Photo of Life Enrichment Counseling Center, Inc., Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 22314, VA
Life Enrichment Counseling Center, Inc.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314
We specialize in working with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults with depression, anxiety, stress, and relationship issues.
At Life Enrichment Counseling Center, we are committed to providing you with the support and compassion that is important to you in your time of need. We are all resilient and have the desire and ability to heal and lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. However, there are times and situations where we need professional help to overcome devastating feelings and life events. We fully appreciate that, and we look forward to personally meeting with you and will strive to do our best to help find the best solutions for your situation.
We specialize in working with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults with depression, anxiety, stress, and relationship issues.
At Life Enrichment Counseling Center, we are committed to providing you with the support and compassion that is important to you in your time of need. We are all resilient and have the desire and ability to heal and lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. However, there are times and situations where we need professional help to overcome devastating feelings and life events. We fully appreciate that, and we look forward to personally meeting with you and will strive to do our best to help find the best solutions for your situation.
(703) 822-7205 View (703) 822-7205
Photo of Gazala A Ansari, Psychologist in 22314, VA
Gazala A Ansari
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314
This kind of therapy has been useful in my work with individuals with depression, anxiety, and relationship issues.
Asking for help can often be an indication of courage and strength. All individuals have life issues and knowing when to seek help is essential to well being. I am a psychologist who works diligently with my clients to identify and examine maladaptive patterns that cause obstacles to living well. Through this process, the elements needed for positive change (e.g., insight, acceptance) materialize and help move one to live a more healthy and fulfilling life. In therapy, I place great value on the relationship between the therapist and the client, so I strive to create a safe, comfortable, confidential, and nonjudgmental environment.
This kind of therapy has been useful in my work with individuals with depression, anxiety, and relationship issues.
Asking for help can often be an indication of courage and strength. All individuals have life issues and knowing when to seek help is essential to well being. I am a psychologist who works diligently with my clients to identify and examine maladaptive patterns that cause obstacles to living well. Through this process, the elements needed for positive change (e.g., insight, acceptance) materialize and help move one to live a more healthy and fulfilling life. In therapy, I place great value on the relationship between the therapist and the client, so I strive to create a safe, comfortable, confidential, and nonjudgmental environment.
(703) 468-8388 View (703) 468-8388
Anxiety Therapists

What are the most common treatments for anxiety?

Talk therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, is the most common treatment for anxiety. Studies have shown it is equally effective as medication. Other popular forms of therapy are popular, depending on a patient’s experience. Exposure therapy, for instance, can be useful for people dealing with fears and phobias, or who have experienced traumatic events. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy may be useful for patients who need help with emotion regulation. Anxiolytic medications, like benzodiazepines, can also help with calming a person enough to focus on the skills they’ve learned, and physical exercise has been shown to help symptoms of anxiety across the board.

How long does therapy for anxiety take to work?

The amount of time needed to alleviate symptoms depends on the severity of a person’s condition. Some therapies may take 5-20 weekly sessions to show results. Anti-depressant medications typically take two to four weeks before a benefit is felt. Anti-anxiety medications are felt typically within 20-30 minutes. Medications are best used to offer a patient a better headspace in which to work on techniques learned in therapy. Exercise, improved sleep habits, and meditation are effective, but takes weeks or months to show results.

When should I seek treatment for anxiety?

Everyone feels anxious at times, but when anxiety causes disruption to your daily life, it may be time to seek help. Such disruption can be mental, physical, or both: having fear dominate your thoughts, avoiding situations or objects that bring on feelings of anxiety, or experiencing shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or panic attacks. When these symptoms are recurrent and distressing, it may be time to talk to someone.

How effective is treatment for anxiety?

Treatment for anxiety has been shown to be moderately to highly effective, according to a large body of psychology studies and analyses. For some people, treatment using CBT or exposure therapy alone is effective. Others respond best to a combination of medication and therapy.