Photo of Megan Ludwigson, Counselor in 53711, WI
Megan Ludwigson
Counselor, MS, LPC-IT
Verified Verified
Madison, WI 53711
My specialties include anxiety, life transitions, depression, sexual trauma, grief, inner child work, and spiritual development.
Currently accepting new virtual clients! We all encounter challenges and setbacks in life. Therapy can support you in overcoming them while co-creating a life that you love. I approach therapy through a wellness lens to help you flourish, which means that instead of focusing solely on what's wrong, we pay attention to your strengths and ways that you can feel your best. As a trauma-informed therapist, I recognize that healing happens within the context of felt safety and connection so I strive to create a therapeutic space where you can show up as your whole and unique self. It is an honor to be there as a witness and guide.
My specialties include anxiety, life transitions, depression, sexual trauma, grief, inner child work, and spiritual development.
Currently accepting new virtual clients! We all encounter challenges and setbacks in life. Therapy can support you in overcoming them while co-creating a life that you love. I approach therapy through a wellness lens to help you flourish, which means that instead of focusing solely on what's wrong, we pay attention to your strengths and ways that you can feel your best. As a trauma-informed therapist, I recognize that healing happens within the context of felt safety and connection so I strive to create a therapeutic space where you can show up as your whole and unique self. It is an honor to be there as a witness and guide.
(608) 765-5264 View (608) 765-5264
Photo of Amy Munson, Marriage & Family Therapist in 53711, WI
Amy Munson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
Fitchburg, WI 53711
Amy works with couples and adults (18+) navigating relationship and communication challenges, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and grief. Amy has specialized training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and Prepare Enrich. Amy believes we are a collection of our life experiences. They can shape our perspectives and worldviews, especially those experiences that are most challenging. Amy’s goal as a therapist is to provide a safe, nurturing, and healing space to work collaboratively with clients while tailoring treatment specific to each and every client.
Amy works with couples and adults (18+) navigating relationship and communication challenges, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and grief. Amy has specialized training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and Prepare Enrich. Amy believes we are a collection of our life experiences. They can shape our perspectives and worldviews, especially those experiences that are most challenging. Amy’s goal as a therapist is to provide a safe, nurturing, and healing space to work collaboratively with clients while tailoring treatment specific to each and every client.
(608) 856-3587 View (608) 856-3587
Photo of Lesa J. Fischer, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 53711, WI
Lesa J. Fischer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fitchburg, WI 53711
Change can be hard. It can be scary, overwhelming, and can produce fears. It is different than what we know, different than what things are like today. Change happens no matter what; it is the one constant that we all experience.
Change can be hard. It can be scary, overwhelming, and can produce fears. It is different than what we know, different than what things are like today. Change happens no matter what; it is the one constant that we all experience.
(608) 519-4826 View (608) 519-4826
Anxiety Therapists

What are the most common treatments for anxiety?

Talk therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, is the most common treatment for anxiety. Studies have shown it is equally effective as medication. Other popular forms of therapy are popular, depending on a patient’s experience. Exposure therapy, for instance, can be useful for people dealing with fears and phobias, or who have experienced traumatic events. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy may be useful for patients who need help with emotion regulation. Anxiolytic medications, like benzodiazepines, can also help with calming a person enough to focus on the skills they’ve learned, and physical exercise has been shown to help symptoms of anxiety across the board.

How long does therapy for anxiety take to work?

The amount of time needed to alleviate symptoms depends on the severity of a person’s condition. Some therapies may take 5-20 weekly sessions to show results. Anti-depressant medications typically take two to four weeks before a benefit is felt. Anti-anxiety medications are felt typically within 20-30 minutes. Medications are best used to offer a patient a better headspace in which to work on techniques learned in therapy. Exercise, improved sleep habits, and meditation are effective, but takes weeks or months to show results.

When should I seek treatment for anxiety?

Everyone feels anxious at times, but when anxiety causes disruption to your daily life, it may be time to seek help. Such disruption can be mental, physical, or both: having fear dominate your thoughts, avoiding situations or objects that bring on feelings of anxiety, or experiencing shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or panic attacks. When these symptoms are recurrent and distressing, it may be time to talk to someone.

How effective is treatment for anxiety?

Treatment for anxiety has been shown to be moderately to highly effective, according to a large body of psychology studies and analyses. For some people, treatment using CBT or exposure therapy alone is effective. Others respond best to a combination of medication and therapy.