Anxiety Therapy Specialist in Palo Alto, CA

Anxiety can often be triggered by specific events or situations. Many individuals experience anxiety in response to stressors such as major life changes—like relocating, starting a new job, or ending a relationship. Uncertainty and high-pressure situations, such as taking important exams or public speaking, are also common triggers. Even everyday experiences, such as being in crowded places or meeting new people, can provoke anxiety for some.

Past trauma can play a significant role as well. For example, someone who has been in a car accident may feel anxious when driving, while others might experience anxiety when reminded of a loss or distressing event. It’s important to remember that everyone has unique triggers, and what causes anxiety for one person may not affect another in the same way.

At Helyx Health, our team works with you to identify your personal anxiety triggers and develop practical strategies to manage them. Techniques such as preparation, relaxation exercises, and supportive counseling can help you cope more effectively. If you find that anxiety is frequent, intense, or interfering with your daily life, our healthcare providers are here to offer comprehensive evaluation and personalized guidance. 

At Helyx Health, we recognize that emotional wellbeing is a crucial part of your overall health. Many patients come to us wondering about the difference between everyday stress or worry and clinical anxiety. While these experiences are related, understanding their distinctions can help you know when it’s time to seek support.

Everyday Stress and Worry:
Feeling stressed or worried is a natural response to challenging or uncertain situations—like an upcoming exam, work deadline, or major life event. These feelings are typically temporary and tied to a specific cause. Once the situation is resolved, the stress or worry usually fades away without ongoing impact.

Anxiety:
Anxiety, on the other hand, is more persistent and can arise even when there is no clear or immediate threat. It often involves excessive fear or apprehension that interferes with your daily life. Unlike everyday stress, anxiety can linger for weeks or months and may disrupt your ability to function at work, in social situations, or at home.

Physical and Emotional Symptoms:
Anxiety can also produce physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, muscle tension, restlessness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating—sometimes even when there’s no obvious reason. These symptoms can be disproportionate to the actual situation, whereas everyday stress usually resolves on its own and doesn’t consistently cause significant physical or psychological impairment.

When to Seek Help:
At Helyx Health, we encourage our patients to pay attention to how these feelings impact their day-to-day lives. If you notice that anxiety is persistent, overwhelming, or making it difficult to function, it may be time to consider professional support. Our compassionate team is here to help you understand your symptoms and guide you toward effective treatment options tailored to your needs.

At Helyx Health, we understand how untreated anxiety can affect every aspect of your life. Persistent anxiety doesn’t just impact your mood—it can have lasting effects on both your mental and physical health. Over time, chronic stress from anxiety can disrupt brain function, especially areas involved in memory and emotional regulation. Many individuals find themselves struggling with concentration, decision-making, and may even develop related conditions like depression or unhealthy coping habits.

Physically, ongoing anxiety puts extra strain on the body. This can result in elevated blood pressure, increased risk of heart disease, digestive concerns such as irritable bowel syndrome, and a weakened immune system—leaving you more vulnerable to illness. Sleep disturbances are also common, which can lead to fatigue and difficulty keeping up with daily activities.

Anxiety doesn’t just affect your mind and body; it can impact your relationships, work, and school life. You may find yourself withdrawing from social situations, missing out on important opportunities, or struggling to maintain performance at work or school. Over time, these issues can accumulate and reduce your overall quality of life.

At Helyx Health, we believe in a comprehensive approach to anxiety care. Our team is committed to helping you break the cycle of anxiety through evidence-based treatments, including therapy, personalized lifestyle recommendations, and—when appropriate—medication management. Addressing anxiety early can prevent long-term complications and help you reclaim your health and well-being.

Anxiety disorders are complex conditions shaped by both genetic and environmental influences. Scientific research shows that anxiety may have a genetic component—meaning that a predisposition to anxiety can run in families. Studies involving twins and families reveal that individuals with close relatives (such as parents or siblings) who have experienced anxiety are at a higher risk themselves, compared to those without a family history of anxiety disorders.

However, it’s important to remember that genetics is only one part of the picture. Having a family member with anxiety increases your susceptibility, but it does not guarantee that you will develop anxiety. Environmental factors—such as your upbringing, life events, and stress levels—also play a significant role in whether anxiety develops.

At Helyx Health, our team is dedicated to helping you understand your personal risk factors for anxiety. Our healthcare professionals can help you assess your risk, discuss preventative strategies, and explore personalized approaches to managing anxiety. Together, we can create a plan that addresses both your genetic background and your unique life circumstances, supporting your mental and emotional well-being.

Helyx Health’s Dr. Jonah Paquette integrates positive psychology into anxiety treatment by shifting the focus from solely “fixing what’s wrong” to “building what’s strong”. His approach is collaborative and strengths-based, empowering patients to cultivate happiness, resilience, and purpose alongside managing their anxiety symptoms.

Key components of Dr. Paquette’s integrative method

• Balancing the narrative: Instead of only exploring the negative triggers and consequences of anxiety, Dr. Paquette helps patients incorporate positive experiences and strengths into their self-perception. This reframing provides a more balanced and empowering narrative of their healing journey.

• Focusing on what works: A strengths-based approach encourages patients to identify and build upon their natural capabilities and coping mechanisms. For example, a patient with social anxiety might be highly perceptive or skilled at one-on-one interactions; these qualities can be leveraged instead of being seen as weaknesses.

• Introducing “positive interventions”: Dr. Paquette incorporates research-backed techniques aimed at nurturing positive emotions and well-being. These can include:

1. Gratitude practices: Encouraging patients to regularly reflect on and appreciate the positive aspects of their lives.
2. Mindfulness: Teaching present-moment awareness to reduce anxiety, enhance focus, and cultivate self-awareness.
3. Cultivating awe: Dr. Paquette’s work specifically explores the psychological and health benefits of experiencing awe and wonder.

Empowering the patient: By providing tools for well-being alongside traditional CBT strategies, Dr. Paquette helps patients see themselves as active participants in their own healing. This fosters a sense of agency and shifts the focus from avoiding distress to proactively cultivating a meaningful and connected life.

If you’re struggling with anxiety, visit Helyx Health for professional support, that can help you regain control and achieve lasting relief. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 518 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, California 94301. We serve patients from Palo Alto CA, Menlo Park CA, Stanford CA, Mountain View CA, Los Altos CA, and surrounding areas.