What Therapy for Anxiety Looks like in Houston, Tx
- Marian Cooper
- Apr 30
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 30
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is your body and mind's natural response to perceived danger, uncertainty, or stress. It's a survival mechanism, a built-in alarm system that helps you stay alert and prepared in the face of threats. But unlike fear, which responds to an immediate threat, anxiety is more about anticipation. It's the unease or dread about something that might happen.
On a psychological level, anxiety is characterized by excessive worry, nervousness, or a constant sense of impending doom, even when there's no clear or immediate danger. On a physical level, it can trigger symptoms like a racing heart, tight chest, shallow breathing, nausea, dizziness, or sweating.
Anxiety becomes a disorder when it's persistent, overwhelming, and interferes with daily functioning - causing more harm than protection.
What Causes Anxiety?
Anxiety is a response from the brain's fear system, often triggered when it senses a threat, real or imagined. It can be caused by a mix of genetics, brain chemistry, past experiences, and lifestyle factors.
Family history: If your parents or siblings have anxiety, you might be more likely to have it too.
Brain chemicals: When certain chemicals in your brain are out of balance, it can make you feel anxious.
Sensitive brain: Some people have a more active "fear center" in their brain, which makes them feel anxious more easily.
Stressful events: Things like losing a loved one, having money problems, or going through a breakup can trigger anxiety.
Childhood experiences: If you grew up around a lot of stress, fear, or criticism, you might feel more anxious as an adult.
Worrying a lot: If you often expect the worst or think "what if" all the time, it can make anxiety worse.
Being hard on yourself: People who put a lot of pressure on themselves or fear making mistakes (perfectionism) may feel more anxious.
Not sleeping well, eating poorly, or drinking too much coffee or alcohol can make anxiety worse.
Certain medical conditions (like thyroid problems) can also cause anxiety-like symptoms.
Houston-Specific Anxiety Triggers
Living in Houston presents unique challenges that can contribute to anxiety. Clients experiencing anxiety related to:
Hurricane season anxiety
Traffic-related stress
Work pressures in dominant industries
Heat and humidity
According to a 2023 survey by Mental Health America of Greater Houston, approximately 18% of Houston adults reported experiencing severe anxiety symptoms, slightly higher than the national average of 16%.
What Kinds of Therapy Are Available in Houston?
I'm proud to practice in Houston. Depending on your needs, you'll find therapists who specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure Therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), mindfulness-based approaches, and more. Many therapists in the area, myself included, use evidence-based treatments that are clinically proven to reduce anxiety and improve day-to-day functioning.
My approach to anxiety therapy is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is one of the most effective and well-researched treatments for anxiety. CBT helps you understand the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and then teaches you how to shift those patterns in a healthier direction. I often describe it as an educational, hands-on method where we explore what's behind your anxiety, reframe unhelpful thinking, and build strategies that empower you to face life's challenges with more confidence and calm.
In our sessions, I take a collaborative and personalized approach. I bring in my sense of humor, provide structure and support, and tailor each session to meet you where you are. I also use tools like goal-setting, problem-solving, and yes - homework (but the kind that's useful and connected to what we talk about in session, like podcasts, thought logs, or practicing relaxation techniques).
What Does Anxiety Therapy Look Like in Houston, Tx?
Getting Started
The process begins with an initial intake session where the therapist asks several questions to understand the client's specific situation. These questions cover medical history, family background, daily habits, relationships, and the specific ways anxiety is affecting their life. Clients might also be asked to complete questionnaires to help assess their symptoms more clearly.
While this step can feel a bit overwhelming, it's an important part of building a clear and accurate understanding of the client's needs. The goal is to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard and understood - right from the start.
Honesty is key. There's no "right" or "wrong" answer in therapy - but holding back or providing false information can make it harder to develop an effective treatment plan. Being open, even when it feels uncomfortable, allows the therapist to better tailor strategies that truly work for each individual.
Like many therapy practices in Houston, our practice offers both in-person sessions and virtual sessions, giving clients the flexibility to choose a format that suits their schedule and comfort level.
During Therapy
Therapy sessions typically last 50-60 minutes and occur weekly or biweekly. As mentioned, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is primarily used to treat anxiety, though other evidence-based methods may be incorporated based on specific needs.
During sessions, clients will:
Explore the thoughts and patterns that contribute to their anxiety
Learn practical coping tools and relaxation strategies
Work through fears in a structured and supportive way
Track progress and adjust goals as needed
The full course of therapy usually lasts anywhere from 6 to 20 sessions, depending on the specific situation and goals.
After Therapy
As therapy progresses, clients begin applying what they've learned in real-life situations. Over time, they typically experience reduced anxiety, improved confidence, and a greater sense of control in daily life.
Even after formal therapy ends, clients leave with strategies and tools they can continue to use long-term. Some clients complete therapy in a few months, while others choose to continue with ongoing support.
Houston Resources for Anxiety Support
In addition to therapy, these complementary Houston resources can support anxiety management:
Community Wellness Programs
Meditation and Mindfulness Groups
Houston Parks and Recreation
Houston Public Library
Houston Health Connect
Anxiety Support Apps
These resources can complement professional therapy, providing additional tools for managing anxiety in daily life.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Anxiety Therapy
Some people hesitate to seek anxiety therapy for different reasons. They may fear being judged, come from communities where mental health isn't openly discussed, or believe they should be able to manage it on their own.
If you've ever questioned whether anxiety therapy is meant for someone like you, you're not alone. You might come from a background where seeking help is discouraged, or you've rarely seen people with similar experiences represented in mental health spaces. You may be thinking:
Will the therapist understand your identity, your culture, or the weight you carry every day?
Will you have to explain yourself just to be heard?
Do you even belong in therapy?
These are common concerns, especially for people from historically underrepresented or marginalized groups- whether based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, immigration status, or religion. It's completely valid to carry hesitation or mistrust, especially if you've had past experiences where you didn't feel seen, understood, or respected.
But here's what's important to know: Therapy is for you. Anxiety therapy is for anyone experiencing fear, worry, or emotional overwhelm regardless of background. In Houston, with its remarkable diversity (being one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in America), more therapists than ever are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, offering care that respects and reflects the complexity of who you are.
Our practice values each client's story, listens without judgment, and understands that mental health doesn't exist in a vacuum, it's shaped by identity, environment, and experiences. The practice is committed to creating an affirming space for individuals from all communities.
You deserve support that honors all of you. You don't have to change who you are to benefit from therapy - and in our space, you'll never be asked to.
Anxiety Therapy at Own the Moment Therapy
If anxiety has been holding you back, and you've ever wondered whether therapy is truly meant for someone like you - it's worth finding out. Therapy doesn't require you to have everything figured out. It simply asks that you show up, as you are.
At my practice, Own the Moment Therapy, anxiety treatment is rooted in evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, with a focus on clarity, progress, and real-world tools. Our sessions are tailored to your goals, your pace, and your lived experience - whether you're navigating daily stress, persistent worry, or the pressure to always "keep it together."
Support is here when you're ready. And you don't have to go through it alone. Contact me today to learn more about how we can work together.
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