For a nervous system running too hot
Anxiety therapy for when your body keeps sounding alarms your mind can't shut off.
Evidence-based therapy for generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety, and OCD patterns — CBT, ERP, ACT, and mindfulness integrated into a plan that fits your life. Telehealth across California, plus in-person in Walnut Creek with Tina.
Good fit if
- You're waking up with a body that's already tense before the day starts
- Panic attacks show up without a clear trigger and leave you bracing
- Worry cycles eat hours — about health, money, relationships, random futures
- You avoid things that would actually be fine (conversations, commitments, decisions)
- Intrusive thoughts or compulsions are controlling more of your day than you want
Not a fit if
- Untreated panic with medical factors (heart, thyroid) that haven't been ruled out — see a physician first
- Severe OCD that needs intensive, multi-hour weekly ERP — we'll refer to a specialty clinic
Not sure which column you're in? Book a free consult. If we're not the right fit, we'll help you find someone who is.
What the work looks like
How we actually work together.
We start by mapping your anxiety — triggers, avoidance patterns, the thought–feeling–behavior loops that keep it running. Knowing the shape of it is half the work.
From there, we use CBT to interrupt thought patterns, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to shift your relationship to anxious thoughts rather than fighting them, and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) when compulsions or avoidance are reinforcing the loop. Mindfulness practices build a steadier baseline between sessions.
Most clients notice meaningful reduction in symptom load within 8–15 sessions. Anxiety rarely goes to zero, and that's not the goal — the goal is for anxiety to stop running your life.
Modalities we draw from
Who on our team does this work
4 therapists who specialize here.
Michelle Cortez
AMFT
Anxiety, cultural identity, relationship challenges, and the weight of carrying trauma quietly. Relational and culturally responsive at heart.
Christina Mathieson
LMFT
Human sexuality, couples work, trauma recovery, and affirming care for individuals navigating relationships, identity, and life transitions.
Jalyse Stewart
AMFT
Trauma-informed therapy for women — especially Black women and BIPOC clients — healing from childhood sexual abuse, complex trauma, and what a lifetime of carrying other people's weight does to the nervous system.
Tina Masoudi
AMFT, APCC
Trauma, anxiety, grief, and relational work — integrative and trauma-informed, with experience serving clients impacted by the justice system and optional Christian counseling for those who want faith to be part of the room.
FAQ
Common questions about anxiety therapy.
Can therapy really help if my anxiety feels physical?
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Yes. Anxiety lives in the body; most good anxiety therapy addresses both the cognitive and somatic components. CBT shifts thought patterns; somatic and mindfulness practices directly regulate the nervous system.
Do you prescribe medication for anxiety?
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No — we're therapists, not prescribers. Therapy alone is highly effective for most anxiety conditions. If medication would help, we'll refer to a psychiatrist or psychiatric NP and coordinate alongside.
What's the difference between CBT and ACT for anxiety?
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CBT works to change anxious thoughts and behaviors directly. ACT accepts the presence of anxious thoughts and focuses on what you want your life to be about regardless. We use both, matched to the client — some people respond better to one than the other.
How long does anxiety therapy take?
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Many clients see substantial improvement in 8–15 sessions. More complex or long-standing anxiety (decades-old patterns, OCD, trauma-driven anxiety) takes longer. We'll share a realistic estimate after intake.
References & further reading
- NIMH — Anxiety Disorders — National Institute of Mental Health
- APA — Anxiety — American Psychological Association
- International OCD Foundation — Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) — IOCDF
Last clinically reviewed: April 18, 2026 by Christina Mathieson, LMFT #115093.
From the blog
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High-functioning anxiety isn't a formal diagnosis, but it describes a real and widely experienced pattern: chronic anxiety that hides behind achievement, composure, and the appearance of having it all together.
The Season of Giving: Navigating Holiday Gifting Stress
The holidays can trigger anxiety, overwhelm, and inadequacy — especially around gifting. A therapist's guide to setting boundaries, reframing expectations, and focusing on connection over perfection.
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Learn moreReady to talk it through?
Free 15-minute call. We'll figure out if anxiety therapy is the right work for where you are, and match you with the right person on our team.
Book a Free Consult