What is the Difference Between Generalized Anxiety and High-Functioning Anxiety?

Anxiety can affect people in different ways, and there are different types of anxiety disorders. We are gonna chat about two common types Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and High-Functioning Anxiety. Although they share some similarities, there are some differences. Regardless of differences and similarities but can be treated and helped through anxiety therapy.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): GAD is a recognized condition in the mental health field, listed in the DSM-5. It involves excessive worrying about everyday events and situations, often lasting for extended periods, sometimes even months or years. People with GAD find it challenging to control their worries, which can significantly impact their daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. Physical symptoms like restlessness, muscle tension, fatigue,  insomnia, and difficulty concentrating are common with GAD.

High-Functioning Anxiety: While it's not an official diagnosis, we use the term "high-functioning anxiety" to describe those who appear successful and capable on the outside but experience significant anxiety internally. They can excel in their careers, maintain relationships, and fulfill responsibilities, all while dealing with considerable stress and pressure. They may experience the same symptoms of GAD but it just looks different on the outside. Those with high-functioning anxiety can have difficulty controlling their worry but might channel it to being productive or achieving something.

Differences between GAD and High-Functioning Anxiety

Symptom Severity

GAD tends to cause more intense and persistent anxiety, like an ongoing background of worry that affects various aspects of life. On the other hand, high-functioning anxiety indicates that individuals can manage their anxiety differently and continue with their daily activities.

Diagnosis

GAD is a formally recognized diagnosis, but high-functioning anxiety is more of a descriptive term used to characterize how anxiety manifests in certain people.

Impact on Functioning

Although people with GAD can still manage daily tasks, their anxiety can make it challenging and impact their overall well-being. While it may seem like those with high-functioning anxiety might seem to be doing well externally, internally they might be dealing with significant stress and turmoil.

Awareness and Coping

Those with high-functioning anxiety may be aware of their anxiety and find ways to cope with it by disguising it because they are productive and high achieving.  People with GAD might find it more challenging to control their worries, leading to feelings of overwhelm.

Please know that both forms of anxiety are valid experiences, and seeking support from an anxiety therapist can be beneficial if you dealing with either type. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, reaching out for anxiety therapy is a step toward getting the care and support needed. 

Anxiety therapy in Utah can help you cope with anxiety better

If you're struggling with anxiety, know that you don't have to face it alone. Seeking help through anxiety therapy can truly make a difference in your life. It's completely okay to reach out for support, and taking this step shows incredible strength. Through anxiety counseling, you'll have a safe and understanding space to explore your feelings and concerns. A compassionate anxiety therapist can work with you to identify triggers and coping skills providing you with practical tools to manage your anxiety in daily life. Remember, anxiety therapy isn't about judgment; it's about growth, healing, and finding ways to live a more fulfilling and balanced life. You deserve to experience peace and happiness, and with the right support, you can get it. 

Start working with an anxiety therapist in Utah 

You can find relief from your anxiety. You can learn to cope with anxiety through anxiety therapy. This Utah Counseling Center has an anxiety therapist who specializes in high-functioning anxiety. To begin anxiety treatment follow the steps below: 

1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation 

2. Meet with a therapist for anxiety

3. Cope with anxiety better

About the Author 

Ashlee Hunt, LCSW, is a compassionate anxiety therapist and founder of Maple Canyon Therapy in Utah. She holds bachelor's degrees in psychology and family life and human development from Southern Utah University, as well as a master's degree in social work from Utah State University. With a passion for mental health, Ashlee helps women overcome anxiety by providing a safe space to explore triggers and develop coping skills.. With up-to-date treatment methods and a dedication to professional growth, Ashlee is committed to supporting her clients on their journey toward emotional well-being. Outside of therapy, she enjoys spending time with her husband and dogs and riding her ebike through Snow Canyon State Park.

How To Stop Binging: Tips From a Binge Eating Disorder Therapist in Utah

Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder, and it impacts many people across the globe. BED involves regular episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period of time. These binge eating episodes lead to feeling out of control with food and are often followed up with feelings of guilt and shame. While BED is a complex mental health condition, stress, trauma, and past experiences can have a negative effect on one's physical and mental health. 

The women I work with that struggle with binge eating, not only feel guilt and shame for their behaviors but also take a hit to their self-esteem. They can’t understand why they can be successful in areas of their lives but this is an area they can’t stop struggling in. They hate their bodies and are terrified of the weight gain that might come from binges. If you are like them, you desperately want to stop binging. The good news is, there’s help and it’s possible to stop the cycle of binging with the help of eating disorder therapy. 

How do I stop the urge to binge?

Binge eating can be hard to let go of. It might seem like no matter how hard you try, you just keep binging. One thing that people don’t realize about binging is that is often a result of restriction. Having a history of dieting and cutting out food groups, can lead to vicious cycles of binge eating. Stopping the urge to binge can be hard, but there are things you can do that can help. Here are some ideas on how to stop the urge to binge:

Practice mindfulness:

Mindfulness techniques, like meditation and deep breathing, can help you be more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and body sensations. This can help you recognize the triggers that lead to binge eating and learn to respond to them in a more helpful way. 

Eat regular meals:

Skipping meals or restricting food will lead to intense hunger and increase the likelihood of binge eating. Eating regular, balanced meals throughout the day can help reduce the urge to binge.

Find coping skills that work:

Binge eating can be a way of coping with difficult emotions or stress. Finding alternative coping strategies, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, or creative activities, can help you manage these emotions without turning to food.

Meet with a binge eating disorder therapist:

Binge eating disorder is a complex mental health issue that often requires professional help from someone with the right training and experience. Reaching out to a therapist who specializes in treating eating disorders can help you work through why you are prone to binge. We can provide you with support, compassion, and guidance on how to overcome the urge to binge.

Why can’t I stop a binge?

There are several reasons why someone may find it challenging to stop a binge. Every person has a unique experience with binge eating but here are some possible reasons:

1. Chemical imbalances: Binge eating disorder has been associated with chemical imbalances in the brain, specifically involving the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is involved in reward and pleasure. These imbalances may make it difficult for some people to stop a binge once they start. 

2. Emotional triggers: Binge eating can be triggered by emotional distress, such as stress, anxiety, or depression. These emotions can be overwhelming and hard to manage, leading to an intense urge to binge eat as a way of coping.

3. Habitual behavior: Binge eating can become a habitual behavior that is difficult to break, especially if it has been a struggle for a long time. The brain may become accustomed to the pattern of binge eating and perceive it as the norm.

4. Restrictive eating: Restrictive eating patterns, such as skipping meals or following a strict diet, can increase the likelihood of binge eating. This is because the body may go into a state of deprivation and intense hunger, leading to an overwhelming urge to eat large amounts of food.

5. Lack of coping skills: Some people may lack healthy coping skills to deal with emotional distress or stressors in their lives. This can lead to binge eating as a way of self-soothing or coping with these difficult feelings.

Why do I binge at night?

Binge eating at night can have several possible causes. Here are some common reasons why someone may binge eat at night:

1. Emotional triggers: Nighttime can be a hard time for people who struggle with binge eating disorder. Nighttime might bring on emotions such as loneliness, stress, or anxiety. These emotions can trigger a desire to eat as a way of coping with these feelings.

