations.
Many clients I work with say they feel “more peaceful,” “hopeful” and “calm” when leaving my office.
Anxiety is considered easier to treat than other disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder. I create a safe space for you to talk about your fears, and how your anxiety is impacting your life. We’ll work together to create a plan to cope with, manage and lessen (and hopefully get rid of) your anxiety. You’ll learn how to take hold of it, instead of letting it take hold of you.
Issues I Treat:
- Social Phobia (anxiety in social situations)
- General Anxiety Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Anxiety due to a life transition
- Specific Phobia (e.g. public speaking, dogs, etc.)
Why I can help you move forward
To get the most from therapy, you need to find someone with the right education and experience. You need someone who will make you feel safe and supported.
Let me introduce myself. My name is Lia Huynh, and I’ve been a therapist for over 17 years. I’m also a professor and professional speaker.
I wanted to become a therapist after going through some trying times as an adolescent. I was so fortunate to have older, wiser people around to support and empower me. They gave me space to process my feelings. I saw the healing power of counseling for myself as I gained precious clarity and direction.
As a high school peer counselor, I got a taste of what it was like to help others. I was hooked! Since then, it’s been my mission to help others move towards hope and healing.
Over 25 years later, my passion for helping others continues to fuel my work. I have been in professional practice for over 17 years. During that time, I have helped hundreds of people make their lives happier, more balanced, and more purposeful.
I create a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere where you can feel comfortable sharing those feelings and thoughts that you may find hard to talk about with other people. I’ll give you coping techniques that are based on clinical research and proven to work for most clients with anxiety. Therapy doesn’t have to be a joyless process. I believe in the power of warmth and humor alongside evidence-based practice.
Here’s what sets me apart from other therapists in the San Jose and Milpitas Areas:
My priority is to make you feel comfortable
It’s hard to call up a complete stranger and open up about all the things that you try to keep hidden from the world. I realize how difficult this is. You have my empathy and respect.
My office is a safe space. You can talk about anything – all your fears, worries, and anxieties – without any judgment. I will never tell you to “get over it,” or that “it’s all in your mind.” We will work together, gently, at your pace, to move you closer to your goals.
I have personal experience with anxiety
I struggled with panic disorder and anxiety for many years before I sought treatment. I also had two severe cases of post-partum anxiety and depression after giving birth to my daughters.
I understand the feelings that come with having anxiety, and the stigma and isolation. I also understand what it takes to get better, and how great it feels to have the problem under control.
I learned from the very best
For my undergrad degree, I studied at UCLA under some of the most prominent researchers in the field. I then went on to study at SFSU for my two master’s degrees, again working with some of the best clinicians in counseling.
That was over 17 years ago and, since then, I have had the opportunity to work in a myriad of settings with many populations. I’ve worked with a diverse range of clients, from convicted murderers to heads of big companies.
Still have questions?
It’s normal to have concerns and doubts about therapy. Let me address some of the most common questions.
“What if therapy doesn’t work?”
Therapy does entail a degree of risk. You need to dedicate time, money, emotion, and effort to get the most from the process. It is natural to feel apprehensive. However, if you do not act, it’s likely nothing will change. Sometimes, just deciding to get help is the biggest step toward recovery and healing.
In my 17 years of practice, I have seen many people feel better and manage their anxiety through therapy. I use evidence-based techniques that really work. They can change your life.
“Isn’t therapy just for weak people who can’t help themselves?”
Nothing could be further from the truth.
My clients are some of the bravest people I have ever met. It takes courage to decide it’s time to change. It takes even more courage to call someone you don’t know, and share all your fears with this person. That doesn’t sound “weak” to me!
So many people walk into my office nervous and shaking, but leave therapy as different people. I don’t take the credit – it’s all down to the courage of my clients, who allow themselves to grow and change. Seeking therapy is a sign of strength.
“Therapy is expensive and time consuming. Is it worth the investment?”
Therapy could be one of the smartest investments you’ll ever make. Like anything we value, whether it be our education, our health, or our stock portfolio, we have to allocate time and money to see gains.
Isn’t your mental health and well-being worth the investment? What would you be able to do with your life if you weren’t anxious anymore?
“I don’t want to open up to a stranger. Can therapy work for me?”
In my office, I work to help you feel comfortable with me and the therapy process in general. Questions and comments are always welcome. My office is a no-judgement zone. No issues are ever minimized or put down. This is your life and your experience, and I consider it a privilege to work with you.
The one advantage I often hear from clients about opening up to a therapist is that our conversations are confidential. (There are only a few exceptions, like disclosures around homicide, suicide and abuse.)
My clients appreciate that I am unbiased and removed from their personal situation. There’s no drama, no gossip. Anything said in the therapy room, stays in the therapy room.
Are you ready to feel calmer, clearer and confident? Contact me today for an initial consultation!
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Are you ready to take that step of faith and make a change in your life?
Next Steps:
I’m here to help.
Lia Huynh, MS, LMFT