When you live with anxiety, it can often feel like it takes over. The racing thoughts, the tightness in your chest, and the constant sense of “what if” can start to feel like part of your identity. But what if anxiety isn’t who you are — what if it’s something that shows up within you?
At Trail of Growth Psychotherapy, we help clients explore anxiety in a new way — by seeing it as something separate from themselves. This approach can help you better understand what your anxiety is trying to tell you and create more space for calm, clarity, and self-compassion.
Why Seeing Anxiety as Separate Helps
When anxiety feels fused with your sense of self, it can bring up feelings of shame or frustration — as though something is “wrong” with you. But by viewing anxiety as its own part (something that visits, rather than defines you), you can begin to approach it with curiosity instead of judgment.
You might ask yourself:
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What does my anxiety tend to say or predict?
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When does it show up most strongly?
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What might it be trying to protect me from?
This gentle shift in perspective helps reduce self-blame and makes it easier to respond with kindness. Research shows that mindful awareness and emotional labeling can decrease the intensity of anxiety symptoms and help regulate the nervous system (Harvard Health, 2022).
A Simple Exercise to Try
Take a quiet moment to visualize your anxiety.
If it were a color, shape, or character — what would it look like?
How close or far does it feel from you right now?
When you notice it showing up, try saying to yourself:
“I see you, anxiety. I know you’re trying to help me stay safe — but I’m okay right now.”
This gentle acknowledgment helps create distance and calm. It allows you to take back a sense of control, rather than feeling consumed by anxious thoughts.
Therapy Can Help You Build a New Relationship with Anxiety
Working with a therapist can help you understand what your anxiety is really trying to communicate — and how to respond in ways that support healing rather than avoidance or overwhelm.
At Trail of Growth Psychotherapy, we specialize in helping clients:
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Manage anxiety through self-awareness and mindfulness-based strategies
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Build compassion for the parts of themselves that feel fearful or overactive
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Reconnect with a sense of calm, confidence, and inner stability
If you’re ready to start changing your relationship with anxiety and rediscover peace of mind, we’re here to help.
Book a free 15-minute consultation today:
https://trailofgrowth.janeapp.com/
Trail of Growth Psychotherapy offers compassionate support for anxiety, stress, and emotional well-being. Together, we’ll help you understand your anxiety, build self-trust, and create lasting change.
Kristena Disalvo
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