Anxiety Therapy in
West Hollywood & Los Angeles
Changing the Script: A New Way to Live with Anxiety
Anxiety has a way of directing the show—quietly, persistently, from behind the scenes. Maybe it shows up as racing thoughts, a tight chest, or the fear that any misstep could bring everything crashing down. You try to stay in control, avoid conflict, push through—but still, the tension lingers.
In a place like West Hollywood—where performance can be a way of life—it’s easy to internalize anxiety’s expectations. Be perfect. Don’t make mistakes. Stay alert. Don’t let them see you sweat.
These unspoken demands are what I call the Ten Rules of Anxiety—internal “laws” you might not even realize you’re following. Rules like: The Boomerang Effect, The Principle of Priority, The Doom-Loop Clause, The Small Is Safe Directive. The problem? These rules don’t keep us safe. They keep us stuck. Let's break the rules.
As a therapist and former theatre artist, I help adults, teens, LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse individuals recognize and challenge these rules. In our work, we don’t just talk about symptoms—we get curious about the script anxiety has written for your life.
Therapy becomes a space where we explore what’s underneath the worry, soften rigid patterns, and make room for a different kind of story—one grounded in flexibility, courage, and self-trust.
Anxiety doesn’t get the final word. You do.
Did You Know that Anxiety Has
Ten Rules?
Unlearning What Anxiety Wants Us to Believe.
Anxiety is tricky. It doesn’t just make us feel uncomfortable—it rewrites the rules in our heads. It distorts how we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. Over time, anxiety teaches us patterns that feel like “truth,” even when they’re just fear in disguise.
Below are the Ten Rules of Anxiety—a set of internal laws that anxiety tends to sneak into our minds. These rules aren’t facts. They’re mental habits. Survival strategies. Stories we’ve carried that may have protected us once—but now might be holding us back.
Part of our work in therapy is gently noticing these rules and asking: Does this still serve me? Is there another way?
Curious which anxiety rules are shaping your life?
Take my free quiz to discover the hidden patterns that might be fueling stress, perfectionism, or self-doubt. It’s a quick, insightful way to better understand how anxiety operates—and where you have the power to shift.
Less pressure. More clarity. Greater ease.
The Ten Rules of Anxiety
The Demand of Control & Uncertainty
Anxiety says you’ll be safe if you plan for everything. But life is uncertain, and trying to control it all is exhausting. Overthinking and perfectionism don’t protect you—they drain you. Real peace comes from learning to live with the unknown.
The Constant Threat Imperative
Anxiety turns everyday moments into danger. A crowded room feels unsafe. A racing heart becomes a red flag. “What if” spirals take over, and avoidance feels like relief. But that calm is temporary—and the world keeps getting smaller.
The Self-Attack Statue
Anxiety says if something goes wrong, it must be your fault. You replay it, apologize too much, and blame yourself to feel in control. If you caused it, maybe you can fix it. But self-blame isn’t safety—it’s a trap that keeps you stuck in shame and doubt.
The Comparison Contract
Anxiety loves comparison. It shows you everyone’s highlight reel and calls it proof you’re behind. Social media makes it worse—everyone else seems to be winning, so you feel like you’re failing. But that story isn’t truth—it’s anxiety playing tricks again.
The Law of Inadequacy
Anxiety tells you you’re not strong enough to handle hard things. It makes you forget every challenge you’ve already gotten through. But here’s the truth—you’ve survived 100% of your worst days. That strength didn’t vanish. It’s still yours.
The Worry Is the Solution Paradox
Anxiety tricks you into thinking worry keeps you safe. But worry isn’t action—it’s mental overdrive. It feels helpful but drains you. Real safety comes from trust—in yourself, the moment, and your ability to respond when life shows up.
The Principle of Priority
Anxiety makes every fear feel urgent—like a text you have to answer right now. But not every mental ping is a priority. Some thoughts are just junk mail. Constantly reacting keeps you on edge. You’re allowed to pause, sort, and choose what truly matters.
The Small is Safe Directive
Anxiety promises safety if you just stay in your comfort zone. But slowly, your world shrinks. You start saying no—to plans, travel, chances to grow. The smaller your “safe zone” gets, the scarier everything outside it feels. And life gets smaller too.
The Boomarang Effect
Anxiety doesn’t like being pushed away. The more you fight it, the louder it gets. Like a persistent little tug on your sleeve, it demands attention. Real relief comes not from resisting, but from noticing it—with curiosity instead of fear.
The Doom Loop Clause
Anxiety turns one small worry into a breaking news alert. A tiny concern spirals fast—looping worst-case scenarios on repeat until they feel inevitable. It’s like your mind hits play on fear and forgets how to pause.
Three Types of Anxiety
We Can Address
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety tells you every interaction is a test you might fail. You overthink your words, rehearse every detail, or avoid it all just to dodge judgment or rejection. It’s not that people hate you—it’s that anxiety convinces you they might. And that fear can make even small moments feel overwhelming.
Perfectionism-Driven Anxiety
Perfectionism-driven anxiety tells you that anything less than flawless isn’t enough. You overthink, procrastinate, and push yourself hard—fearing mistakes, even when no one else sees a problem. You may look capable on the outside, but inside, it feels like you’re always falling short.
Generalized Anxiety
Generalized anxiety feels like your brain’s always scanning for danger—even when nothing’s wrong. You brace for worst-case scenarios, just in case. It’s a constant hum of worry, tension, and what-ifs that leaves you exhausted. And because there’s no clear threat, it can feel like there’s no off switch.