Anxiety by Alfred Stieglitz

Anxiety by Alfred Stieglitz

Anxiety

Anxiety is part of being human. We all carry experiences that shape and sometimes limit us. In today’s fast-paced world—especially in cities like Seattle—we’re constantly pulled in every direction, leaving little time for reflection. We often treat anxiety as something to be fixed or avoided, but in truth, it's a signal worth listening to.

Modern life encourages us to hide our pain and keep going, as if discomfort is a flaw. But interpersonal and existential psychotherapy sees anxiety differently: not as a disorder to eliminate, but as a doorway to understanding ourselves more deeply. Whether triggered by stress, trauma, or even unfulfilled desires, anxiety points to something meaningful within us—a conflict, a possibility, a truth we haven’t yet faced.

Anxiety shows up when we have choices. That’s the paradox: our freedom to shape our lives brings uncertainty. And yet, this very discomfort can lead us toward greater creativity, purpose, and self-understanding. In avoiding anxiety, we often cut ourselves off from who we truly are.

Therapy offers a space to explore these feelings safely. Rather than push them away, we can learn to work with them. Together, we can unpack past experiences, bring buried emotions to light, and help you reconnect with your authentic self. This isn’t about finding a “cure” for anxiety—it’s about finding meaning and movement through it.