2. Fatigue and lack of energy: After a long day, you may feel fatigued and lack the energy to engage in other activities, leading to a higher desire to eat as a form of entertainment or distraction.

3. Lack of structure and routine: Nighttime can be less structured and routine than daytime,  leading to boredom or a lack of focus. This can trigger a desire to eat as a way of filling time or relieving boredom.

4. Caloric restriction during the day: If someone is following a restrictive diet or skipping meals during the day, they may feel intensely hungry at night, leading to a higher likelihood of binge eating.

5 Reasons to work with a binge eating disorder therapist 

Working with a binge eating disorder therapist can be incredibly beneficial for several reasons:

1. Specialized eating disorder expertise: Binge eating disorder therapists have specialized training and expertise in treating binge eating disorder. They can help you understand the root causes of your binge eating behavior and develop skills for overcoming it.

2. Individualized treatment: Binge eating disorder therapists will work with you to develop an individual treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. They can help you identify triggers and develop coping skills that work for you.

3. Support and encouragement: Binge eating disorder therapists provide support and encouragement throughout the treatment process. They can help you manage relapses and celebrate successes, providing motivation to continue working toward recovery from binge eating.

4. Addressing other issues: Many individuals with binge eating disorder also struggle with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Binge eating disorder therapists can help address these issues.

5. Help with eating disorder recovery: Working with a binge eating disorder therapist can provide you with the tools and resources you need to achieve long-term recovery. They can help you develop a plan to not only cope but to help you overcome your past trauma that may be contributing to needing to cope with emotions using food. 

Binge eating disorder treatment in Utah can help 

With the guidance and support of an eating disorder therapist, you can learn to break free from binge eating and develop a healthy relationship with food and body image. Binge eating disorder treatment in Utah can provide you with the tools you need to have a happier, healthier life. You have unique experiences and needs and binge eating disorder treatment can be tailored to get exactly what you need. 

Start binge eating disorder treatment in Utah

You don’t have to keep struggling with binge eating. You can find peace with food and your body image. Binge eating disorder treatment can help. This Utah Counseling Practice has a binge eating disorder therapist specializing in treating binge eating disorder. 

1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation 

2. Meet with an eating disorder therapist 

3. Begin eating disorder recovery 

Online Eating Disorder Therapy 

It’s important to be able to have access to a therapist specializing in what you are struggling with. When you are struggling with an eating disorder, you need to trust you are going to get help from someone who knows how. Not every town in Utah has an eating disorder therapist, this is why I offer online therapy in Utah. Online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy but much more convenient. 

Online counseling means I work with clients all over Utah. I work with clients in St. George, Cedar City, Provo, Heber City, Logan, Salt Lake City, and more. 

Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy 

Binge eating disorder treatment isn’t the only counseling service offered at this Utah Counseling Practice. Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy include eating disorder therapy, anxiety therapy, body image therapy, counseling for college students, birth trauma therapy, and EMDR therapy. Reach out for a 15-minute phone consultation to see how I can help. 

About the Author 

Ashlee Hunt is an eating disorder therapist and founder of Maple Canyon Therapy near Provo, Utah. Ashlee has a master's degree in social work from Utah State University in Logan, Utah. She has two bachelor's degrees from Southern Utah University in Cedar City in psychology and family life and human development. Ashlee loves helping women overcome binge eating and to be able to feel better about themselves. She knows how women who struggle with binge eating disorder feel shame and wants to help them develop self-compassion instead. 

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3 Parks in Logan, Utah to Cope with Anxiety Symptoms

When anxiety symptoms arise, finding solace in nature can be a powerful coping mechanism. Logan, Utah, is home to several parks that offer serene environments to help alleviate anxiety and promote a sense of calm. From the captivating scenery of Canyon Entrance Park to the inviting open spaces of Willow Park, and the tranquil beauty of Mack Park in Smithfield, each park provides a unique setting to soothe the mind and restore inner peace. Whether through mindful walks, embracing the beauty of nature, or seeking moments of solitude, these parks offer havens where individuals can find respite and engage in activities that support their well-being. In addition to anxiety therapy, explore these three parks in Logan, Utah, and discover how they can serve as invaluable resources to cope with anxiety symptoms and cultivate a sense of tranquility amidst the natural world.

1. Canyon Entrance Park

Canyon Entrance Park is a beautiful natural retreat located in Logan, Utah. Nestled at the entrance of Logan Canyon, this park offers stunning scenery, outdoor recreational activities, and a tranquil environment for visitors to enjoy. The park features a diverse landscape characterized by towering cliffs, lush forests, and a flowing river, all of which contribute to its natural charm. As an anxiety therapist, I recommend someone dealing with anxiety visit the park can provide a much-needed respite and a chance to reconnect with oneself. The peacefulness of the park, coupled with the soothing sounds of the Logan River and the tranquil ambiance of the hiking trails, can help reduce anxiety symptoms and promote a sense of relaxation in coping with anxiety. 

2. Willow Park 

As the name suggests, the park is adorned with numerous willow trees that provide shade and add to the park's natural aesthetics. The park's well-maintained lawns and open spaces create a welcoming environment for picnics, outdoor games, and leisurely strolls. When you are in anxiety treatment, utilizing grounding skills is important in managing your anxiety symptoms. Take advantage of the park's paved walking paths and engage in mindful walks. As you stroll through the park, focus your attention on the sensations of your body in motion, the sights and sounds of nature around you, and the feeling of the ground beneath your feet. Paying attention to the present moment can help shift your focus away from anxious thoughts and bring a sense of grounding and peace.

3. Mack Park

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the scenic beauty surrounding Mack Park located in Smithfield, Utah.  The park is often adorned with beautiful trees, creating a serene atmosphere and offering shade on hot summer days. The green spaces and walking paths provide opportunities for leisurely strolls, jogging, or simply enjoying the fresh air and natural surroundings. Find a secluded spot in the park where you can be alone with your thoughts. I recommend taking time to relax and calm yourself, especially after an anxiety counseling session. take this time to reconnect with yourself and enjoy the peacefulness of the surroundings. Practice self-reflection, mindfulness, or engage in calming activities such as reading or listening to calming music.

Working with an anxiety therapist in Utah can help

Working with an anxiety therapist in Utah can be critical in addressing and managing anxiety symptoms. Anxiety therapy can help you understand your anxiety and its underlying causes. Through anxiety treatment, you can gain insight into your anxiety triggers, develop coping skills and learn better ways to manage anxiety symptoms. Whether through cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, or other evidence-based approaches, an anxiety therapist provides a safe and supportive environment to explore and process anxious thoughts and emotions.

