# Anxiety

> Treatment for anxiety and chronic anxiety in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy as first line. Chartered psychologist with over 20 years of experience.

- **Professional**: Mónica Söderberg (Psicóloga Sanitaria, colegiada P-02710)
- **URL**: https://mentesalud.es/en/tratamientos/ansiedad

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Psychologist specialising in anxiety who applies effective treatment to overcome your fears and regain calm. We treat panic attacks, phobias and fears (public speaking, flying, etc.), stress, nervousness, insomnia, worry.

Anxiety is related to social phobia, panic attacks and depression; so we carry out a thorough clinical assessment before proposing a plan. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is the first-line treatment for anxiety with the strongest evidence: it is not just about talking about what worries you, but identifying the thoughts and behaviours that maintain it (avoidance, rumination, intolerance of uncertainty) and working on them actively. In Las Palmas we offer structured treatment, with between-session tasks and an approach that helps you regain calm and a sense of control.

## Symptoms

- Nervousness
- Excessive worry
- Restlessness or feeling on edge
- Tiring easily
- Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Sleep disturbance
- Intolerance of uncertainty
- Future-oriented thoughts

## Chronic anxiety

When anxiety persists over time and affects your day-to-day life in a lasting way, it can be described as chronic anxiety. It is not just occasional nervousness before an exam or interview: it is a state of worry, tension or restlessness that lasts for months or years and may be accompanied by physical symptoms (muscle tension, tiredness, sleep problems, irritability). The good news is that chronic anxiety responds well to psychological treatment. With Cognitive Behavioural Therapy you learn to identify the thoughts and behaviours that maintain it, to tolerate uncertainty and to regain a calmer life. If you have been living with anxiety for a long time, it is time to address it with a professional.

## Methodology in anxiety treatment

We use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), the treatment with the strongest evidence for anxiety disorders. The approach combines cognitive work (identifying and changing thoughts that generate and maintain anxiety, such as intolerance of uncertainty or catastrophising) and behavioural work (gradual exposure to avoided situations, relaxation training and coping skills).

Depending on your case we integrate specific techniques: for panic attacks, work with bodily sensations and catastrophising interpretations; for phobias, progressive exposure in vivo or in imagination; for generalised anxiety, restructuring of worry and tolerance of uncertainty. We set the pace together, always within a framework of safety and trust.

Between-session tasks (records, exposure or restructuring exercises) are essential: change does not happen only in the consulting room but when you apply what you work on in your daily life. Many people notice a reduction in arousal and avoidance in the first few weeks; the medium-term aim is for you to face situations you used to avoid and for worry to stop dominating your life.

## What to expect in therapy for anxiety

### Initial assessment (sessions 1–2)

We explore your symptoms, triggers, avoidances and goals. We explain the model of anxiety (what maintains it) and the treatment plan. You will leave with a clear idea of the steps to follow.

### Intervention phase (weeks 3–12)

Weekly sessions in which we work on thoughts and behaviours: records, cognitive restructuring and exposure or habit-change tasks. Between-session tasks are an essential part. You will notice less arousal, less avoidance and more sense of control.

### Follow-up and closure

When symptoms decrease in a stable way we space out sessions and work on relapse prevention. We agree with you when to discharge and what to do if anxiety spikes again in the future.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the difference between normal anxiety and an anxiety disorder?

Normal anxiety is an adaptive response to stressful situations. It becomes a disorder when it is disproportionate, persistent and significantly interferes with daily life.

### Can anxiety be fully cured?

With the right treatment most people experience a significant reduction in symptoms. CBT provides tools to manage anxiety effectively in the long term.

### How is anxiety related to other disorders?

Anxiety often coexists with other disorders such as depression, panic attacks and social phobia, so a comprehensive assessment is important.

### What is chronic anxiety and how is it treated?

Chronic anxiety is anxiety that lasts over time (months or years) and persistently affects daily life. It is treated with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: working on the thoughts and behaviours that maintain it, tolerance of uncertainty and tools to reduce arousal and regain wellbeing.

### Where can I find treatment for anxiety in Las Palmas?

At Mente y Salud we offer treatment for anxiety and chronic anxiety in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: in-person at C. Tomás Miller 18 and online therapy by video call. Chartered psychologist with over 20 years of experience and a focus on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. You can book your first appointment by WhatsApp or phone.

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Source: Mente y Salud — https://mentesalud.es