For a nervous system running too hot
Anxiety therapy for when your body keeps sounding alarms your mind can't shut off.
Evidence-based therapy for generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety, and OCD patterns — CBT, ERP, ACT, and mindfulness integrated into a plan that fits your life. Telehealth across California, plus in-person in Walnut Creek with Tina.
Good fit if
- You're waking up with a body that's already tense before the day starts
- Panic attacks show up without a clear trigger and leave you bracing
- Worry cycles eat hours — about health, money, relationships, random futures
- You avoid things that would actually be fine (conversations, commitments, decisions)
- Intrusive thoughts or compulsions are controlling more of your day than you want
Not a fit if
- Untreated panic with medical factors (heart, thyroid) that haven't been ruled out — see a physician first
- Severe OCD that needs intensive, multi-hour weekly ERP — we'll refer to a specialty clinic
Not sure which column you're in? Book a free consult. If we're not the right fit, we'll help you find someone who is.
What the work looks like
How we actually work together.
We start by mapping your anxiety — triggers, avoidance patterns, the thought–feeling–behavior loops that keep it running. Knowing the shape of it is half the work. (For one common variation we see often — anxiety hidden behind high performance and the appearance of having it all together — see our piece on high-functioning anxiety.)
From there, we use CBT to interrupt thought patterns, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to shift your relationship to anxious thoughts rather than fighting them, and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) when compulsions or avoidance are reinforcing the loop. Mindfulness practices build a steadier baseline between sessions.
Most clients notice meaningful reduction in symptom load within 8–15 sessions. Anxiety rarely goes to zero, and that's not the goal — the goal is for anxiety to stop running your life.
Modalities we draw from
Wondering if this is the work you need?
Free 15-minute call. We'll figure out together if we're the right starting point.
Book a Free ConsultWho on our team does this work
4 therapists who specialize here.
Michelle Cortez
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) #146795
Supervised by Christina Mathieson, LMFT #115093
Couples work grounded in attachment theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT); anxiety and OCD using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP); cultural identity, relationship challenges, and the weight of carrying trauma quietly. Relational and culturally responsive at heart.
Christina Mathieson
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) #115093
Human sexuality, couples work, ADHD and neurodiversity-affirming therapy, and affirming care for individuals navigating relationships, identity, and life transitions.
Jalyse Stewart
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) #153712
Supervised by Christina Mathieson, LMFT #115093
Trauma-informed therapy for women healing from childhood sexual abuse, complex trauma, and what a lifetime of carrying other people's weight does to the nervous system. I also work with neurodivergent clients and trauma that intersects with grief, anxiety, or chronic overcompensation.
Tina Masoudi
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) #155851
Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) #19568
Supervised by Christina Mathieson, LMFT #115093
Trauma-informed therapy for young adults navigating anxiety, grief, identity, and life-stage transitions, with previous clinical experience at a college counseling center. Also works with couples, families, first responders, and clients impacted by the justice system. Optional Christian counseling for clients who want faith to be part of the room.
FAQ
Common questions about anxiety therapy.
Can therapy really help if my anxiety feels physical?
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Yes. Anxiety lives in the body; most good anxiety therapy addresses both the cognitive and somatic components. CBT shifts thought patterns; somatic and mindfulness practices directly regulate the nervous system.
Do you prescribe medication for anxiety?
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No — we're therapists, not prescribers. Therapy alone is highly effective for most anxiety conditions. If medication would help, we'll refer to a psychiatrist or psychiatric NP and coordinate alongside.
What's the difference between CBT and ACT for anxiety?
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CBT works to change anxious thoughts and behaviors directly. ACT accepts the presence of anxious thoughts and focuses on what you want your life to be about regardless. We use both, matched to the client — some people respond better to one than the other.
How long does anxiety therapy take?
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Many clients see substantial improvement in 8–15 sessions. More complex or long-standing anxiety (decades-old patterns, OCD, trauma-driven anxiety) takes longer. We'll share a realistic estimate after intake.
Who on your team specializes in anxiety?
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Michelle Cortez, AMFT #146795 — supervised by Christina Mathieson, LMFT #115093 — is the clinician on our team who works most closely with anxiety, including high-functioning anxiety, generalized anxiety, and OCD patterns, using CBT, ACT, ERP, and narrative therapy. Christina, Jalyse, and Tina also work with anxiety in their practices.
References & further reading
- NIMH — Anxiety Disorders — National Institute of Mental Health
- APA — Anxiety — American Psychological Association
- International OCD Foundation — Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) — IOCDF
- The Happiness Trap — Russ Harris (ACT-based book) — Russ Harris, MD
- The Gifts of Imperfection — Brené Brown — Brené Brown
- Self-Compassion — Kristin Neff, PhD — Kristin Neff, PhD
- The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook — Kristin Neff, PhD & Christopher Germer, PhD — Kristin Neff, PhD & Christopher Germer, PhD
- Your body language may shape who you are — Amy Cuddy (TED) — TED
- The Willpower Instinct — Kelly McGonigal, PhD (Talks at Google) — Kelly McGonigal, PhD
- Burnout — Emily & Amelia Nagoski (stress cycle and the body) — Emily Nagoski, PhD & Amelia Nagoski
- Hidden Brain (podcast) — Shankar Vedantam — Hidden Brain Media
- On Purpose with Jay Shetty (podcast) — Jay Shetty
- I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn't) — Brené Brown — Brené Brown
Last clinically reviewed: April 24, 2026 by Christina Mathieson, LMFT #115093.
Free monthly workshop
It's Not Just the Fight: How Trauma Shows Up in Your Relationship
Thursday, April 30, 2026 · 6:00 PM PT · Zoom · Free
From the blog
What Is High-Functioning Anxiety?
High-functioning anxiety isn't a formal diagnosis, but it describes a real and widely experienced pattern: chronic anxiety that hides behind achievement, composure, and the appearance of having it all together.
The Season of Giving: Navigating Holiday Gifting Stress
The holidays can trigger anxiety, overwhelm, and inadequacy — especially around gifting. A therapist's guide to setting boundaries, reframing expectations, and focusing on connection over perfection.
Unwrapping Holiday Anxiety: A Therapist's Perspective on Navigating Festive Stress
The holiday season often brings joy and celebration, yet it can paradoxically create heightened anxiety. A clinician's guide to common holiday stressors and practical strategies for managing seasonal tension.
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Learn moreReady to talk it through?
Free 15-minute call. We'll figure out if anxiety therapy is the right work for where you are, and match you with the right person on our team.
Book a Free Consult