Start anxiety therapy in Utah 

Don't let anxiety hold you back from living the life you want. Reach out to an anxiety therapist in Utah today. This Utah Counseling Clinic specializes in helping women struggling with anxiety symptoms and has a therapist for anxiety that can help. To begin anxiety treatment follow the steps below: 

1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation 

2. Meet with an anxiety therapist

3. Begin finding freedom from anxiety

The Truth About Emotional Eating

You feel stressed but you don’t feel hungry but you find yourself mindlessly eating anyway. It feels frustrating to you that despite not being hungry you still find yourself doing this more often than you would like. You wonder what’s wrong with you and why you can’t seem to get over this habit you have. You try and tell yourself next time you’ll try harder to get it together. You feel guilty for eating this way and just want to make it stop. You’ve probably tried to become more strict with yourself but then eventually have gone back to the same pattern of eating as before. You may be experiencing emotional eating. Despite the guilt you feel or even what society tells you about food, it’s normal for people to use food to self-soothe. It does become problematic when emotional eating is your primary coping skill for dealing with your emotions. 

What is emotional eating?

Emotional eating is when you use food as a response to dealing with your emotions including stress, anxiety, sadness, anger, and even happiness. Emotional eating is not cued by physical hunger and is often done when you aren’t even hungry at all. This way of eating can lead to feelings of guilt and shame. It can start to result in a loss of self-esteem and confidence. Many people start to fear weight gain and try to control their food intake further. It usually backfires and makes emotional eating worse. It can be difficult to overcome or manage emotional eating without the support and guidance of an eating disorder therapist. 

What is an emotional eater?

An “emotional eater” is often a derogatory term that is used to describe someone that uses food to cope with emotions despite not being biologically hungry. Someone that is an emotional eater might use food to soothe themselves and to deal with stress or boredom. Emotionally eating can also occur as a way of trying to distract or procrastinate doing things that you might not want to do. Emotional eaters tend to try pleasure and satisfaction through food when they can’t find it elsewhere. People with ADHD might be more prone to emotional eating than those that don’t have this diagnosis. 

Signs of Emotional Eating

Everyone uses emotional eating differently but there are some common signs and symptoms of emotional eating. Here are some of them: 

• Eating in response to emotions

• Intense cravings for certain types of food

• Using food as comfort or to destress

• Feeling guilty or ashamed after eating

• Eating alone or in secret 

• Eating past the point of physical fullness 

• Fear of judgment for the way you eat

How do I stop eating emotionally?

It is difficult to overcome emotional eating on your own. You likely emotionally eat because it serves a purpose or helps you cope with difficult emotions. It can be hard to give up emotional eating when you don’t feel you have other ways of coping or don’t recognize the other areas of stress in your life. Here are a few tips to try to combat emotional eating: 

1. Identify your triggers

Notice the people, places, or situations that make you prone to emotionally eat. Create a plan on how you want to cope with these triggers without emotionally eating 

2. Make sure you’re eating enough

I find that some people believe they are eating emotionally but part of the problem is they aren’t eating enough so they keep thinking about food and believe they’re emotionally eating but maybe part of the problem is restricting. 

3. Coping Skills for emotional eating

Utilize other coping skills to deal with emotions such as stress and boredom. Use mindfulness, journaling, talking to a friend, or deep breathing as new ways to practice dealing with emotional discomfort. 

4. Work with an eating disorder therapist 

There’s usually more of a reason why you might be using emotional eating as a way of coping with emotions. You don’t have to have an eating disorder to work with an eating disorder therapist. An eating disorder therapist specializes in helping people improve their relationships with food and find different ways to cope. 

What to do instead of emotional eating?

There are many different alternatives way of dealing with your emotions that don’t involve emotionally eating consistently. The most important thing to do instead of emotional eating is to find something that works for you. This could take trial and error before finding something that you find to be effective and helpful. Some people enjoy walking or yoga as a way to deal with their emotions. Other people might find calling or talking to a friend about what they feel to help them work through their stress. Watching a tv show or playing a musical instrument can be something that could be helpful. Finding what works for you and being able to deal with the underlying emotions that keep causing your to emotional eat will make the difference in recovering from emotional eating. 

Therapy for emotional eating in Utah can help

If you find yourself feeling stuck with the pattern of emotional eating and nothing seems to help, therapy for emotional eating may be helpful. Many people resist going to therapy when they know they might need extra help because they are worried they will be criticized or judged. Some of the women I have worked with have also worried that they would have to continue dieting or that therapy would encourage them to lose weight and that simply hasn’t worked. Therapy for emotional eating is designed to help you make peace with food and yourself not to encourage you to further restrict or withstand your cravings. I believe therapy is about helping you work through the emotions you are feeling in healthy and helpful ways while understanding how past experiences or hurt may be contributing to these issues. 

Work with an eating disorder therapist in Utah 

You don’t have to keep struggling with the cycle of emotional eating. You can find relief from guilt and shame and learn to deal with your emotions in different ways. Therapy for emotional eating can help. This Utah Counseling Clinic has an eating disorder therapist specializing in emotional eating. To begin counseling follow the steps below: 

1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation 

2. Meet with a therapist for emotional eating 

3. Find relief from constant emotional eating

Online Eating Disorder Therapy in Utah

When you are dealing with emotional eating or disordered eating, you must have access to a therapist who specializes and knows exactly how to treat this. Many cities in Utah don’t have access to an eating disorder therapist. This is why I offer online therapy in Utah. Online counseling is safe, effective, and much more convenient than trying to travel to an in-office appointment. 

Online counseling also means I work with clients who struggle with emotional eating from all over the state of Utah. I work with clients in St. George, Cedar City, Heber City, Provo, Salt Lake City, Logan, and more. 

Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy 

Eating disorder therapy isn’t the only counseling service offered at this Utah Counseling Practice. Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy include EMDR therapy, binge eating disorder treatment, body image therapy, anxiety therapy, birth trauma therapy, and counseling for college students. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to see how I can help. 

About the Author 

Ashlee Hunt is an eating disorder therapist and founder of Maple Canyon Therapy near Provo, Utah, and an online therapist throughout the state of Utah including St. George, Cedar City, Provo, Heber City, Logan, and Salt Lake City. Ashlee has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a bachelor's degree in family life and human development from Southern Utah University. She obtained her master's in social work from Utah State University. Ashlee has been working with women to improve their relationship with food and become intuitive eaters since 2013. She has worked with women who struggle with emotional eating, disordered eating, and eating disorders through all levels of care including an eating disorder psychiatric hospital. Ashlee believes women can heal by offering themselves more self-compassion and working through their negative beliefs.

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3 Reasons Why You Could Be Putting Off Anxiety Therapy

There are many different reasons why people put off getting treatment for their anxiety. As a therapist, I don’t have judgments about why people put off going to therapy because I get it. Everyone has their own unique experience, and that’s ok. Seeking therapy for any mental health issues is a sign of self-awareness and demonstrates hope of getting better. Hope and awareness are always the first steps to getting better, and they make a huge difference. Why are people hesitant to put off going to therapy though? Let’s chat about it. 

Common reasons people avoid therapy for anxiety

Let’s acknowledge that some people, don’t have the means to pay for therapy and this is a legitimate issue that can be a valid struggle. There are different reasons why people struggle with going to therapy but these are some of the common reasons. 

1. You think you need to deal with anxiety symptoms on your own 

The women I work with tend to be high achieving and independent. They are used to being able to work hard and accomplish their goals. When they experience anxiety, they believe they need to figure it out on their own because that’s what they’ve always done. If you relate to this, you might even believe that dealing with anxiousness is normal and just what you have to learn to live with. It might seem like therapy is for other people but you should just somehow know how to manage anxiety on your own. This is a myth and not a helpful belief. Anxiety therapy is for everyone. Therapy is especially for those that are motivated to work on themselves but just need the right tools. Working with a therapist for anxiety can help accelerate your progress in this area. 

