Anxiety Therapy | Toronto & GTA
Anxiety is a normal and often healthy emotion, acting as a response to stress or potential danger. However, when anxiety becomes a constant, overwhelming force disrupting daily life, it can be indicative of an anxiety disorder. At Siesta Psychotherapy, we understand that living with such intense anxiety can be debilitating.
We’re here to provide a compassionate, supportive environment and effective, evidence-based therapeutic strategies to help manage and alleviate your anxiety.

Our Approach to Anxiety Therapy
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders, affecting up to 20% of the Canadian population. Anxiety can also occur as a symptom of other mental health disorders such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
At Siesta Psychotherapy, we consider each client’s unique experience with anxiety, recognizing that the symptoms and impact can vary significantly from person to person. Our approach to anxiety therapy is multifaceted, client-centered, and steeped in understanding the broader context of an individual’s life, including their strengths, coping strategies, support systems, and personal aspirations.
Our dedicated team of therapists is well-trained in the intricacies of anxiety and its effects on everyday living. We recognize that anxiety can lead to a host of emotional, cognitive, and physiological issues, and our aim is to help our clients navigate their anxiety journey in a supportive, non-judgmental, and secure environment. Our approach to therapy involves working alongside our clients, adapting the therapeutic process to align with their distinct needs and circumstances.
The cornerstone of our approach is cultivating a robust, trustful therapeutic relationship. We believe that this relationship is the bedrock of effective therapy and a platform where you feel seen, validated, and safe. This relationship fosters open communication, enabling us to explore and address your worries, fears, and anxieties.
Our work doesn’t stop at just symptom relief. We aim for an all-encompassing improvement in your well-being, helping you understand your anxiety triggers, develop effective coping mechanisms, and build resilience. Through our work together, our goal is to help you regain control, improve your quality of life, and cultivate a sense of empowerment over your anxiety.
Understanding the Four Common Types of Anxiety Disorders
1
Generalized Anxiety
Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD, is characterized by chronic and excessive worry that is much more severe than the normal anxiety people experience day to day. Individuals with GAD tend to worry excessively about various aspects of their lives, such as work, health, family, or other personal matters. People with GAD can find it difficult to relax and may struggle with concentration, sleep disturbances, and feelings of restlessness.
2
Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder is defined by sudden, recurring, unexpected panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden rush of intense fear or discomfort, which can include, a racing heart, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, and feelings of impending doom. People with this disorder often live in fear of having the next panic attack and may avoid places or situations where panic attacks have occurred before, significantly impacting their quality of life.
3
Social Anxiety
Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized by an intense fear of social or situations where potential humiliation or embarrassment may occur. People with this disorder may worry about acting or appearing visibly anxious, such as blushing or stumbling over words. This fear can lead to avoidance of such situations or enduring them with high levels of anxiety, which can significantly disrupt their daily routine, work, school, or other activities.
4
Perfectionism
Perfectionism is a personality trait characterized by the relentless pursuit of flawlessness and setting exceptionally high standards for oneself or others.
Perfectionists often have a deep fear of making mistakes or falling short of their own impossibly high expectations, which can lead to chronic stress, self-criticism, and difficulty in finding satisfaction or contentment.
Special Offer: Starting at $50 per session!

Benefits of Anxiety Therapy
Improved Coping Strategies: Learn practical strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms.
Better Understanding of Self: Gain a deeper understanding of your anxiety triggers and responses.
Increased Confidence: Develop the confidence to navigate anxiety-provoking situations more effectively.
Enhanced Relationships: Improve your interpersonal relationships affected by anxiety.
Improved Quality of Life: Experience an overall better quality of life with reduced anxiety symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about anxiety therapy? Browse through our frequently asked questions to find informative answers that address common concerns about the therapy process, duration of sessions, and more.
Anxiety therapy is a type of mental health treatment aimed at helping individuals manage and reduce their anxiety symptoms. It often involves techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and relaxation techniques to help individuals cope with their anxiety.
At Siesta Psychotherapy, our approach to anxiety therapy is personalized, compassionate, and evidence-based. We use a blend of therapeutic techniques, including CBT, ACT, and MBSR, tailored to the unique needs and situation of each client.
The duration of anxiety therapy can vary widely depending on the individual and the severity of their anxiety. Some people may see improvement in a few sessions, while others may need more prolonged treatment. We work with each client to develop a treatment plan that suits their needs.
