I can’t stop worrying
Anxiety & OCD
In crisis? Call or text 988 (press 2 for Spanish), or text HOME to 741741. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911.
Anxiety is your body’s alarm system. It’s meant to protect you.
With an anxiety problem, the alarm goes off too often, too loudly, or about things that aren’t really dangerous.
It can look like constant worry, panic attacks, fear of being judged, checking and rituals, or a mind that keeps replaying the past and predicting the worst.
Anxiety is one of the most treatable problems in mental health. Approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure work have strong research behind them.
Is this you?
- You worry and can’t turn it off.
- Your heart races or your chest gets tight for no clear reason.
- You avoid places, people or calls because of fear.
- You replay conversations for hours.
- You need reassurance again and again.
- You check, wash, count or repeat things until it feels right.
If you have new or different chest pain, or trouble breathing, call 911 or go to the ER first. Don’t assume it’s anxiety.
Start here
How to tell normal worry from an anxiety problem.
When you look calm and successful, but your mind never rests.
Why panic feels so dangerous, and how it gets better.
When other people’s opinions feel dangerous.
When your mind won’t let a thought go, and what helps.
When your mind jumps to the worst case.
Why your mind keeps rewinding what you said.
Why I Apologize for Everything →
When “I’m sorry” comes out before you can stop it.
Why saying yes feels safer than saying what you want.
A plain explanation of cognitive behavioral therapy.
The Question That Changes the Thought →
One simple question that loosens anxious thinking.
See also: Adult ADHD · PTSD · Insomnia
I treat this. That includes exposure work for OCD and panic, at a pace you help choose.
How therapy works with me
We start by understanding what your anxiety is predicting and protecting. Then we work on facing it in small steps.
I listen closely to your words. “What if…” “Just to be sure…” “Everyone will notice.” Those phrases show exactly how the fear works.
I also look at the people around you, because partners and family often get pulled into anxiety too. Sessions are by video, in English or Spanish.
Tired of living on high alert?
Use your insurance · see your cost before you book
¿Prefiere español? Agende una sesión en español →
Frequently asked questions
Do you prescribe medication?
No. Counselors don’t prescribe. If medication could help, I’ll coordinate with your doctor or psychiatrist.
Is exposure therapy scary?
It starts small. You help choose every step, and nothing is forced on you.
Does therapy for anxiety work by video?
Yes. Video sessions work well, and some practice can happen right where the anxiety shows up.
Can my partner come too?
Yes. I see individuals, couples and families. Whether couples sessions are covered depends on your insurance plan.
Start with what worries you most
You don’t have to pick the right worry.
You can start with one sentence:
“My mind won’t slow down.”
We can start there.
In-network with Aetna, Cigna, Florida Blue, UnitedHealthcare and more through Headway · 53-minute sessions
Telehealth anywhere in Florida · English / Español
In crisis? Call or text 988.
Eduardo Florez, LMHC
Eduardo Florez, LMHC, has worked across forensic, institutional and private practice settings. He is the founder and clinical director of ShieldMee, a Florida nonprofit telehealth practice, and works bilingually with couples in crisis and clients for whom therapy hasn’t worked before.
Related hubs: Depression · Trauma & PTSD · ADHD & Adult Autism · All topics