2. You are afraid of judgment 

It would be terrifying to reach out for help if you felt like you would be judged. Many of the women I have worked with in therapy have shared they put off going to therapy because they were worried the therapist would dismiss their issues, and say they didn’t really need therapy. Aside from the fear of being judged by a therapist for what they struggle with, they also worry about what family and friends would say if they knew they were going to therapy. Although therapy has become more normalized, we still have a long way to go. I can’t promise you that nobody in your life will judge you but I can promise as an anxiety therapist, I won’t be judging you. I and most therapists are just eager to help you feel better. I want my clients to feel safe and to know my job is to help not to judge. 

3. You don’t recognize the impact anxiety has on your life and relationships 

So many people don’t realize that impact anxiety has on their lives. You may not even realize that what you are feeling is anxiety. You could have become so accustomed to feeling the way you do that it just seems normal. You might have high-functioning anxiety and it’s often disguised to yourself and others. You could also be perfectionistic and may not recognize how this is a way of coping with your anxiety. Many people who are people pleasers struggle with anxiety about disappointing other people. Anxiety can manifest itself in different ways but it doesn’t mean it’s not valid or that you don’t deserve help. 

How can anxiety therapy help?

Anxiety therapy can be molded to whatever you need it to be. Anxiety is often a symptom related to a past experience or traumatic event. Some people have personality traits that are more prone to anxiety but when anxiety is debilitating that’s a sign that there may be something else going on. Most people will dismiss that they’ve had trauma or any other issue that might be contributing to their anxiety. However, with a little exploring in therapy, we find there are things in the past that are playing a role. Anxiety therapy can not only help you learn to develop grounding and coping skills for anxiety but it can also help you work through those experiences in the past. 

Anxiety therapy in Utah can help give you relief

There are so many reasons to work with an anxiety therapist. Working with an anxiety therapist to help you find relief from anxiety and panic. When anxiety consumes more of your life than you would like it to, therapy can make a world of difference. Therapy for anxiety can help you identify your triggers, utilize exposure therapy, learn ways to cope, and do it all with the support of someone that is an expert in treating anxiety. 

Start working with a therapist for anxiety in Utah

You don’t have to keep dealing with anxiety all on your own. You deserve help. Anxiety therapy can help you find the help you are looking for. This Utah Counseling Clinic has an anxiety therapist specializing in treating anxiety. To begin counseling follow the steps below: 

1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation 

2. Meet with a therapist for anxiety 

3. Find relief from anxiety

Work with an anxiety therapist online in Utah 

When you have anxiety,  you want to feel safe and comfortable. You want to feel like what you are sharing will be kept private and don’t want to feel intimidated by trying to find an office. This is why I provide online therapy in Utah. It’s just as effective as in-person therapy but it can be done in the comfort of your own home. 

Online counseling also means I can work with you wherever you are in Utah. I work with clients in St. George, Cedar City, Provo, Heber City, Logan, Salt Lake City, and more.

Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy 

Anxiety treatment isn’t the only counseling service provided by this Utah Counseling Clinic. Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy include EMDR therapy, binge eating disorder treatment, eating disorder therapy, counseling for college students, birth trauma therapy, and body image therapy. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to see how I can help. 

About the Author

Ashlee Hunt is a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Maple Canyon Therapy near Provo, Utah. Ashlee has a master's degree in social work from Utah State University. She has a bachelor's in psychology and a bachelor's in family life and human development from Southern Utah University. Ashlee loves helping women learn to calm their anxiety and offer themselves self-compassion. She utilizes EMDR therapy to help women work through their past experiences that may contribute to anxiety. 

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• Anxiety Therapy: What Should I Expect?

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Understanding Disordered Eating

You have heard about and are familiar with eating disorders but you also hear the term disordered eating. Is that the same thing as an eating disorder or are there differences? Disordered eating is an important idea to understand more about it because of how prevalent it is and how many people it impacts. Disordered eating affects millions of people, many of which you know and love. Disordered eating also could be impacting you and your own relationship with food. The consequences of disordered eating have a negative physical and emotional impact, and it’s so important to be able to prevent it from happening if we can. Dealing with disordered eating requires support to overcome, and the first step is understanding it a little better. 

What exactly is disordered eating?

Disordered eating is a broad term that can apply to several different kinds of unhealthy behaviors with food. I hesitate to call them abnormal when our society is full of disordered eating and we deem it normal because it's so common. Disordered eating can include restricting, binging, purging, overexercising, obsession with health, and yes even counting macros. All of these behaviors can impact your physical and mental health. Disordered eating can lead to being rigid around food, exercise, and routine and when something deviates from this it can cause anxiety and distress. Disordered eating can take many forms and have differing severity. Binge eating once a year at thanksgiving is not the same as binging 2-3 times per week for months. Disordered eating can comprise many of the behaviors in an eating disorder but may occur less often or with less severity. Extreme forms of disordered eating can qualify as eating disorder diagnoses such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other specified eating disorders. Disordered eating involves a preoccupation with food, weight, and body image that can impact your overall daily functioning. 

What are examples of disordered eating?

There are numerous examples of disordered eating that I wouldn’t be able to name of them. These are some of the categories of disordered eating and common behaviors: 

1. Restrictive eating: limiting the amount, types of food, and perhaps entire food groups that are permitted to be eaten. Skipping meals and caloric deficits are examples of restriction. 

2. Binge Eating: Consuming large amounts of food in a short period of time often accompanies by shame and self-hatred. 

3. Purging: Attempting to get rid of food or calories to prevent weight gain. Sometimes purging occurs after a binge but can occur without a binge as well. Purging can be vomiting, abusing laxatives, or overexercising to compensate for food eaten. 

4. Orthorexia: Involves an obsession with eating healthy and “clean”. Orthorexia leads to restrictive behaviors and emotional and physical issues. 

5. Chronic Dieting: Repeatedly following diets involving restricting food types or calories in an attempt to lose weight. This is a disordered eating pattern and leads to obsession and preoccupation with food. 

What is the difference between eating disorders and disordered eating?

As we talked about before, eating disorders are compromised of disordered eating behaviors but having disordered eating behaviors doesn’t mean you have an eating disorder. The main difference between disordered eating and an eating disorder is the frequency, severity, and duration of disordered eating symptoms. Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and other specified eating disorder involve a specific set of severe disordered eating behaviors that occur more frequently. 

This doesn’t mean that disordered eating isn’t cause for concern. In fact, if you have disordered eating behaviors you are the most vulnerable to an eating disorder diagnosis. Whether you have an eating disorder or struggle with disordered eating, both require the help of an eating disorder therapist and other professionals. The difference between the two just changes the type of treatment necessary. 

What are the signs and symptoms of disordered eating?

It’s important to note that disordered eating can be hidden from others. Many people who develop eating disorders and who have been engaging in disordered eating for a while have family members and friends who are surprised and had no idea. These are some of the common signs and symptoms of disordered eating: 

• Preoccupation with food

• Chronic dieting

• Restricting foods 

• Negative body image 

• Binging 

• Purging 

• Overexercising 

• Weight fluctuations 

• Social Isolation 

• Digestive Issues

• Fatigue

• Irritability 

What causes disordered eating?

