Dr. Carole Goguen, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist (CA PSY 17685)
ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider
25+ years clinical experience
ADHD Therapist for Women
Serving All of California
Late-Night Therapy
As Late As 10 pm
Searching for
the Calm Within?
Carole Goguen, PsyD
You've been told you worry too much. That you're overthinking it. That you just need to relax. And maybe you've tried — the breathing exercises, the journaling, the meditation apps — and still, the noise won't quit.
For many women, anxiety isn't just anxiety. It's the constant mental chatter that won't let you finish a thought. It's lying awake running through everything you said, everything you forgot, everything you should have done differently. It's the knot in your stomach before a meeting you've already over-prepared for. It's snapping at someone you love and not quite knowing why.
When anxiety and ADHD are intertwined — which they often are, especially in women — general anxiety treatment frequently misses the mark. The strategies that help a neurotypical brain calm down don't always work the same way for an ADHD brain. That's not a failure of willpower. It's a mismatch of approach.
Here, we work on both. Because treating the anxiety without addressing what's underneath it rarely brings the lasting relief you're looking for.
Here's How I Can Help
Anxiety responds well to the right combination of insight and practical strategy. Here's what that looks like in our work together.
Understanding Your Triggers
Learning to recognize the physical and emotional signs of anxiety is crucial. Often, anxiety manifests through symptoms like increased heart rate, sweating, or feelings of dread. By becoming more attuned to these signals, you can intervene early and apply techniques to manage these sensations before they escalate. This awareness is a vital step in breaking the cycle of anxiety and regaining control over your emotional state.
Building New Skills
The next phase involves skills building, where we delve into the intricate relationship between your thoughts, behaviors, and physical sensations. Understanding this connection is key to managing anxiety effectively. We will explore how negative thought patterns can contribute to your anxiety and work on reshaping these thoughts into more positive and constructive ones.
Facing Your Fears at Your Own Pace
Gradually, and at a pace that feels comfortable for you, we can confront situations that trigger your anxiety. This process, known as exposure therapy, involves facing your fears in a controlled and supportive environment. By doing so, you can desensitize yourself to these triggers over time, reducing their power over you.
Problem-Solving Strategies
Problem-solving strategies are another vital component of anxiety management. These strategies can equip you with the tools to tackle stressful situations with a calmer and more collected mind. Whether it's breaking down large tasks into manageable steps or finding alternative perspectives to challenging situations, problem-solving can significantly reduce anxiety.
Daily Coping Practices
Developing healthy coping mechanisms is essential for handling stress and anxiety more effectively. We can work on techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and relaxation exercises that you can incorporate into your daily routine. These practices can help you stay grounded and centered, even in the face of anxiety-provoking situations.
Building Confidence and Resilience
Building your confidence and resilience is a continuous process that we can nurture throughout our sessions. In a safe and controlled environment, you can practice these new skills and strategies, gradually gaining the confidence to apply them in your daily life. Resilience is about bouncing back from setbacks and maintaining a positive outlook, even when faced with challenges.
You've Spent Long Enough
Living on High Alert
Anxiety this persistent doesn't just go away on its own — and pushing through it alone isn't a long-term strategy. What changes things is having a space where you can finally slow down, figure out what's actually driving it, and build the tools to manage it in a way that works for your specific brain and your specific life.
That's what I'm here to do.
When you're ready to stop white-knuckling it and start actually feeling better,
I'd love to talk.