Stress, panic attacks, depression, and sadness can weigh you down, leaving you feeling hopeless and alone. As an experienced therapist, I, Dr. Vicki Handfield, provide anxiety counseling near Rio Rancho, NM, and the surrounding areas to help people identify the source of their symptoms. If you feel anxiety is holding you back from living a satisfying life, we can create a customized treatment plan to help you heal.
I have spent more than 30 years helping people work through anxiety and other challenges that affect their lives. My approach allows you to talk openly, understand your reactions, and find healthier ways to move forward.
Find Emotional Freedom With Anxiety Counseling
Although anxiety is more common than most people realize, living with the symptoms is complicated and overwhelming. Anxiety symptoms can interfere with your career, relationships, and mental and physical wellbeing. Seeking help from a compassionate and experienced therapist can equip you with the tools to manage life-altering symptoms, such as:
Panic attacks
Fear
Persistent worry
Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
Intrusive thoughts
Insomnia
Difficulty concentrating
Many people who suffer from anxiety have trouble understanding the source of their symptoms. I provide anxiety counseling to help them process their symptoms and learn long-lasting coping skills so they can face the challenges that often trigger their symptoms. Whether mental or physical conditions cause your anxiety, I can help you explore past and present factors that help you understand your unique journey.
Anxiety can affect people in very different ways. Some people feel worried most of the time, while others experience panic, tension, trouble sleeping, or difficulty focusing. Counseling can help you recognize your own patterns and learn what may be causing them.
Why Work with Me For Anxiety Counseling?
As a psychologist, I have worked with thousands of people for more than three decades. I have helped people from many backgrounds work through anxiety, trauma, depression, relationship concerns, and difficult life changes. I tailor my therapy to your needs. I listen, ask questions, and help you work through what is going on. I won't hurry you along or tell you how you should feel. You're under no obligation to stick to someone else's schedule.
Anxiety does not always have one clear cause. It may build over time or intensify during stressful periods, relationship changes, health concerns, or other challenges. I take time to understand what has been happening in your life and how those experiences may be affecting you now.
Therapy can also help you become more aware of the thoughts and reactions that keep anxiety going. As you begin to recognize these patterns, you can practice new ways of responding to them. My goal is to give you practical tools while also helping you understand yourself more deeply. This can make it easier to handle difficult moments and feel more confident moving forward.
I offer both face-to-face appointments and online therapy. Having both options can make it easier to choose the appointment type that best fits your schedule and comfort level.
Review
Sierra’s Experience Working With Dr. Vicki Handfield
This patient feels that Dr. Handfield has helped her on her journey.
My journey with Vicki began a little over a year ago. She is an approachable, honest, and compassionate professional whose guidance has helped me significantly. I have never felt judged or out of place and she has created a comfortable, open environment to discuss both difficult and positive topics.
Sierra S.
Read the full review here.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re having trouble understanding your symptoms, talking with a therapist can help. I aim to answer your questions and create an atmosphere that encourages growth and healing.
Why Do I Struggle With Anxiety?
Everyone struggles with anxiety at some point. However, the severity and length of time varies with each person. Suppressed anger, stress, and trauma are common reasons why many people suffer the effects of anxiety. I understand sharing your feelings with a stranger is uncomfortable and scary. I am passionate about creating a space environment where I can help you explore your thoughts and feelings without fear, shame, or judgment.
How Can Anxiety Counseling Help Me Recover?
People who wrestle with anxious feelings and thoughts may notice symptoms increase if they feel trapped by various barriers or constraints. You can feel safe and relaxed during our sessions, knowing there is no pressure to move at a certain pace or reach a particular goal. I am here to help you explore and process the details surrounding your mental health journey and reduce the anxiety preventing you from improving your wellbeing.
What Can Trigger Anxiety?
Different people have different anxiety triggers. These triggers may include stress, relationships, past experiences, or significant life changes. Counseling can help you identify your triggers and understand how they affect you.
Can anxiety lead to physical symptoms?
Yes, anxiety can be associated with tension, headaches, sleep difficulties, stomach upset, or a rapid heart rate. If you understand these associations, you'll be able to detect when anxiety might be affecting your emotional and physical well-being.
What takes place in anxiety counseling?
You have the opportunity to speak about the things that are going on in your life in a confidential setting. I will listen and help you look at those patterns without judgment or pressure. In this way, we can develop better methods of responding when anxiety becomes hard to manage.
Contact Dr. Vicki Handfield Today
If you are ready to learn how to manage anxiety and begin healing for a better life, contact Dr. Vicki Handfield near Rio Rancho, NM, today. I look forward to working with you and helping you move toward a positive outlook as you reach your goals.
I Provide Therapy Near Rio Rancho, NM
I am passionate about helping people near Rio Rancho, NM, and the nearby areas. Rio Rancho is a suburb of Albuquerque where I provide therapy. This small town is a popular location for ice hockey and indoor football and is the home of the New Mexico Stars professional indoor football team.
Rio Rancho is located primarily in Sandoval County and is part of the greater Albuquerque area. Residents have access to neighborhoods, parks, schools, local businesses, and community events throughout the city. Information about county programs and services is available through Sandoval County.
The Rio Rancho City Center is an important civic and community area that includes City Hall, Campus Park, and the Rio Rancho Events Center. Nearby Corrales is another well-known community in this part of the Albuquerque metro area. My Albuquerque office is within driving distance for people in Rio Rancho, Corrales, and surrounding areas who want to attend counseling in person.