Individual trauma-informed counseling for Wisconsin moms resumes July 2026. Join the waitlist.
Stress is a normal part of life, but when it begins to interfere with daily functioning, relationships, or a sense of well-being, it may be time for support. There are three levels of stress: positive, tolerable, and toxic. Positive stress is a mild level of stress, the kind we experience when going on a job interview or meeting a deadline at work. Tolerable stress is a more intense level of stress triggered by a a major life change, such as moving to a new neighborhood. During a period of positive and tolerable stress, our bodies can return to normal after the stressful event is over, especially with a strong support system. Toxic stress occurs when stressful events are ongoing and can include ongoing financial anxiety, job uncertainty, and news overwhelm. The stress response can remain active for too long, harming our bodies and brain.
Common Symptoms
There are many ways toxic stress can manifest itself in our thoughts, emotions, body sensations, and behaviors. Common symptoms may include difficulty concentrating, worry, fear, irritability, muscle tension, sleep disturbances, restlessness, pounding heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, or avoidance behaviors.
Treatment Approach
There is relief for those living with anxiety. My treatment approach focuses on helping individuals identify their unique stressors and triggers, providing psychoeducation on the stress response in the brain and body, and targeting the pathways that produce the fear response. Interventions may include breathwork, mindfulness, embodiment work, targeting anxiety-igniting thoughts, and exposure to feared stimuli.
Common Questions
Is it normal to feel overwhelmed all the time?
It's incredibly common, especially for those in caregiving roles, but normal doesn't mean you have to live with it. Frequent overwhelm is often a sign that your nervous system is stuck in protection mode.
When the demands of family and work exceed your current capacity, your brain sounds an alarm. It isn't a sign that you're failing; it’s a sign that the conditions of your life are currently outpacing your nervous system's ability to reset. We work together to increase that capacity and optimize your environment so you can move from surviving to thriving.
Why do I feel things like muscle tension, restlessness, or shortness of breath when I’m anxious?
Anxiety isn't just "in your head"; it is a full-body experience. When your brain perceives a threat, even if that threat is a never-ending to-do list, it sends signals to your body to prepare for action. This can cause your heart to race, your muscles to tense, and your digestion to slow down. These physical sensations are your body’s way of mobilizing in the face of real or perceived threat.
While some therapies focus on your thoughts (top-down), my approach works from both the top-down and the bottom-up. Bottom-up techniques focus on calming and supporting the body first, using practices like breathwork, gentle movement, and body awareness to help your nervous system settle. By addressing your mindset and your nervous system, we help your whole system feel safe again.
What is the difference between stress and anxiety?
Think of stress as a response to a specific trigger, like a deadline at work or a child’s illness. Once the trigger is gone, the stress usually subsides. Anxiety is different. It’s the on-guard feeling that remains even when things are quiet. It’s like having an alarm system that stays on long after the intruder has left. If you find yourself waiting for the next shoe to drop, even during peaceful moments, your system has likely transitioned from temporary stress into chronic anxiety. We can work together to help your system feel safe again.
How do I know if I actually need a counselor?
You don’t have to wait for a crisis to seek support. A good rule of thumb is to look at your capacity for joy and rest. If anxiety is taking up so much space in your life that there is no room left for you to enjoy your family or get the sleep you need, it’s a sign that your system is over capacity. Seeking counseling is a way to strengthen your internal coping and external support system. My role is to be a safe container for you to process what has you over capacity, helping you move from a state of overwhelm into a place of spaciousness and ease so that you can show up for yourself and others fully present.
Do I have to take medication to get my anxiety under control?
Not necessarily. My focus is on helping you strengthen your internal and external resourcing so your nervous system feels safe again. However, one of my trainers used an analogy that stuck with me. She said that medication can act like fertilizer for the brain. Sometimes, the soil of our nervous system is so depleted by chronic stress that it’s hard for new skills to take root. Medication can help create a more flexible environment, making it easier for your brain to take in new information and make the changes we’re working on in therapy. Whether we use it as a temporary bridge or a long-term tool, the goal is always to help you reach a place of spaciousness and ease.
Ready to take one small step forward?
If you have any questions or want to learn more about my treatment approach, contact me for a free 15-minute consultation. It’s a chance for us to connect to see if we’re a good fit.