Anxiety Therapy Plano TX

Anxiety, Stress, and Perfectionism

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Anxiety Therapy Plano, TX

Almost every day for you begins the same: your eyes fly open, your brain turns ON, and a flood of worry rushes in.  Quite often you wake in the middle of the night, and the flood begins so quickly that you can’t get back to sleep. Your brain is constantly on the go, thinking and rethinking, but never getting anywhere. You are convinced this analyzing will help you solve problems, but it never does. It feels like your brain is on high alert, pointing out every little thing that might GO wrong or BE wrong.

Maybe you’ve always been an achiever with high standards for yourself, but the perfectionism has become unmanageable lately. No matter how hard you try and how much you do, it never seems to be enough. You are your worst critic, and it’s just too much. 

You can’t relax, you aren’t getting enough sleep, and it’s starting to interfere with important areas of your life. You’re irritable and having trouble focusing. Physically, you may notice that you are tense, achy, lightheaded, and having digestive problems or difficulty breathing. You’ve even wondered if you’re having a heart attack at times. 

Your anxiety makes you want to escape and avoid

And most days, you DO escape and avoid. Turning to alcohol, cigarettes, food, or your phone helps take the edge off. But it’s never enough. The overwhelm returns, and you spend way too much time thinking about past, present, or future shortcomings. This “woulda, coulda, shoulda” thinking has taken over your life and you’re starting to feel like a failure. 

a group of women smiling as they benefited from anxiety therapy plano tx

You’re not living the life you want

You know you haven’t been taking the best care of yourself lately. You wonder if this is anxiety, or if you just haven’t been handling stress well. Others have noticed it, too. All you know for sure is that you’re exhausted, and there appears to be no end in sight.

But you don’t have to keep living in this state of frazzled nerves! The truth is you CAN feel more relaxed, calm, and in charge of your life. Learning ways to manage these uncomfortable symptoms yourself can give you a powerful feeling of manageability over your life.

Perhaps you’ve already spoken to a doctor about these problems, and they’ve prescribed medication. Medications can help, and they are often the first thing people turn to for help with anxiety. But medication alone won’t teach you how to manage the anxiety better, and it might leave you feeling uncomfortably reliant on something external to feel better. For those who experience very high levels of distress and find it almost impossible to calm themselves, medication can calm your brain enough so that you can better use the techniques I teach in therapy. 

How anxiety therapy Plano, TX can help

My name is Danesa Daniel and I am an anxiety therapist in Plano, Tx. I have over 20 years of experience helping people with anxiety, perfectionism, stress and worry.

I also understand the intense pressures of life in a fast-paced city like Plano, TX. Whether you are a professional, a working parent, or a stay-at-home mom, it’s so easy to get caught up in this chaos and feel like you’re drowning. I can teach you techniques to calm your mind and body, so that you can find a calm space to focus on the things that really matter. Together we will explore what triggers your anxiety, and create a plan to help make changes in how you live and how you think.  

I will teach you some of the most powerful and effective skills for managing stress and retraining your brain to be less anxious and respond to stress better. It’s such an empowering feeling to learn you can do this on your own!

a person hugging themself and smiling as they enjoy peace after anxiety therapy plano tx

If you are ready to explore how counseling in Plano can help you conquer your stress, anxiety, and worry contact me at 469-850-2420 or danesa@danesadaniel.com to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.

I specialize in generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety, as well as perfectionism, and chronic worry. My counseling office is in Plano, Texas, and conveniently located near Frisco, Allen, McKinney, Prosper, The Colony, Little Elm, Addison, North Dallas, and Richardson. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety Counseling in Plano, TX

 
  • Anxiety is a natural part of being human. It’s our body’s way of trying to protect us when something feels off. In small amounts, it can even be helpful—keeping us alert and ready to respond. But when anxiety starts to feel overwhelming, sticks around too long, or makes everyday life feel harder than it should, it might be more than just everyday stress. You could be dealing with an anxiety disorder—and you’re not alone.

