Transform Anxiety Into
Unshakeable Confidence

Frequently Asked Questions

​What is anxiety?

Anxiety is your body’s built-in alarm system. In healthy amounts, it helps you stay alert and motivated. But when worry becomes constant, intrusive, and hard to turn off, it can develop into an anxiety disorder. Chronic anxiety can affect your sleep, focus, energy, relationships, and overall sense of well-being—especially for high-functioning women who appear “fine” on the outside while struggling internally.

​

How does anxiety feel for high-functioning women?

For many ambitious women, anxiety isn’t just nervousness before a big event. It’s a near-constant loop of what-ifs, worst-case scenarios, and mental replaying. You may look calm and capable externally, but internally feel tense, on edge, or unable to relax even when nothing is obviously wrong. Anxiety is often masked until it shows up as burnout, sleep issues, or health concerns.

How does anxiety look different in women?

Women often internalize anxiety, which can make it harder to recognize. Common patterns include overanalyzing conversations, perfectionism, fear of failure, and difficulty slowing down. Physical symptoms like muscle tension, stomach pain, headaches, or disrupted sleep are also common. Because anxiety frequently overlaps with depression, ADHD, imposter syndrome, or burnout, it’s often misunderstood or dismissed as “just stress.”

What are anxiety treatment goals?

Anxiety treatment goals are clear, measurable milestones we set together to track meaningful progress. Instead of vaguely aiming to “feel less anxious,” goals may include sleeping through the night without racing thoughts, reducing panic attacks, feeling more confident in social situations, returning to avoided activities, or using coping tools before stress spirals. These goals create a roadmap for lasting relief and confidence.

What types of anxiety affect women?

Several types of anxiety disorders commonly affect women, including:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Ongoing, excessive worry about multiple areas of life

• Panic Disorder: Sudden, intense waves of fear with physical symptoms

• Social Anxiety Disorder: Fear of judgment, embarrassment, or rejection

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors

• Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors: Hair-pulling or skin-picking used to relieve anxiety

Each type requires thoughtful evaluation and individualized care.

What are common symptoms of anxiety in women?

Anxiety can show up in both mental and physical ways. Common symptoms include excessive worry, racing thoughts, irritability, restlessness, muscle tension, stomach upset, rapid heartbeat, sleep problems, and difficulty concentrating. Many women also cope through perfectionism, over-preparing, people-pleasing, or avoidance.

​

What causes anxiety?

Anxiety is not a personal flaw or weakness. It’s influenced by multiple factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, life experiences, and physiology. Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, or GABA can affect stress regulation. Hormonal shifts, thyroid dysfunction, blood sugar instability, gut health, trauma, and chronic stress can all amplify anxiety symptoms.

How is anxiety diagnosed?

In my Denver practice, anxiety is evaluated using a whole-person, integrative approach. This includes a comprehensive psychiatric assessment, standardized anxiety screening tools, and lab testing to rule out thyroid, nutrient, or hormonal contributors. I also assess for overlapping conditions such as ADHD, depression, or burnout to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

How is anxiety treated?

Anxiety treatment is never one-size-fits-all. My holistic, integrative approach may include therapy modalities such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based strategies, medication management when appropriate, supplements and nutraceuticals, lab and genetic testing, and personalized lifestyle interventions. Clear anxiety treatment goals help guide care and measure progress over time.

Can anxiety really get better?

Yes. With the right support, anxiety does not have to control your life. By calming the nervous system, addressing root causes, and building sustainable coping strategies, many women experience greater clarity, emotional steadiness, improved sleep, and renewed confidence in daily life.

​

What makes anxiety treatment in Denver different?

Denver’s high-achieving, health-conscious culture means many women push through anxiety without seeking help. My boutique psychiatry practice in Denver offers personalized, integrative care designed specifically for ambitious women who need more than a “quick fix.”

​

What makes anxiety treatment goals important?

Clear goals give you a roadmap. Instead of vaguely hoping anxiety improves, we track progress—like fewer sleepless nights, less avoidance, or more confidence at work.

​

How do you set anxiety treatment goals with patients?

Together, we identify what anxiety is holding you back from—whether it’s sleep, relationships, or career growth. Goals are realistic, measurable, and personalized.

​​

Do I need to see a psychiatrist in Colorado for anxiety, or can I work with my primary care doctor?

Primary care doctors can prescribe anxiety medication, but many women find they need a deeper, more specialized approach. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner in Colorado, I not only prescribe medications when appropriate but also explore labs including genetic testing, nutrition, lifestyle, and supplements to address anxiety from the inside out.

​

Can I reach my anxiety treatment goals without medication?

Yes. While medication can be effective, many women benefit from therapy, supplements, lifestyle changes, and nervous system regulation. Often, the best results come from combining natural and medical strategies.

​

Do I need to live in Denver for anxiety treatment?

No. I offer telepsychiatry appointments across Colorado, so you can pursue your anxiety treatment goals whether you’re in Boulder, Colorado Springs, or beyond.

Where can I learn more about anxiety in women?

If you’d like to explore further, I recommend:

Blog posts

• • Anxiety Spirals 101

  • Overcoming Anticipatory Anxiety

  • How to Stop Worrying About Things that Haven't Happened

Media Hub

• Videos + Podcasts

Trusted Resources

• • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

  • Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA)

Do you offer anxiety treatment in Denver?

Yes. I provide holistic, integrative anxiety care for women throughout Denver and across Colorado. Whether you’re looking for answers or ready to take the next step, support is available—and a quieter mind is possible.