What happens when we lose our healthy curiosity, and our mind becomes consumed by dark scenarios that we feel unable to cope with, other than by running in the opposite direction?
When we face a new situation—such as moving to a new country, learning a new language, starting a new job, or taking on a new family role—our natural response is to activate our alert system. This ensures the environment does not pose any risk and allows us to increase our performance level to meet the demands of the situation.
However, when this state of heightened alertness becomes rigid and persistent, preventing us from reaching the physical, mental, and emotional state necessary to perceive the situation as safe, we begin to experience anxiety and stress from a pathological perspective.
Therapeutic work for this type of suffering focuses on helping individuals regain flexibility and curiosity—rebuilding the ability to perceive new or unpredictable situations as opportunities for interest and growth. This allows for more adaptive responses to challenges while restoring performance levels and reducing the toll of prolonged stress.
Given the wide variety of forms anxiety can take (e.g., generalized anxiety, social phobia, separation anxiety, health anxiety), flexibility in therapeutic approaches is essential.
Drawing on the work of Dr. Shelly Harrell, I use a combination of strategies to address anxiety and reduce residual stress. These include:
Attention – Centering Techniques
Techniques such as meditation, mindful breathing, and visualization help shift focus away from anxious thoughts, neutralizing their effects.
Expressive, creative strategies
Engaging in creative or physical activities can channel anxious energy productively. Examples include drawing, dancing, gardening, or working on meaningful projects.
Reflection exploration strategies
Tools such as journaling, self-monitoring, and open communication foster self-awareness and help individuals identify anxiety triggers and patterns.
Healthy lifestyle values
Adopting healthy habits—including balanced nutrition, regular exercise, nurturing relationships, and cultivating enjoyable and restorative activities—supports overall well-being and reduces residual anxiety.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step
I invite you to get to know me and decide if I could be a good companion on the road.
within Reach
About me and how my practice offers mental health care to bring a sense of home to nationals and internationals.
Before we meet
Practical information before you start your therapeutic process so we can establish the boundaries of our relationship.
Here-and-now
The bridge between the different forms of human suffering we face and the therapeutic support to alleviate it.
Our next
Once your need for support has been addressed, you can decide which setting seems most appropriate for you to begin your journey to feeling better.
Psychology within Reach
Vuurvlindersingel, 403
3544 DB Utrecht
Netherlands
Phone +31 30 636 8981 info@psychologywithinreach.com
Mon.-Fri.– 9 am – 7:30 pm
