Therapy
Psychotherapy for anxiety disorders
For private patients and self-payers
Anxiety is a natural and vital protective function of the body. It becomes an anxiety disorder when it appears without real danger, takes on a life of its own, or severely limits your daily life, work and quality of life. Many people then get caught in a cycle of physical symptoms, catastrophic thoughts and avoidance.
At Psymondo, I offer you a protected space and evidence-based methods to break this cycle step by step and regain your freedom to act.
A brief overview of the different anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders can take different forms.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Persistent, excessive worry about everyday matters such as family, health, finances or work that is hard to control. It often comes with restlessness, muscle tension and sleep problems.
Panic disorder
Sudden, intense panic attacks with strong physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness or a sense of losing control. They are often followed by fear of the next attack ("fear of fear").
Agoraphobia
Fear of places or situations where escape seems difficult or help would not be available in case of a panic attack, for example crowds, public transport, bridges or being alone.
Social phobia (social anxiety disorder)
Strong fear of situations in which you might be observed, judged or criticized by others, for example giving a presentation, talking to strangers or eating in public.
Specific phobias
Excessive fear focused on particular objects or situations, such as heights, flying, injections or blood, or certain animals.
The pillars of my treatment for anxiety disorders
Successful treatment is based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the best-researched approach for anxiety disorders.
1. Psychoeducation & the anxiety model
Together, we build a clear understanding of your anxiety and of how triggers, thoughts, bodily reactions and avoidance interact.
- Understanding: Physical symptoms such as a racing heart are unpleasant, but when they have psychological causes they are usually harmless.
- Relief: Recognizing the "vicious circle of anxiety" as a natural biological false alarm.
2. Cognitive restructuring
We identify and question the thought patterns that fuel your anxiety, such as catastrophizing, overestimating danger or underestimating your own ability to cope.
3. Exposure therapy
With professional guidance, you gradually face situations or bodily sensations that trigger anxiety, without escaping from them.
- Learning effect: You experience directly that anxiety reaches a peak and then subsides on its own (habituation), and that the feared catastrophe does not happen.
Not sure which option fits your concern? Feel free to contact me for a personal first appointment.
My goals for your therapy at Psymondo
Goals are individual. Possible areas include:
- Everyday life & freedom of movement: Reducing avoidance and gradually returning to places and activities you have been avoiding.
- Coping with anxiety & panic: Learning concrete strategies to regulate panic attacks and anxiety symptoms on your own.
- Thoughts & appraisal: Reducing catastrophic thought loops and building trust in your own abilities.
- Body & relaxation: Regaining trust in your body and reducing physical stress reactions.
- Potential & quality of life: Returning to self-determination, your personal values and your plans, without anxiety holding you back.
My therapeutic approach at Psymondo
I offer you a trusting setting free of judgment, in which you can face your fears. We work step by step and at your own pace, so that you can regain a sense of safety and live more freely.
Would you like to break the cycle of anxiety, or do you have questions? Feel free to get in touch for a personal first appointment.
Sessions are available in German and English.