Constant Worry
Uncontrollable Thoughts
Panic Attacks
Avoiding People & Situations
Difficulty Concentrating or Sleeping
Fear of the Future
Helping You Find Calm & Confidence
Quiet Your Mind
Learn to relate to your anxious thoughts with calm and curiosity, instead of being controlled.
Soothe Your Body
Release the physical tension anxiety creates, helping your nervous system find a state of rest.
Live with Courage
Gently move toward the life you want to live, no longer held back by fear and avoidance.
Find Inner Peace
Discover a lasting sense of inner safety and calm that comes from within, not from controlling the world around you.
Day in and day out, anxiety sears through you, keeping you on constant high alert. It is a disheartening and heavy burden. But anxiety is not a defect in one’s character, nor is it a sign of weakness. I see anxiety as the work of a dedicated protective part of you that is trying desperately to keep you safe from future pain. Its intentions are good, even if it feels exhausting. So, instead of fighting or killing this anxious part of you, my approach is to listen to it with compassion. This way, you can work on your healing and enjoy a calmer and confident life.
Frequently Asked Questions
My approach to therapy is grounded in a compassionate and respectful perspective called Internal Family Systems (IFS). I don’t believe that you are sick or broken. Instead, I see the challenges you face, like overwhelming anxiety, as the work of protective parts of you trying their best to keep you safe.
Got questions about how I help you find relief? Find all the answers here.
Is anxiety just something I have to live with forever?
Not at all. While we all experience some anxiety, the chronic, overwhelming state that holds you back is not something you have to simply endure. By healing the root causes, we can dramatically reduce its power over your life.
My anxiety feels so physical. How can talking about it help?
The mind and body are deeply connected. The physical symptoms, the racing heart, the tension, are how your anxious part signals a threat. By understanding and soothing this part’s fears, we can help your body return to a natural state of calm.
I've tried to 'think positive' and it doesn't work. How is this different?
Instead of fighting or overriding anxious thoughts, we get curious about them. We listen to the anxious part of you to understand what it’s afraid of. This compassionate approach is far more effective than trying to force yourself to be positive.
I'm worried that talking about my anxiety will just make it worse.
That’s the most common fear. My primary goal is to create a safe environment in which we work at your pace. We’ll learn to approach your anxiety rather than plunge into it with calm and curiosity. This way, it feels manageable and empowering.
How does IFS actually work for anxiety?
IFS helps you separate from your anxiety. You learn to see it as part of yourself and not all of you. From a place of calm and confidence, which is your core Self, you can build a trusting relationship with the anxious part and help it heal so that it does not feel it has to sound the alarm so loudly.
An Approach to Soothe Anxiety at Its Source
Befriend the Anxious Part
I help you see your anxiety not as an enemy, but as a well-intentioned protector that is trying to keep you safe.
Lead with Your Core Self
Using IFS, I guide you in accessing your calm, compassionate center, which can listen to your anxiety without being overwhelmed by it.
Heal the Underlying Fear
We work together to gently heal the past experiences or vulnerable feelings that your anxious part is trying so hard to protect you from.
Meet Your Compassionate Therapist
Dr Arlene Brewster
Licensed Certified ISF Therapist
Stories of Finding Peace and Freedom
Here are some heartfelt words from people who have walked this path. I hope their stories of reconnection and growth bring you comfort and inspiration for your own journey ahead.
I spent my whole life trying to fight my anxiety. Dr. Brewster showed me how to listen to it instead. It turned out my anxiety was a terrified younger part of me that needed reassurance, not a battle. This shift has brought me more peace than I ever thought possible.
Daniel Cordana
Client
My anxiety was centered around my work, which caused sleepless nights and constant worry. IFS helped me uncover the part of me that was terrified of failing. By healing that part’s fear, the pressure I put on myself has eased dramatically. I can finally breathe.
Chloe S.
Client
I used to have panic attacks that felt like they came out of nowhere. Dr. Brewster helped me understand them as a signal from a protective part that was completely overwhelmed. Learning to notice the early signs and offer that part compassion has stopped the attacks in their tracks.
Ben R
Client
I thought anxiety was just my personality. Dr. Brewster helped me see it was a response to my history. Separating myself from the anxiety and realizing it was just one part of me was incredibly freeing. I am so much more than my fear.
Olivia Gardener
Client
Ready to Quiet the Worry & Live More Freely?
You don’t have to live at the mercy of constant worry. A calmer, more self-confident life is possible.
Let’s explore how my therapy for chronic anxiety can help you live a quieter life..