What Does Therapy for Anxiety and Depression Look Like?
Many people feel unsure about starting therapy because they don’t quite know what to expect. Some imagine sitting in a room talking endlessly about problems. Others worry they’ll be analyzed, judged, or pushed to share things before they feel ready.
In reality, good therapy moves at a pace that respects your nervous system. The first step is simply creating a space where you can talk honestly about what has been weighing on you and begin to understand what your mind and body have been trying to manage.
In working with Alex at Soma & Soul, you will also explore possible physical health issues that may be causing anxiety and/or depression symptoms for you (more on that below).
Anxiety and depression rarely appear out of nowhere. They often develop when a person has been carrying prolonged stress, unresolved experiences, or patterns of thinking and responding that once served a purpose but no longer feel supportive.
Therapy is a place to gently untangle those patterns.
Is It All In My Head?
How Soma & Soul Does It Differently
Anxiety and depression are often treated as purely mental health conditions. But for many people, the story is more complex.
The brain and body are connected (seems obvious, right?!). When something in the body is out of balance, it can affect mood, energy, concentration, and emotional regulation. In these cases, anxiety or depression may be a signal that something deeper in the system needs attention, rather than the final diagnosis. This does not mean the emotional experience isn’t real or significant, but possible physical contributors deserve careful consideration.
Physical Factors That Can Affect Mood
A number of medical and physiological issues can create symptoms that look very similar to anxiety or depression. Some examples include:
Thyroid dysfunction.
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can affect mood, energy levels, cognitive function, and emotional stability.
Hormone imbalances.
Changes in estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and other hormones can influence mood, sleep, and nervous system regulation.
Digestive and gut health issues.
The gut and brain communicate constantly through the gut–brain axis. Disruptions in gut health can affect inflammation, neurotransmitter production, and mood.
Mold exposure or mold-related illness.
In some individuals, mold exposure can contribute to fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, mood changes, and nervous system sensitivity. It can even lead to a condition called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), which can cause high levels of anxiety in people who have it.
Chronic infections, such as Lyme disease.
Long-term infections can affect the immune system and nervous system, sometimes leading to symptoms that resemble depression, anxiety, or cognitive difficulties. Lyme Disease and COVID are both increasing the prevalence of MCAS, which can cause high levels of anxiety, along with many other symptoms throughout the body.
Nutrient deficiencies.
Low levels of nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12, or vitamin D can significantly impact energy, mood, and brain function. These deficiencies happen often, and commonly go undiscovered without thorough and proper blood testing.
Heavy metal toxicity.
Exposure to certain metals can affect neurological and cognitive functioning in ways that influence mood and mental clarity.
Alex is very passionate about connecting her clients with holistic, functional medicine providers who are dedicated to root-cause healing and can help you optimize your whole-body health. Therapy is an important piece of the picture, but she can't 'therapy you' out of a physical health condition. Let's get to the bottom of it!
Do I Have Anxiety?
Many people who struggle with anxiety don’t immediately recognize it for what it is.
You may simply feel constantly overwhelmed, on edge, or mentally exhausted. You might assume you're just “a worrier,” a perfectionist, a "people pleaser," a "control freak," or someone who thinks too much.
Over time, though, that constant state of pressure can begin to affect sleep, relationships, focus, and overall wellbeing.
Anxiety isn’t simply feeling stressed once in a while. It often shows up as a persistent sense that something might go wrong, even when things appear mostly okay on the surface. You may even feel proud of your ability to "hide your anxiety," but that doesn't mean you are okay on the inside.
Common Signs of Anxiety
Anxiety can look different from person to person, but many women notice patterns like:
Constant worrying or overthinking.
Your mind may replay conversations, anticipate worst-case scenarios, or have difficulty letting things go.
Feeling tense or physically “on edge.”
Tight shoulders, jaw clenching, shallow breathing, or a sense of internal restlessness are common.
Difficulty relaxing or slowing down.
Even during downtime, your mind or body may feel like it’s still running.
Trouble sleeping.
Racing thoughts, difficulty falling asleep, or waking in the middle of the night thinking about responsibilities or future worries.
Feeling easily overwhelmed.
Small stressors can sometimes feel disproportionately heavy.
A strong need for control or certainty.
When life feels unpredictable, the mind may try to manage anxiety through planning, reassurance seeking, or perfectionism.
Fatigue or mental exhaustion.
Living with constant internal pressure can be very draining.
Could I Be Depressed?
Depression does not always look the way people expect. Many people imagine depression as constant sadness or the inability to get out of bed. While that can cetainly happen, depression often shows up in quieter, less obvious ways.
Some people continue working, taking care of responsibilities, and showing up for others, all while feeling extremely drained inside. Others notice a gradual loss of motivation, energy, or interest in things that once felt meaningful. It can feel like moving through life with a heavy weight that is hard to explain, or feeling like your head has been filled with concrete.
Common Signs of Depression
Depression can affect mood, energy, thinking, and the body. Some people notice patterns such as:
Persistent low mood or emotional heaviness.
You may feel sad, flat, or emotionally numb much of the time.
Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed.
Activities, hobbies, or social connections that used to bring energy may feel harder to engage with.
Low energy or chronic fatigue.
Even small tasks can feel overwhelming when your system is depleted.
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
Mental fog, forgetfulness, or trouble focusing can sometimes accompany depression.
Changes in sleep.
You may sleep much more than usual, struggle to fall asleep, or wake frequently during the night.
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or self-criticism.
Many people with depression carry a heavy sense that they are not doing enough or are somehow falling short.
Withdrawing from others.
It can feel easier to pull back from relationships when energy and motivation are low.
