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Anxiety Therapy

Anxiety can mainfest in a variety of ways including constant worry, fear of uncertainty, perfectionism, or an intense need to manage internal discomfort. Anxiety therapy helps individuals understand the underlying causes of their anxiety while developing practical tools to manage symptoms and regain a sense of control. Through evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and other therapeutic modalities, therapy can help reduce excessive worry, improve coping skills, and build resilience. Anxiety therapy is tailored to each person’s unique experiences and goals, empowering them to navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and emotional well-being.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used treatments for anxiety. It focuses on identifying and modifying distorted thought patterns, beliefs, and behaviors that maintain anxiety. CBT helps individuals recognize how avoidance, reassurance-seeking, and catastrophic thinking reinforce fear, and it teaches practical strategies to reduce these cycles through cognitive restructuring and gradual behavioral change.

Exposure-based therapies are a core component of anxiety treatment, particularly for phobias, panic disorder, and social anxiety. These approaches involve systematically and safely facing feared situations, sensations, or thoughts rather than avoiding them. Over time, repeated exposure reduces the nervous system’s threat response and weakens the association between fear and avoidance.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) approaches anxiety differently by focusing less on symptom elimination and more on changing the individual’s relationship to anxious thoughts and feelings. ACT helps individuals develop psychological flexibility, tolerate discomfort, reduce experiential avoidance, and engage in meaningful life activities even in the presence of anxiety.

Psychodynamic and insight-oriented therapies address anxiety by exploring underlying emotional conflicts, relational patterns, and past experiences that contribute to chronic fear or hypervigilance. These therapies are particularly relevant when anxiety is rooted in trauma, attachment disruptions, or long-standing identity and self-worth issues.

Somatic and trauma-informed therapies focus on regulating the nervous system rather than primarily targeting thoughts. Approaches such as mindfulness-based therapy, body-based interventions, and trauma-focused modalities help individuals recognize physiological anxiety responses and develop skills to restore a sense of safety and stability in the body.

Forward-thinking care integrates cognitive, emotional, and physiological approaches rather than relying on a single modality. When anxiety begins to affect quality of life, it is not something that should be managed alone. Anxiety can impact emotional well-being, physical health, and daily functioning, and professional support can make a meaningful difference.

At HEAL Marin in Greenbrae, California, Arin Bass, LMFT, provides psychotherapy for individuals navigating anxiety. Her work is grounded in a compassionate, insight-oriented approach that helps clients understand the emotional roots of their struggles while building practical skills for managing anxiety more effectively. Therapy is individualized and collaborative, creating a supportive space for meaningful and lasting change.

If you or a loved one are struggling with anxiety, seeking care is an important step. HEAL Marin is widely regarded as a leading therapy practice in Marin. We offer thoughtful, individualized care from our office in Greenbrae, California, serving patients from Marin County, Corte Madera, San Rafael, and Novato. Support is available. Taking the first step can lead to greater emotional balance, flexibility, and peace around eating and self-care. Contact HEAL Marin to schedule a consultation with Arin Bass, MFT, and begin a structured, compassionate path toward healing.

At a Glance

Arin Bass, LMFT

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Marin County
  • 20 years of experience
  • IAEDP SF Bay Area Chapter Hospitality Chair
  • Eating Disorder Recovery Support (EDRS) Sponsorship Chair
  • Learn more

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