Anxiety & depression
What does counseling for anxiety and depression look like?
Counseling for the worry, sadness, panic, low energy and overthinking that have started shaping ordinary days.
Are you having symptoms that make it hard to focus at work, care for your family, or engage in things you used to enjoy? Sadness, low energy, panic and worrisome thoughts can all show up at once and make everyday life feel harder than it should be.
Here's the honest and hopeful part: anxiety and depression are treatable, and you will not have to feel like this forever.
How do anxiety and depression show up?
- Worry that circles the same three thoughts at 2 a.m.
- Panic that arrives without a clear reason.
- Waking up already tired.
- Losing interest in things you used to look forward to.
- Snapping at people you love, then feeling awful about it.
- Getting through the day on adrenaline and calling it fine.
- Trouble concentrating at work or in class.
- Feeling like you should be able to handle this yourself.
What helps with anxiety and depression?
A first appointment starts with listening, then looks at your symptoms and how they're affecting daily life. You'll leave with a better understanding of what's happening, which alone takes some of the fear out of it, and a plan for what comes next.
From there, Lori draws on evidence-based approaches, including cognitive behavioral work, to help you notice the thought patterns that keep the cycle going and practice something different, because as humans we do have the capacity to change.
If your Christian faith is part of how you make sense of hard seasons, it's welcome in the room. See Christian counseling.
For rates, insurance and what a first session involves, see counseling information.
Common questions
Does Lori Rasmussen counsel anxiety and depression?
Yes. Anxiety and depression are among the most common reasons women and female students come to counseling with Lori in Waterloo, Iowa. A first appointment includes looking at symptoms and how they're affecting daily life, understanding what's happening, and planning next steps.
What happens in a first appointment for anxiety or depression?
An assessment of symptoms and their impact on daily life, education so what you're experiencing makes more sense, and recommendations and planning aimed at reducing the symptoms that are getting in the way.
Does Lori prescribe medication?
No. As a Licensed Independent Social Worker, Lori provides counseling, not medication. When medication is worth considering, she'll talk with you about it and can coordinate with your physician or prescriber when you authorize it.
What if I'm in crisis right now?
Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24 hours a day, or call 911 in an emergency. For non-urgent inquiries, call Lori at 319-240-5035.
Helpful reading
If it helps to read a little before reaching out, these were written with this exact concern in mind.
Anxiety that shows up at night
Why worry gets louder once the house goes quiet, and what actually helps when your mind will not settle.
Is this anxiety or just stress?
How everyday stress differs from anxiety that has settled in, and when it may be worth talking with someone.
What a panic attack feels like, and what helps in the moment
Common panic symptoms, why they feel so physical, and grounding steps that help while one is happening.
Reaching out can be the first step.
You don't need to know exactly what to say, or have anything figured out, before you contact Lori.
Or email rasmussencounselingandsd@gmail.com