Anxiety Therapist Houston
Takeaway: Anxiety can keep you stuck in patterns that don’t support your well-being. For many people, this takes on the form of people-pleasing, perfectionism, and difficulty setting boundaries. Thankfully, it is possible to unlearn these patterns. Working with an anxiety therapist in Houston can help you find freedom, balance, and connection. Start the process today.
Meet Sanah Kotadia | Houston anxiety therapist
Hi, I'm Sanah. I'm a licensed professional counselor in the state of Texas, and I'm passionate about helping people who experience anxiety. I have a deep understanding of how intergenerational trauma can teach us patterns that keep us stuck in a constantly heightened state—and through both my work with clients and my own therapy, I've learned that healing is possible.
I see anxiety as a deeply ingrained pattern—not something that's innate to us as human beings. Your life experiences have likely led you to show up in ways that keep difficult emotions at bay but also leave you feeling anxious, disconnected, and ungrounded. But together, we can change that.
My personal experiences with anxiety have helped me be a more understanding, compassionate therapist. I recognize the courage it takes to reach out for help and make big changes in your life, and I'm honored when clients allow me to walk this healing journey with them.
My approach to anxiety treatment in Houston, TX
I use a variety of talk therapy methods to help my clients find lasting relief from mental, emotional, and physical symptoms of anxiety disorders.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is at the forefront of my work. This approach helps us understand how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected. You'll gain insight into the patterns that keep you stuck, and, armed with this knowledge, you'll be able to start shifting your mindset and actions to see real changes in your daily life.
I also use an attachment-based approach to anxiety treatment. Through this lens, we can see how early life events shape the way we relate to other people. Together, we’ll discover whether you have a secure, anxious, avoidant, or disorganized attachment style (learn more about each type here). By first understanding our relationship blueprint, we can then learn new ways of connecting with others that contribute to healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
Interpersonal therapy is another component of my work. Here, you'll learn new communication skills and constructive ways of resolving conflict. This is especially important for those of us experiencing anxiety since we're often used to hiding away our true selves to "keep the peace." I want to help you find your voice. Using an interpersonal approach helps us better understand the dynamics of all our relationships (including romantic ones) and how to further understand ourselves and each other.
Who my anxiety disorder treatment is for
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Those struggling with poor boundaries
Trouble with boundaries can be both a symptom and an effect of anxiety. We're often anxious about how others will respond if we say "no," so we tend to be passive and overextend ourselves. This only generates more overwhelm, which makes it difficult to manage stress. Together, we'll explore how you can put your own needs first.
Common signs of poor boundaries include:
• Feeling guilty or ashamed when setting boundaries
• Being overly passive and accommodating, even in situations that warrant assertiveness.
• Taking on too much responsibility for others' feelings & actions.
• Difficulty saying no to unreasonable requests or demands.
• Constantly trying to please others, even at the expense of one's own well-being.
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Those struggling with people-pleasing
When we constantly try to anticipate what others need, want, or expect from us, it's difficult to feel settled. While people-pleasing is one of the coping skills we learned early on that keeps us connected to others, it ultimately leaves us feeling anxious and depleted. In anxiety treatment, you'll learn ways of grounding yourself that don't rely on focusing on others
Common signs of people-pleasing include:
• Avoiding conflict & trying to keep the peace at all times.
• Putting one's own goals and aspirations on hold for the sake of others.
• Prioritizing others' needs & feelings over one's own.
• Feeling unfulfilled and resentful in personal relationships and other areas of life.
• Going out of one's way to please others, often to the point of exhaustion.
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Those struggling with perfectionism
There's nothing inherently wrong with having high standards for yourself. But when your mental health suffers as a result, it's time to consider a new way of moving through the world. Working with an anxiety therapist in Houston, TX can teach you how to embrace all the parts of yourself—even the messy, uncomfortable ones.
Common signs of perfectionism include:
• Constantly setting high, often unrealistic, standards for oneself & others.
• Extreme self-criticism & a fear of making mistakes.
• Difficulty completing tasks due to excessive procrastination or overthinking.
• An all-or-nothing thinking pattern, where things are either perfect or a failure.
• Difficulty delegating tasks or asking for help.
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Adult women with undiagnosed ADHD
Living in a world that's not set up to support you can contribute to negative thoughts about yourself, loneliness, and anxiety. Together, we'll explore your experience of growing up with undiagnosed ADHD and build your self-esteem so you can feel confident and empowered to be you.
Common signs of ADHD in women include:
• Jumping from task to task
• Poor time management skills
• Hyperfocusing on certain tasks or activities
• Day-dreaming
• Trouble staying organized
• Poor memory
• Trouble completing projects
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South Asian individuals
As a South Asian woman myself, I have an intimate understanding of the unique aspects of our culture. I'm also an oldest daughter, which can come with a lot of pressure (as you may know firsthand). While I work with people of all cultures and ethnic backgrounds, some people find it especially validating when their therapist "gets it" on a more personal level.
FAQs about anxiety therapy in Houston
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There are many different types of anxiety disorders, including:
• Generalized anxiety disorder. Symptoms include trouble controlling worry, difficulty relaxing, muscle tension, sleep problems, and more.
• Panic disorder. Symptoms include panic attacks, which are periods of intense fear alongside a racing heartbeat, sweating, lightheadedness, fear of dying, and more.
• Social anxiety disorder. Symptoms include fear of judgment, blushing, mind going blank, avoiding social situations, and more.
• Related disorders. Other disorders, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also include symptoms of anxiety.
Know that you don't need an anxiety disorder to get support. Your mental health can suffer whether you have a formal diagnosis or not. If you're interested in therapy but aren't sure if you have a specific anxiety disorder, I encourage you to reach out.
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There are many different anxiety treatment options, so it's important to reflect on your needs, preferences, and goals for therapy. I use CBT, attachment-focused therapy, and interpersonal therapy to help people heal from anxiety.
However, other therapists may use different methods. Exposure therapy, EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy are other approaches that licensed therapists use to treat anxiety. You don't need to be an expert in each of these methods, but doing a little of your own research can help you discover which approaches resonate with you.
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Each person's experience with therapy is different, so it's difficult to say exactly how long you'll be in therapy. Some people start to feel better after only a couple of sessions, knowing that they finally have someone to support them.
To find real, lasting change, many people attend therapy consistently for several months or even a few years. Attending regular sessions, being open to the process, and practicing new skills outside of sessions are a few ways you can get the most out of your time in therapy.
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Yes, therapy is absolutely worth it for anxiety. By working with a therapist, you can get to the root of your anxiety and make intentional shifts that fundamentally change how you navigate life.
While anxiety may always be a part of you, you can turn down the dial on these thoughts and feel more in control of your emotions. Therapy is also a place where you can feel safe to process traumatic events, stressful life transitions, relationship problems, and more. Simply having space to feel seen and supported can do wonders.
Working with an anxiety counselor in Houston can help you become your best self.
If you're ready to break free from the patterns that keep you stuck in anxiety, I'm here to help. My virtual therapy room is a safe space for you to embrace your authentic self, make positive life changes, and learn how to finally enjoy life. Since I offer online therapy exclusively, I'm able to support people throughout the state of Texas. Reach out today to get started!