  • There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to anxiety, but the good news is that several therapies have strong research support—and I draw from the ones that work best for each individual.

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is considered the gold standard for treating anxiety. It’s a practical, skills-based approach that helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected—and how to change patterns that keep you stuck in worry or fear.

    For anxiety that involves avoidance or specific fears, Exposure Therapy—a component of CBT—can be incredibly effective. It helps you gradually face the things that cause anxiety, so they start to feel less overwhelming over time.

    Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is another evidence-based approach that teaches you how to relate differently to anxious thoughts and feelings, using mindfulness and values-based action to build a more meaningful life, even in the presence of anxiety.

    Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) combines mindfulness practices with cognitive tools to help you stay present and grounded, which is especially helpful if your anxiety feels constant or tied to racing thoughts.

    Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is another powerful treatment, especially when anxiety is rooted in past experiences or trauma. EMDR helps the brain process and release distressing memories so they no longer feel as triggering in the present. It’s especially useful for clients whose anxiety feels stuck in the body or linked to difficult life events.

    In my practice, I also use Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. While it’s a newer model compared to CBT, research is growing—and many people find it deeply healing. IFS helps you explore the different parts of yourself (like the inner critic or the anxious part) with compassion, so you can feel more grounded, calm, and whole.

    The bottom line? The best treatment is one that fits you. I tailor therapy to your unique needs, drawing from well-researched approaches that support lasting change.

  • That’s completely okay—and actually, it’s very common. Anxiety often shows up alongside other challenges like depression, grief and loss, stress, trauma, relationship struggles, or difficulties with food and body image. These experiences are often deeply connected, and therapy can help you understand those connections in a way that brings real relief.

    In our work together, we’ll take the whole picture into account—not just the anxiety symptoms on the surface, but also the patterns, past experiences, and parts of you that might be contributing to how you’re feeling today.

    You don’t have to have everything sorted out before starting therapy. Just bring yourself, as you are. We’ll go at your pace and focus on what matters most to you.

  • Choosing a therapist is a very personal decision, and I hope you take your time finding someone who truly feels like the right fit.

    I take pride in being a solo practitioner, someone who works independently rather than as part of a group practice or a large agency. I do this for a reason. When you reach out, schedule, and show up for therapy, you're working directly with me, not an assistant, rotating clinician, or intake department. I can offer a more personalized, consistent experience. I get to know you, tailor our work to your unique needs, and provide ongoing care without the interruptions or handoffs that can happen in larger settings. It also means your privacy is protected within a smaller, more contained practice.

    I’m also a private pay therapist, which means I’m not limited by insurance restrictions. That gives us the freedom to tailor therapy to your needs, not a diagnosis, a time limit, or a checklist. We can go deeper, move at your pace, and focus on what actually matters to you. (I can also give a statement for reimbursement if you choose to seek out-of-network reimbursement from your insurance company)

    I bring many years of professional and life experience to this work. and I’ve had the privilege of supporting folks of all ages and from all walks of life.

    I also take pride in being a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Social workers receive training to understand people from diverse backgrounds and how discrimination affects mental health. We learn about different cultures, communities, and the challenges that come with being part of a minority group. If you've experienced unfair treatment, prejudice, or feel like you don't fit in because of your race, culture, sexual orientation, or other aspects of your identity, social workers are equipped to understand how these experiences impact your wellbeing and can provide appropriate support.

    I am trained in evidence-based trauma treatments, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I understand how trauma can shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors—and I work gently and collaboratively to help you feel safe, empowered, and in control of your healing process.

    I strive to create a space that is inclusive, affirming, and welcoming to all people—regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, size, religion, or background. I am LGBTQ+ affirming and deeply committed to honoring each person’s full identity and lived experience. You will never be asked to shrink or hide parts of yourself with me! Therapy with me is a space where all parts of you are welcome.