Anxiety Therapy in Chicago & Online (Illinois & California)

Understanding Anxiety: What It Really Is

Anxiety isn’t just a problem to get rid of—it’s part of being human. At its core, anxiety is a protective response. It evolved to keep us safe, alert us to danger, and help us navigate uncertainty. When it works well, it can motivate, focus, and prepare us for important moments. But when anxiety gets stuck in overdrive, it can start to feel like a constant alarm bell with no off switch.

​

In therapy, we treat anxiety not as an enemy, but as a messenger. All emotions—even the uncomfortable ones—are signals. Anxiety often shows up when something in our internal or external world feels unsafe, unresolved, or out of alignment. By learning to listen to what anxiety is trying to protect, we open up space for healing and regulation—not just symptom suppression.

 

How Anxiety Manifests: Cognitive, Emotional, Physical, and Social Symptoms

Anxiety can impact every part of life—not just how you think, but how you feel, act, and relate. Understanding the full range of anxiety symptoms can help you feel less alone and more empowered to seek support.

 

Cognitive Symptoms:

• Racing thoughts or intrusive worries

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Catastrophic thinking (“what if” spirals)

• Overanalyzing or perfectionism

• Obsessive loops or mental replaying of conversations/events

 

Emotional Symptoms:

• Persistent fear or dread, even when nothing obvious is wrong

• Feeling overwhelmed, edgy, or “on high alert”

• Shame about not being able to “just calm down”

• Irritability or frustration

• Emotional numbness or disconnection

 

Physical Symptoms:

• Rapid heartbeat or chest tightness

• Muscle tension or jaw clenching

• Gastrointestinal issues (e.g., nausea, IBS)

• Sweating, shaking, or dizziness

• Sleep disruptions or chronic fatigue

 

Social and Behavioral Symptoms:

• Avoidance of people, places, or tasks

• People-pleasing or overcommitting to avoid disapproval

• Withdrawal from relationships or isolation

• Using substances or distractions to self-soothe

• Overworking or hyper-productivity as a coping strategy

 

When anxiety affects this many layers of experience, healing requires more than just “thinking differently.” That’s why our work goes deeper—engaging the mind, body, and nervous system to create lasting change.

 

Why Traditional Talk Therapy Isn’t Always Enough

While traditional talk therapy has its place, it often focuses on intellectual understanding alone. If we’re only talking about our anxiety without addressing the underlying physiological responses, emotional triggers, or behavioral patterns, we miss a huge part of the healing process. Anxiety isn’t just a thought problem—it’s a full-body experience that requires a holistic approach to truly transform.

​

At Chris Peters Psychotherapy, we integrate talk therapy with somatic-based approaches and trauma-informed care. By addressing the root causes of anxiety, including unresolved trauma and attachment issues, we can begin to unravel the deeper patterns that keep you stuck.

​

A Somatic and IFS-Informed Approach to Anxiety

In our work together, we use Internal Family Systems (IFS) and somatic therapy to guide you through anxiety in a deeply healing way.

​

IFS helps us identify and understand the different parts of ourselves—such as the anxious part, the inner critic, or the part that wants to stay safe. By building a compassionate relationship with these parts, we can soften their influence and help them work together toward healing.

​

Somatic therapy focuses on the body’s response to anxiety. We recognize that anxiety isn’t just something that happens in your mind; it’s often stored in the body as well. By integrating body awareness and techniques for regulating the nervous system, we can support you in releasing the physical tension and emotional blocks that keep you stuck in anxiety.

​

Why Anxiety Therapy Is Important

Anxiety can interfere with your work, relationships, health, and sense of self. When left unaddressed, it can lead to burnout, depression, and chronic stress. Seeking therapy is a courageous step toward healing—not just to reduce symptoms, but to change how you interact with the world.

​

Therapy is not just about eliminating anxiety, but transforming your relationship with it. Instead of seeing anxiety as an enemy to be defeated, we work to understand it as a signal—a part of your experience that’s trying to help. By tuning in, you can create lasting change that goes far beyond just symptom management.

​

In-Person and Online Anxiety Therapy in Chicago and LA

If you’re in Chicago, we offer in-person anxiety therapy that provides a warm, supportive, and confidential environment for you to explore your anxiety and begin healing. We work together to help you uncover the root causes of your anxiety, including past trauma, patterns of perfectionism, or overwhelming life stressors. With a focus on emotional safety and nervous system regulation, therapy becomes a place for both healing and growth. Office is easily located of the Brown Line/Irving Park Rd in Ravenswood and services areas including Ravenswood, Andersonville, Edgewater, Lakeview, Lincoln Park and Lincoln Square. 

​

For those outside of Chicago, virtual therapy is available for clients throughout Illinois and California, including Los Angeles. Our online sessions are designed to provide the same level of care, connection, and support, regardless of location. Whether you prefer the convenience of online therapy or find that it best fits your lifestyle, we offer a flexible and effective way to access compassionate care.

​

Whether in-person or virtually, we create a space where you can feel seen, heard, and supported—so you can move from simply managing anxiety to truly healing it.​

​

Ready to Heal from Anxiety?

If you're ready to take the next step toward understanding and healing your anxiety, I’m here to help. Whether you’re in Chicago and prefer in-person sessions or you're in Illinois or California and need virtual support, together we can build a path toward a more regulated, compassionate relationship with yourself and your emotions. Reach out today to schedule your consultation and begin your healing journey.

​​

--

📍 In-person shame therapy in Ravenswood Industrial Corridor Chicago

💻 Online anxiety therapy online for Illinois and California residents​​​