When anxiety takes up too much space
A little anxiety helps us react. It becomes a problem when it no longer switches off: you go over things at night, avoid certain places or situations, wake up already tense. Sometimes it hits all at once as a panic attack, with physical sensations so strong that people think they are having a heart problem.
People who come to see me often describe:
- constant worry that is hard to stop;
- panic attacks, or the fear of having another one;
- poor sleep and tiredness that doesn't go away;
- avoiding things, until everyday life starts to shrink;
- low mood that comes with the anguish.
How I work
The first session is about understanding your situation: since when, in which circumstances, what makes it worse and what helps. Where useful, personality tests help to get a clearer picture.
The work then moves on two levels. One is understanding what the anxiety says about your history and your current situation. The other is learning practical tools for difficult moments: controlled breathing, relaxation, mindfulness, autogenic training. You try these techniques in session and then at home between appointments.
In person or remotely
Sessions take place at the practice in Gasperich on Saturdays, or by video on weekday evenings. Video works well if your schedule is full, or if leaving the house is exactly what feels hard at the start.
Many people in Luxembourg live and work in a second or third language. Being able to talk about how you feel in English, French or Italian, without translating in your head, often makes a real difference.