Disordered eating is complex, and there is no simple answer to what causes it. Some people have a genetic predisposition that might make them vulnerable to developing disordered eating. Along with genetics, is the type of environment that you may be exposed to and live in. People who grow up in environments where there is emphasis and importance placed on body image and size are more prone to disordered eating. Societal pressures to be thin and attractive also may impact someone developing disordered eating. Other issues such as low self-esteem, signs of perfectionism, and anxiety may all play a role in disordered eating. 

How do I prevent disordered eating?

One of the biggest components to preventing disordered eating is to practice intuitive eating. Listen to your body. Pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues by eating when you’re hungry and stopping when you’re satiated and comfortably full. Avoid diets and strict food rules. Understand that diet culture is an industry that makes money and gains from women (and men) hating their bodies. Recognize that it’s important not to place morals on food such as “good” or bad” if you want a healthy relationship with food. All foods fit into a balanced healthy diet and restricting them will impact you physically and mentally. Promote body positivity and realize all bodies are good bodies regardless of weight, shape, and size. Most of all if you are struggling with disordered eating or recognize you could improve, seek support from a mental health professional. 

What’s the treatment for disordered eating?

Because disordered eating is complicated and impacts a person’s physical and mental health, it can require multiple angles of treatment. There are the common treatment methods to recovering from disordered eating: 

1. Disordered Eating Therapy

Disordered eating involves working with a therapist specializing in eating disorders and disordered eating. This type of therapy focuses on your attitudes and beliefs about food but also digs deeper into your emotions and beliefs about yourself. Working with an eating disorder therapist can help you improve your relationship with food and overcome body image issues. 

2. Nutritional Counseling

Meeting with a dietitian specializing in disordered eating and eating disorders through nutritional counseling can help you practice intuitive eating, help you overcome food rules, and learn to listen to your body’s cues. It’s important to seek out a dietitian with the proper expertise as it can be more harmful to disordered eating than working with someone promoting dieting and weight loss. 

3. Medication Management 

Disordered eating and eating disorders also accompany anxiety and depression. Medication can help stabilize your mood as you work in therapy to challenge your disordered eating. Medication is not sufficient alone to treat disordered eating but can be a helpful tool to cope with anxiety and depression. 

4. Group Therapy 

Group therapy can be useful in overcoming disordered eating by having support and a safe place to process your feelings about yourself, body image, and food. It is helpful to be able to connect with other people who are experiencing the same struggles as you without fear of judgment or criticism. 

Why should I consider disordered eating therapy?

Disordered eating therapy can help you improve your relationship with food and challenge you to let go of the behaviors you are using to cope with anxiety and depression. Therapy can help you recognize your own attitudes and beliefs that you have about yourself and how you utilize food to cope with them. Working on your mental health through therapy can reduce future potential health risks that come from disordered eating. Disordered eating can impact your mental health and gets in the way of being able to do the things you love and enjoy having experiences with the people you care about. 

Seek help through disordered eating therapy in Utah

You may have been stuck in this cycle of trying to lose weight and have more control over yourself. You feel so much hope that this new diet will help you finally help the weight stay off and then you’ll finally love your body. It seems like no matter how many times you try this, it always ends the same. You end up feeling like a failure and feeling more out of control with food than ever before. Disordered eating can really take a toll on your self-esteem. Disordered eating therapy can help you feel more confident in yourself, improve your body image, and help you feel comfortable with food. 

How to work with an eating disorder therapist in Utah?

You don’t have to keep feeling anxious about food. You can find relief from disordered eating. Disordered eating therapy can help. This Utah Counseling Center has an eating disorder therapist specializing in disordered eating and eating disorder therapy. To begin therapy follow the steps below: 

1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation 

2. Meet with a therapist for disordered eating

3. Start feeling relief

Online Eating Disorder Therapy in Utah 

Struggling with disordered eating is already difficult enough. It can be overwhelming to try and find the right therapist and their office space. It might also feel like too much to try and schedule yet another appointment into your already busy schedule. I can’t give you more time in your schedule but I can offer convenience to save you a little more time. I offer online therapy in Utah so you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home or office. Online therapy is face-to-face and just as effective as in-person therapy. 

Online counseling also means I work with clients all over the state of Utah including St. George, Cedar City, Logan, Heber City, Provo, Salt Lake City, and more.

Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy 

Eating disorder therapy isn’t the only counseling service provided at this Utah Counseling Clinic. Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy include EMDR therapy, binge eating disorder treatment, anxiety therapy, birth trauma therapy, body image therapy, and therapy for college students. 

About the Author 

Ashlee Hunt is a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Maple Canyon Therapy near Provo, Utah. Ashlee has two bachelor's degrees from Southern Utah University: psychology and family life and human development. She received her master's degree from Utah State University in social work. Ashlee has been working with women with eating disorders and disordered eating since 2013. She believes in using an intuitive eating approach as well as a health at every size perspective. Ashlee believes women can have better, healthier lives free from disordered eating and knows how much therapy can help. 

Other Blog Posts You Might Like

• How To Start Eating Disorder Recovery

• What to Do If You Suspect Your College Student Has An Eating Disorder

• Why College Students Develop Eating Disorders 

• 4 Reasons to Ditch the Scale: Advice from an Eating Disorder Therapist in Utah 

• 5 Things I’ll Never Say Because I’m an Eating Disorder Therapist 

• How EMDR Therapy Can Treat Eating Disorders

Why Your Body Image Sucks: Thoughts from a Body Image Therapist in Utah

If you and I could sit down just the two of us, I would be honored to hear your story about your body image. I know it’s hard for you to look in the mirror. I know you cringe at the photos you are tagged in. I know more than anything that this is so hard for you. You hate feeling this way. Honestly, it’s downright miserable. There’s no amount of reassurance that you can get that you look fine, and I’m sure that gets old. Can I let you in on a little secret though? It’s about so much more than your body. Your body probably represents some of your beliefs about yourself and your worth. Do you know why nobody can convince you that you look ok? It’s about way more than your reflection in the mirror. I wish we could convince you that you’re ok and that your body is ok but I know there are some real reasons why you don’t feel that way. 

4 Reasons for Negative Body Image 

Every person has their own unique experiences with body image issues. I can imagine what you’ve been through with your body because this is what I talk about daily with my clients but your story and experience are still unique. You have different experiences when it comes to negative body image. Those experiences matter, and just because it might not be any of the reasons I have listed below doesn’t mean it’s not important or real. 

1. People spoke negatively about your body

It’s a common experience for women to be told at some point in their lives that something is wrong with their bodies. You may have been one of those people. It could be that someone you cared about and respected had something negative to say about your body and appearance. I know those words go deep and we carry them with us. You may not have ever thought something was wrong with your body until someone pointed it out. Some people have had terrible experiences with being bullied about their bodies, and that impacted their body image issues. 

