I worry a lot. Could I have an anxiety disorder?  Anxiety is a very natural - and useful - emotion.  It tells us when we should pay attention and be ready for something going on in our life: a critical work assignment, an important exam, or that mean-looking dog we meet on the street.  However, when our anxiety is overwhelming and we avoid doing meaningful things in our life, it becomes a disorder.  Common symptoms of anxiety disorder include not being able to stop worrying about something, trouble concentrating, and poor sleep quality.  Treating anxiety disorder typically involves therapy and medication.  One quick self help technique for anxiety is to be more aware of the specific thoughts playing over and over again in your mind.  Anxious thoughts often feel catastrophic, permanent, and repetitive, like a radio in your head broadcasting a Doom and Gloom emergency alert.  Imagine yourself turning down the volume on this radio, and turning your attention to the more helpful and meaningful thoughts about the present moments in your life.  Gulf Wind Counseling offers Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) which is very effective in lowering the Doom and Gloom thoughts in your head.  We have offices in Tallahassee and Apalachicola.          ​

​What is EMDR? Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a psychotherapy approach designed to help people heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. Our brains have a natural system for processing information and sometimes experiences overwhelm that system, become a dysfunctionally stored memory, and show up as triggers during everyday life. EMDR involves recalling traumatic memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, taps, or sounds. This process helps the brain reprocess traumatic information, reducing its emotional intensity and enabling more adaptive coping. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require individuals to speak in detail about their trauma, making it accessible for those who struggle to verbalize painful experiences. It is recognized as an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and has been adapted for use with other mental health disorders such as anxiety and substance use. Many clients report significant improvements in fewer sessions compared to other therapeutic approaches.  Gulf Wind Counseling offers several trauma-focused therapies in the Tallahassee area, including EMDR, to help clients find stability, safety and healing.  Nikki Flagg LCSW is certified in EMDR by the EMDR International Association.