Anxiety Counseling

In-person in Charlotte, NC
Online therapy throughout NC, SC and CO

Anxious woman sitting on the floor with hands on her chest, feeling overwhelmed by stress and anxiety in a calm, quiet environment.

Understanding Anxiety

Here at Resilient Roots Counseling & Consulting, we understand that anxiety can feel overwhelming and all-consuming.

Whether it's daily worries or a more persistent sense of dread, anxiety can interfere with your ability to live life fully. Our compassionate therapists are here to listen, provide support, and work with you to explore the root causes of your anxiety.

You don’t have to face anxiety alone – we’re here to help you navigate it with understanding and guidance.

Some common symptoms of anxiety include:

  • Persistent worry or fear that's difficult to control

  • Racing thoughts or difficulty concentrating

  • Restlessness or feeling on edge

  • Increased heart rate or palpitations

  • Shallow breathing or feeling short of breath

  • Avoidance behaviors (avoiding situations that trigger anxiety)

  • Muscle tension, especially in the neck, shoulders, and jaw

  • Sleep disturbances (trouble falling asleep or staying asleep)

  • Stomach issues including nausea, diarrhea, or "butterflies"

  • Excessive sweating or cold, clammy hands

A woman wearing a purple shirt touching a purple wall and smiling

Therapy Can Help

Our approach is rooted in scientifically supported methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and relaxation techniques. These strategies are tailored to meet your unique needs, helping you gain control over your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Our goal is to equip you with the tools to reduce anxiety, build coping skills, and create lasting change.

Through proven techniques and personalized care, we aim to empower you to manage stress, build resilience, and find peace.

Therapist Natalie Thomas in a gray long sleeve shirt and necklace looking at the camera

Our Approach to Anxiety Therapy

Natalie Thomas, LCSW, LISW-CP, ACS
Founder of Resilient Roots Counseling & Consulting

I've been treating anxiety since my practice opened in 2021, and even earlier during my time as a school social worker and in community mental health.

I'm passionate about helping people understand what anxiety is, how it can present differently in different people, and teaching effective coping skills to help decrease stress and symptoms.

What I enjoy most about working with anxiety is helping clients learn coping skills that they genuinely connect with, rather than simply telling them what to do. I believe in a collaborative approach where we work together to find strategies that resonate with you personally.

As someone who has General Anxiety-with the occasional panic attack-I can deeply relate to my clients struggling with anxiety. My approach begins with learning coping skills and working together to track their effectiveness. My goal is for clients to use all the tools available to them, while understanding that anxiety can sometimes involve a chemical imbalance that may benefit from medication support.

Take the First Step Toward Freedom from Anxiety

What to Expect in Our Therapy Sessions

A woman sitting on a sofa with her hands clutched over her knees in an anxious way

When working with us on anxiety, you can expect a direct, relational style of therapy. We create a comfortable space for honest communication and growth.

In our sessions, we'll work on:

  • Understanding the specific nature of your anxiety and how it impacts your life

  • Identifying triggers and patterns that contribute to anxious thoughts and feelings

  • Learning and practicing personalized coping skills to manage anxiety in real-time

  • Developing strategies to challenge and reframe negative thought patterns

  • Building resilience and confidence in your ability to handle anxious situations

Through our work together, you'll gain not just relief from immediate anxiety symptoms, but also long-term strategies to manage anxiety whenever it arises.

Client Success Story

“I wanted to come to therapy because I was stuck in a rut of negative thinking and no longer wanted to be in that place. I enjoyed working with Natalie because she was very straight up! She didn't waste time dwelling on the problem but was very focused on helping me fix it while remaining open and relatable. She allowed me to go at my own pace and helped process newly learned skills to gain better control of negative thought patterns.

My biggest take away that I learned was that cognitive distortions are not your reality. They can be managed by simply asking 'is it true?'

Thank you for all your help and for teaching me about cognitive distortions and CBT.”

— Previous Client

“

A woman waving to her computer screen as she begins an online therapy session for anxiety

A Calmer Tomorrow Starts Today.

Imagine waking up without that weight on your chest. Our evidence-based anxiety treatment can help you reclaim peace of mind.

Frequently Asked
Questions

About Anxiety Therapy

  • Anxiety can manifest differently for everyone. Common signs include persistent worry, racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, irritability, muscle tension, and physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat or stomach issues. If you find that worry or fear is interfering with your daily life, relationships, or work, you may be experiencing anxiety that could benefit from professional support. During our first session, we'll explore your symptoms together to better understand what you're experiencing.

  • No, medication is not required for anxiety treatment. Many people effectively manage anxiety through therapy alone, using cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, and other coping strategies. While medication can be helpful for some people, especially those with more severe symptoms, it's always your choice. I take a skills-first approach, focusing on teaching you practical strategies to manage anxiety. If these approaches aren't providing enough relief, we can discuss medication as an option, but the decision is always yours. If you do choose to explore medication, I can coordinate with psychiatrists or primary care providers to ensure integrated care.

  • The duration of therapy varies for each person depending on the severity of symptoms, personal goals, and commitment to practicing skills outside of sessions. Some clients notice significant improvement after just a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. Typically, anxiety treatment might span between 8-20 sessions, with many clients transitioning to less frequent "maintenance" sessions as they gain confidence in their coping abilities. We'll regularly assess your progress and adjust our approach as needed.

  • Rather than thinking about "curing" anxiety, I encourage clients to think about developing a healthier relationship with anxious feelings. Anxiety is actually a normal human emotion that everyone experiences—it only becomes problematic when it's excessive or interferes with daily functioning. Through therapy, you can learn to manage anxiety effectively so that it no longer controls your life. Many of my clients find that while they may still experience anxiety, they develop the tools to prevent it from overwhelming them, allowing them to live fuller, more satisfying lives.

  • Everyday stress is a normal response to challenging situations and typically resolves when the stressor passes. Anxiety disorders involve excessive worry that persists even without an immediate threat, interferes with daily functioning, and may include physical symptoms. In our work together, we'll help clarify the difference and develop appropriate strategies based on your specific experience.

Ready to decrease your anxiety?