2. Society has unrealistic expectations about body image

Women’s bodies have historically been sexualized and objectified by society. Society can make you believe that everything important about you comes down to your body and appearance. Our society has beauty standards that are extremely difficult for most women to fit into. The beauty and diet industry is extremely wealthy and profits from women hating their bodies. The bodies of women that you see on social media and on TV are bodies that have been edited, sculpted, and filtered into a version that is not realistic. It’s hard to have a positive body image when you have that to compare yourself to. 

3. Your body has changed 

Bodies change throughout time for many different reasons. Age, puberty, pregnancy, trauma, health issues, etc are all reasons women’s bodies change. It can be difficult when you notice your body changing in what feels like a negative. Weight gain can be emotionally difficult for women and their mental health. You may have noticed your mental health takes a nose dive because your body has changed. It’s difficult to not compare yourself now to what your body used to look like. Somehow it feels like the younger and thinner version of your body is somehow better and you should be striving to get back to it. That doesn’t mean that’s true. 

4. You have high expectations for your body

You might believe that your body is supposed to be flawless. You might expect your body size to be something it’s not naturally made to be. You might not believe this about other people’s bodies but you believe it about yourself. It would be hard to convince you otherwise. You might be a high-achieving person and a perfectionist and it might come out in your body image. 

Body Image Therapy in Utah can improve negative body image

Going to therapy to address negative body image can drastically change your life. Body image therapy isn’t to make you fall in love with your body, and it’s not designed to help you change your body. The goal of therapy for body image issues is to help you feel more neutral about your body. Actively hating your body and trying to change it will not be good for your mental health. Therapy can help you understand why you place an emphasis on your body and appearance and help you to challenge it. Those past experiences that have impacted how you feel about yourself and your body are also an area to work on in therapy. You can learn the coping skills to deal with negative body image.

Start working with a body image therapist in Utah

You don’t have to keep hating your body. You can stop spending all your emotional energy focused on changing your body. Body image therapy can help! This Utah Counseling Clinic has a body image therapist specializing in treating body image issues. To begin therapy follow the steps below: 

1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation 

2. Meet with a therapist for body image issues

3. Find relief 

Online Therapy in Utah 

You don’t have to worry about parking, commuting or even leaving your house for a therapy appointment. It’s tough to fit it into your schedule but therapy is important. This is why I offer online therapy in Utah. Online counseling is effective and convenient without you having to leave the house. 

Online therapy also means I can work with clients all over the state of Utah. I work with clients in St. George, Cedar City, Provo, Heber City, Salt Lake City, Logan, and more!

Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy 

Body image therapy isn’t the only counseling service provided by this Utah Counseling Practice. Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy include EMDR therapy, binge eating disorder treatment, eating disorder therapy, birth trauma therapy, therapy for college students, and anxiety therapy. Schedule a free phone consultation to see how I can help. 

About the Author 

Ashlee Hunt is a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Maple Canyon Therapy in Utah. Ashlee has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a bachelor's degree in family life and human development from Southern Utah University. She holds a master's degree in social work from Utah State University. Ashlee has been working with women who have disordered eating and body image issues since 2013. She loves helping women develop self-compassion and learn to respect their bodies for what they are.

Other blog posts you might like 

• 4 Reasons to Ditch the Scale: Advice from an Eating Disorder Therapist in Utah 

• How To Start Eating Disorder Recovery

• What to Do If You Suspect Your College Student Has An Eating Disorder

• Why College Students Develop Eating Disorders 

3 Reasons to Work with a Therapist for Anxiety in Utah

When you are struggling with anxiety, it feels like everything in life just feels so overwhelming. The physical symptoms you get when dealing with anxiousness, your heart racing, breathing fast, muscle tension, and nausea are difficult to manage. On top of physical symptoms, you might think negatively about yourself, feel consumed with worry, have difficulty concentrating, and struggle to sleep. There is no question that anxiety can take over and hard to know how to deal with it. 

Why should I work with a therapist for anxiety?

If you are dealing with anxiety, there is no question that you deserve help to learn to get through it. Many of the women I work with have tried to figure it all out on their own. They don’t want to have to take a pill or talk to a therapist. They don’t want to have to need anyone. However, what I also know about the clients I work with is they like to get it right and be efficient about the process. If you want to effectively deal with your anxiety and be able to manage it as fast as possible, doing it on your own isn’t the answer. Working with a therapist for anxiety is. As anxiety therapists, we have specialized training in treating symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. As a therapist, I eat, drink, and sleep figuring out how to help my clients feel less tied to their anxiety. A therapist for anxiety can help in so many ways. 

Reasons to work with a therapist for anxiety 

Everyone has a different experience with anxiety. I work with many women that have shared personality traits and experiences and yet their anxiety manifests in different ways and is managed in unique ways. These are some of the common reasons to work with a therapist for anxiety. 

1. Reduce anxiety symptoms 

If you are going to go to therapy, I’m sure that your hope is to reduce the impact of anxiety on your life. The overall goal of goal I have for my clients is for them to have less anxiety. We can’t completely cure anxiety in every person. Anxiety therapy can help anxiety feel less heightened. Part of why anxiety therapy works to reduce symptoms of anxiety is having a safe place to talk to about your feelings. Part of the process of working through anxiety is to be able to share how it impacts your life and know that you aren’t going to be judged for it. As cliche as it may seem, it’s important to let your feelings out to be able to feel less of them. 

2. Learn coping skills for anxiety 

When you are experiencing anxiety, it’s important to be able to know how to deal with it effectively and know how to calm anxiety down. While we can’t snap our fingers and get rid of anxiety, there are things you can do to be able to make it better not to make it worse. Anxiety therapy can help you learn the coping skills to be able to deal with your anxiety better. As a therapist for anxiety, I teach the clients I work with different kinds of coping skills they can use in different situations. From deep breathing, grounding skills, journaling, and meditation, to bilateral stimulation there are different skills to learn to use to help you be able to feel less impacted by your anxiety. When you learn coping skills you are more prepared to address the things that might be underlying and contributing to your anxiety. 

3. Understand your triggers 

While some people have personalities and temperaments that are more prone to anxiety than others, there’s usually more to anxiety than that. Many people have experienced past experiences or trauma that impact their anxiety or ability to function. Anxiety therapy is about helping you be able to understand the situations, people, or places that trigger anxiety. When you are able to understand your triggers, you can do something about them. Part of my job as an anxiety therapist is to help you be able to understand how these past experiences may be playing a role in your anxiety and to be able to help you feel differently about them. Anxiety therapy can help you feel less anxious about triggers. 

Begin anxiety therapy in Utah 

You don’t have to keep struggling with feeling anxious. Anxiety doesn’t have to rule your life. You can find more peace and calmness, and anxiety therapy can help. This Utah Counseling Center has an anxiety therapist that specializes in anxiety therapy. To begin counseling follow the steps below: 

1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation 

2. 2. Meet with a therapist for anxiety

3. Find relief from anxiety

Work with an anxiety therapist online in Utah 

Anxiety therapy is not always convenient or accessible. If you have a busy schedule that doesn’t allow you much time to travel or if you just feel more comfortable meeting from home, I can still help. I provide online therapy in Utah to help you work through your anxiety without having to try and attend another appointment. Online counseling is just as effective as in-person therapy but much more convenient. 