Yes, anxiety therapy can be particularly effective in managing panic attacks. We can provide techniques and strategies to help manage and even prevent panic attacks.
The cost of therapy can depend on various factors, including the length and frequency of sessions. We recommend contacting our office directly for the most accurate information on pricing.
During your first session, your therapist will conduct an assessment to understand your symptoms and needs better. This session provides an opportunity for you to express your concerns and goals for therapy.
Absolutely. While anxiety therapy primarily focuses on reducing anxiety symptoms, the coping strategies you learn can also be very effective for managing stress.
Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety
An estimated 20% of Canadians experience anxiety at some point in their lives. Understanding the signs and symptoms of anxiety can help individuals identify if they may be struggling with anxiety.
Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms are the most common signs of anxiety. They can include:
Symptoms | Description |
---|---|
Rapid heartbeat | Heart palpitations, chest tightness, or increased heart rate. |
Sweating | Excessive sweating, especially in the palms, soles, or armpits. |
Trembling | Shaking or trembling, especially in the hands or legs. |
Shortness of breath | Difficulty breathing or a feeling of choking. |
Dizziness | Feeling lightheaded or dizzy. |
Emotional Symptoms
Emotional symptoms can also be signs of anxiety. They can include:
- Feelings of restlessness, irritability, or agitation.
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing on tasks.
- Experiencing a sense of dread or impending danger.
- Excessive worry or fear about everyday situations.
- Panic attacks or sudden feelings of overwhelming anxiety.
Behavioral Symptoms
Behavioral symptoms of anxiety can manifest in different ways, such as:
- Avoiding everyday activities or social situations.
- Compulsive behaviors, such as hand washing or checking.
- Substance abuse or self-medication.
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
- Restlessness or fidgeting.
Recognizing these signs and symptoms can be a crucial first step to managing anxiety. Seeking professional help from a qualified therapist can help individuals develop coping mechanisms and strategies to overcome anxiety triggers and lead a fulfilling life.
At Siesta Psychotherapy in Toronto, we believe that seeking professional anxiety therapy can bring about life-changing benefits for individuals struggling with anxiety. Here are just a few of the advantages of seeking therapy:
Benefits of Anxiety Therapy | Explanation |
---|---|
Developing Coping Mechanisms | Anxiety therapy equips individuals with the tools and strategies necessary to manage their anxiety in healthy ways. Through therapy, individuals can learn how to identify their triggers and develop coping mechanisms to handle them. |
Improving Relationships | Anxiety can take a toll on relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Through therapy, individuals can improve their communication skills and develop healthier relationships. |
Enhancing Overall Mental Well-Being | Anxiety can be debilitating and affect all areas of life. Therapy can improve overall mental health and well-being, leading to a happier and healthier life. |
Providing a Safe and Non-Judgmental Space | Therapy provides a space for individuals to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns without fear of judgement. This can lead to increased self-awareness, self-acceptance, and personal growth. |
Additionally, anxiety therapy can help individuals identify and manage co-occurring disorders such as depression or substance abuse. It can also improve academic and occupational performance by reducing anxiety-related stress.
Overall, the benefits of anxiety therapy are numerous and can have a positive impact on an individual’s quality of life. At Siesta Psychotherapy, our therapists provide compassionate and effective care to help individuals overcome their anxiety and live their best lives.
Yes, we do offer our anxiety therapy services in Chinese as well. You can learn more at 焦虑
We provide our trauma therapy, self-esteem therapy and anxiety psychotherapy services to our clients all across Toronto and the GTA, including but not limited to:
- Ajax
- Aurora
- Brampton
- Bridle Path
- Casa Loma
- Don Mills
- East York
- Etobicoke
- Forest Hill
- Golden Mile
- Hoggs Hollow
- Kingsway South
- Lawrence Park South
- Leaside
- Lytton Park
- Markham
- Milton
- Mississauga
- Newmarket
- North York
- Nortown
- Oakville
- Oshawa
- Pickering
- Richmond Hill
- Rosedale
- Scarborough
- St. Andrew-Windfields
- Stouffville
- Summerhill
- The Beaches
- Thornhill
- Vaughan
- Willowdale
- Woodbridge
- Yonge-Eglinton
- Yonge-St. Clair
- York Mills
- Yorkville