Online counseling allows me to work with clients all throughout the state of Utah. I work with clients in St. George, Cedar City, Provo, Heber City, Logan, and Salt Lake City. 

Other mental health services offered by Maple Canyon Therapy 

Anxiety therapy isn’t the only counseling service offered at this Utah Counseling Clinic. Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy include EMDR therapy, binge eating disorder treatment, eating disorder therapy, birth trauma therapy, therapy for college students, and body image therapy. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to see how I can help. 

About the Author

Ashlee Hunt is a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Maple Canyon Therapy near Provo, Utah. Ashlee has a master's degree in social work from Utah State University. She has two bachelor's degrees, in psychology, and family life and human development from Southern Utah University. Ashlee enjoys helping women work through their anxiety symptoms through self-compassion. She also understands how anxiety can be a symptom related to trauma and knows how to help women navigate this effectively. 

Other blog posts you might like 

• What is High Functioning Anxiety?

• LDS Women and Anxiety: Thoughts From an Anxiety Therapist

• 5 Tips to Deal With Dating Anxiety

• 5 Things Not to Say to Someone With Anxiety

• Anxiety Therapy: What Should I Expect?

• How Long Will I Need Anxiety Therapy?

4 Reasons to Ditch the Scale: Advice from an Eating Disorder Therapist in Utah

A common behavior my clients have been using before they come to therapy is weighing themselves. The frequency is different for everyone but it impacts the women I see the same way: the scale makes my clients obsessive, and they feel terrible about themselves. Weighing yourself can do more damage than it can be helpful. 

Should people with eating disorders have scales?

No, they shouldn’t. In fact, even after they have recovered from an eating disorder they don’t benefit from having a scale. The scale tends to be a triggering thing for women even without eating disorders. It tends to reinforce the need for control and disordered eating. I also recommend that other people in the house don’t have scales either because trust me the person with an eating disorder will find it. Usually, it’s when they are feeling the lowest and are looking for some reassurance, and that in and of itself is harmful. 

Do scales cause eating disorders? 

Eating disorders are complex and complicated mental health issues and no single thing causes an eating disorder. Obsessively weighing yourself is a disordered behavior and can contribute to a development of an eating disorder. The value placed on the number on the scale can fuel eating disorder behaviors such as restriction, overexercise, and purging. It doesn’t seem to matter how low the scale can go, it’s never enough for people that struggle with eating disorders. The scale only makes eating disorders worse. 

Why you shouldn’t weigh yourself every day?

There are many reasons why you shouldn’t weigh yourself every day. Here are some of the common reasons why you shouldn’t: 

1. Daily fluctuations: Even if you are attempting to use the scale as a measurement tool, there are so many daily fluctuations such as hydration, stress, digestion, your menstrual cycle, and hormonal changes that will change your weight daily. 

2. Obsessive behaviors: Checking the scale daily can lead to more obsessive behaviors with eating and exercise. The number on the scale can lead to feeling anxiety and low self-esteem

3. Inaccurate measurement: The scale is not an accurate measurement tool when it comes to different times of the day, what you are wearing, hydration, and digestion. 

4. Focus on weight over health: Many people indicate they are focusing on their weight because they want to be healthy when oftentimes they are hoping to be thin and improve their body image. Weighing yourself reinforces that this is the most important indicator of health when it’s not. 

What happens if you weigh yourself too much?

Sadly, there is nothing good that comes from weighing yourself often. It is damaging to your mental health and often leads to problems with physical health when it triggers disordered eating behaviors and eating disorder symptoms. People that weigh themselves frequently have obsessive thoughts and higher rates of anxiety and depression. You are more prone to body image issues and unhealthy relationships with exercise. 

Reasons why you should ditch the scale and stop weighing yourself 

These are not the only reasons to give up on weighing yourself. These are some of the common reasons why you should ditch the scale:

1. The scale makes body image issues worse 

Weighing yourself frequently puts an overemphasis on your body and can result in negative body image. The number on the scale can cause shame about yourself and your appearance. It can lead to seeking reassurance and using compulsive behaviors to make sure you’re ok. People believe that weight loss will cure their body image issues when it only makes them think about their body image more frequently than before. 

2. Weighing yourself creates an unhealthy relationship with exercise

When your mood and self-worth are dependent upon a number on the scale, you are more likely to engage in disordered exercise behaviors in order to try and lose weight. Exercise becomes less about a health-promoting behavior and becomes more about a means to manipulate and change your body size. 

3. Frequent weighing yourself can increase anxiety and depression 

Weighing yourself frequently leads to worry, stress, and anxiety about your weight. Not reaching your weight goals leads to self-criticism, negative self-talk, and overall a more depressed mood. Focusing on the number on the scale can reinforce unrealistic expectations about body image, and weight loss. 

4. Focusing on weight leads to more disordered eating 

Constantly checking and looking at the number on the scale reinforces restrictive behaviors such as skipping meals, counting calories, and cutting out food groups. Restriction results in binge eating behaviors both of which impact the number on the scale. This all leads to a disordered eating cycle. 

Eating disorder therapy in Utah can help improve disordered eating 

Eating disorder therapy can help you see yourself beyond the number on the scale. Therapy focuses on challenging the negative beliefs you have about yourself and your body. You can learn to change the way you talk to yourself and use more self-compassion. Eating disorder counseling can help you understand how past experiences have contributed to the overemphasis on appearance and body size. Therapy can be a safe and non-judgmental place for you to be open and discuss what you are struggling with and find new ways of coping. 

Start working with an eating disorder therapist in Utah 

You don’t have to stay stuck in your relationship with food and your body. You can find freedom from the scale and peace in your relationship with your body. Eating disorder therapy can help. This Utah Counseling Center has an eating disorder therapist specializing in eating disorder therapy. To begin counseling follow the steps below:

1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation

2. Meet with a therapist for eating disorders

3. Bergin eating disorder recovery

Online Eating Disorder Therapy in Utah

It can be hard to make time in your schedule to travel to meet with an eating disorder therapist. It also might be hard to find an eating disorder therapist in your town that has the specialized training to know how to help. This is why I provide online therapy in Utah. Online eating disorder therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy but saves you time and can be done from the comfort of your own home.

Online counseling also means I work with clients all over Utah. I work with clients in Provo, Logan, St. George, Salt Lake City, Heber City, Cedar City, St. George, and more.

Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy 

Eating disorder therapy isn’t the only mental health service provided by this Utah Counseling Clinic. Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy include binge eating disorder treatment, body image therapy, therapy for birth trauma, counseling for college students, anxiety therapy, and EMDR therapy. Reach out for a 15-minute phone consultation to see how I can help.

About the Author 

Ashlee Hunt is an eating disorder therapist and founder of Maple Canyon Therapy near Provo, Utah. Ashlee has a master’s degree in social work from Utah State University. She has two bachelor’s degrees: psychology and family life and human development from Southern Utah University. Ashlee has worked with women with eating disorders since 2013 when she interned at USU Counseling and psychological services. Ashlee loves helping women improve their relationship with food and their bodies.

Other blog posts you might be interested in:

• 5 Things I’ll Never Say Because I’m an Eating Disorder Therapist 

• A Common Fear In Eating Disorder Therapy 

• 10 Books That May Be Helpful in Eating Disorder Therapy

• How EMDR Therapy Can Treat Eating Disorders

• How To Start Eating Disorder Recovery

• What to Do If You Suspect Your College Student Has An Eating Disorder

• Why College Students Develop Eating Disorders 

An Anxiety Therapist in Utah Offers 3 Grounding Tips

Your heart is racing. You’re breathing fast. You have that sick feeling in your stomach. You know you’re feeling overwhelmed with anxiety. You hate when you start feeling this way and you don’t know how to stop it or change it. 

Managing the symptoms of anxiety is overwhelming. It can be hard to know how to calm down, especially at the moment when you’re dealing with anxiousness. You don’t have to feel overtaken by anxiety and fear. Grounding skills can help you learn to cope with anxiety, and anxiety therapy can help.

Do grounding techniques really work for anxiety?

It’s hard to know if all the talk about grounding skills is actually effective or if it’s hokey pokey without any actual real evidence that it works for anxiety. When you are feeling anxious, the sympathetic nervous system kicks in with the “fight or flight” response. It doesn’t matter if you are in danger or not, your brain doesn’t know for sure and responds as if you are in danger and need to deal with a threat. This is when your body responds to those annoying anxiety symptoms. Grounding techniques are effective and activate what is known as the parasympathetic nervous system. This helps the body rest and calm itself. Grounding skills reduce your heart rate, lower your blood pressure, and other physical symptoms to help your body calm. 

What are anxiety symptoms?

When the sympathetic nervous system is activated, it will have a direct impact on the body. These are some of the common anxiety symptoms: 

• Racing heart

• Shallow and rapid breathing

• Muscle tension and tightness

• Sweaty and clammy

• Nausea or butterflies 

• Irritability or feeling on edge

• Difficulty controlling worried thoughts 

• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping 

• Loss of focus or trouble concentrating 

How often to practice grounding tips for anxiety?

This depends on the individual and their specific anxiety struggles but I can confidently say if everyone practiced grounding skills for anxiety on a daily basis they’d be doing better than not practicing them at all. Grounding skills will become easier and more natural when anxiety shows up if you are practicing them even when your anxiety is not at an all-time high. You could practice them multiple times per day and be doing even better. Practicing and implementing grounding skills when dealing with anxiety will become a coping skill that comes on automatically when anxiety starts to rise. It’s important to note practicing anxiety skills alone isn’t the only approach to anxiety management. Working with an anxiety therapist is recommended too. 

Grounding tips to try from an Anxiety Therapist 

There are many grounding skills you can implement and practice. It’s important that you find grounding skills that you enjoy and find helpful. Not all grounding skills will be the ones you like to use. Here are some of the grounding skills for anxiety to try. 

Deep breathing

This is one of the most powerful ways to calm and soothe your nervous system when you are feeling anxious. Deep breathing will activate the body’s response to relaxation by slowing down your heart rate and increasing oxygen flow to the blood. You can practice deep breathing by finding a comfortable place to sit or lie down. Practice breathing in deeply through your nose for five seconds and holding for 5 and letting out a deep exhale for 5 seconds. You can practice this skill at any time such as at a job interview, a school presentation, or in a confrontation or conflict with a loved one. The more you practice deep breathing the sooner your brain will start to associate this as a way of coping when anxiety hits. 

5 senses technique 

There are different ways of doing this exercise. You essentially go through all five of your senses and notice 5 things. You would notice 5 things you see. 4 things you can touch or feel. 3 things you can hear. 2 things you smell. 1 thing you can taste. For people that are feeling extra activated, I recommend then focus on finding 5 of each. You might not be able to find 5 things you can smell or taste but it can draw your focus and attention to being really mindful. The purpose of this exercise is to help you ground yourself in the present moment. Anxiety is activated when you start thinking of future scenarios or thinking about the past. When you focus on and remain in the present moment it can decrease anxiety. 

Safe Calm Place Visualization 

This might be one of my favorite grounding skills but it doesn’t mean it has to be yours. I recommend doing this before you are activated and anxious. Come up with a place or experience you’ve had in the past that makes you feel calm and safe. If you don’t have a place you’ve been, you can imagine a place that you would like to go that you envision makes you feel calm, safe, and relaxed. You can look up photos of places so that you can have a visual in mind. Bring to mind this place and slow down your breathing. Notice how it makes your body feel. Focus on the pleasant sensations you feel. Notice the things you see, hear, smell, and feel. What’s the temperature like? Keep breathing in deeply. Give this place a name so that when you think of the name it can cue up a calming and relaxing response. 

Anxiety therapy in Utah can help

The purpose of therapy for anxiety is to help you to understand your anxiety better. You can learn the things that trigger and increase your anxiety as well as how to cope with them. Anxiety is sometimes a symptom of something that happened in the past that you might not recognize as connected. Working with a therapist for anxiety can help you work through these areas. Working on your anxiety in a supportive and safe environment can help you feel comfortable addressing the areas of your life impacted by anxiety. An important part of healing is being able to have connection and support and anxiety therapy can help you get that. 

Start working with a therapist for anxiety in Utah

You don’t have to keep dealing with anxiety all on your own. You can find relief from feeling anxious. Therapy for anxiety can help! This Utah Counseling Center has an therapist for anxiety specializing in anxiety therapy. To sign up for anxiety counseling follow the steps below: 

1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation 

2. Meet with an anxiety therapist 

3. Begin working on your anxiety 

Online Therapy in Utah 

I know it can be hard to find time in your schedule to attend another appointment. It can also be scary to think about finding an office for your therapy appointment when you are feeling anxious. This is why I provide online therapy in Utah. It’s safe, effective, and can be done from the comfort of your own. It’s equally as effective and helpful as in-person therapy but is much more convenient. 

Online counseling also means I can work with you wherever you are located in Utah. I work with clients in Cedar City, St. George, Provo, Heber City, Salt Lake City, Logan, and more. 

Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon  Therapy 

Anxiety therapy isn’t the only counseling service provided at this Utah Counseling Clinic. Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy include EMDR therapy, body image therapy, eating disorder therapy, binge eating disorder treatment, therapy for college students, and birth trauma therapy. Schedule a free phone consultation to see how I can help. 

About the Author 

Ashlee Hunt LCSW  is an anxiety therapist and founder of Maple Canyon Therapy near Provo, Utah. She has a bachelor of science in psychology and a bachelor of science in family life and human development from Southern Utah University. Ashlee has a master’s degree in social work from Utah State University. She loves helping women learn to cope with anxiety by using techniques that focus on past experiences as well as effective coping skills. Ashlee believes that anxiety doesn’t have to ruin your life but you can learn to understand it and deal with it better

Other Blog Posts You Might Like from Maple Canyon Therapy

• What is High Functioning Anxiety?

• How Long Will I Need Anxiety Therapy?

• Anxiety Therapy: What Should I Expect?

• LDS Women and Anxiety: Thoughts From an Anxiety Therapist

• 5 Things Not To Say To Someone With Anxiety: Advice From an Anxiety Therapist

• 5 Ways To Deal With Dating Anxiety: Tips From an Anxiety Therapist