Holistic Anxiety Care in Vancouver
Anxiety can show up in different ways, such as constant worry, sudden panic, trouble sleeping, or a vague sense that something just isn’t right. However it manifests for you, you're not alone. Our team offers a compassionate, personalized approach that goes beyond symptom management to help you feel more grounded, connected, and in control.
The proportion of Canadians aged 15 years and older with a generalized anxiety disorder doubled from 2012 to 2022.
In 2022, more than 5 million people in Canada met the diagnostic criteria for a mood, anxiety or substance use disorder, with the prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders increasing substantially over the previous 10 years.
Young adults, especially women aged 15–24, have seen a threefold increase in anxiety diagnoses over the past 10 years.
What Is Anxiety?
Because the term 'anxiety' is so widely used, it can be difficult to pinpoint what it actually means or how it shows up in our own lives.
Anxiety can show up as racing thoughts, muscle tension, difficulty sleeping, or a persistent feeling that something isn't right. While some level of anxiety is a natural part of being human, chronic anxiety can interfere with your ability to feel safe, grounded, and connected.
Emotionally-Focused Individual Therapy / Internal Family Systems
Anxiety is often our mind and body's way of communicating to us that something needs our attention. In counseling, I approach anxiety not as a problem to fix but as something we should listen to. Rather than trying to “get rid of” anxiety, we slow down and get curious about what it might be trying to communicate such as our unmet needs or emotional pain that has not had space to be felt. I use an emotionally focused and internal family systems approach to help you tune into your feelings and needs so that you can respond with more understanding and self-compassion. Together, we explore what’s been triggering the anxiety, what it might be protecting, and how to create more safety in your inner world. This process can help soften the mental spiral, reduce overwhelm, and rebuild trust in yourself.
Naturopathic Medicine
As a naturopathic doctor, I take a holistic approach to treating anxiety by addressing both the physiological and emotional layers of the experience. This includes the use of calming herbal medicines—known as nervines and anxiolytics—to gently soothe the nervous system. Nutrient deficiencies are identified, such as B vitamins, Vitamin D, and iron, all of which can play a role in anxiety symptoms. These can be replenished through oral supplementation, IV nutrient therapy, or targeted injections. I also explore foundational strategies like blood sugar regulation, regular meals, and healthy fats to support hormone balance and emotional resilience. To go deeper, I offer somatic experiencing—a body-based trauma therapy—and craniosacral therapy to unwind tension, support nervous system regulation, and restore brain-body communication. This multifaceted approach allows us to uncover and address the root cause of anxiety while offering tools for immediate relief and long-term healing.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
In TCM, all emotions are considered natural and vital to the human experience. While the body is equipped to handle emotional shifts, issues arise when certain emotions become too intense or long-lasting. This can disrupt the balance of the internal organ systems, leading to anxiety symptoms that differ from person to person. As an acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, I work to uncover the root imbalances behind your symptoms, and support the affected organ systems.
To help rebalance the body, I use a combination of therapies, such as acupuncture and herbal remedies. Acupuncture gently stimulates specific points on the body to calm the nervous system and support the natural flow of energy. Chinese herbal medicine uses customized blends of natural plant-based formulas to nourish the body, regulate organ function, ease symptoms and support long-term emotional well-being.
Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT)
For those seeking a deeper healing process, Ketamine-Assisted Therapy offers a transformative approach. Guided by experienced clinicians, this therapy combines the neuroplastic benefits of ketamine with integrative psychotherapy to help reset entrenched thought patterns, enhance emotional processing, and support long-term healing. Many clients report profound shifts in their experience of anxiety and mental health, along with a renewed sense of clarity, connection, and inner calm.
Talk to us about supporting your transformation and healing with Ketamine-Assisted Therapy at Qi.
Meet your Anxiety Team:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Modern life is fast-paced and often overwhelming. Constant stress, screen time, disconnection from community, and unaddressed trauma all contribute to rising anxiety. Our bodies are wired to respond to threat—but in today’s world, many of us stay stuck in fight-or-flight mode.
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If you often feel overwhelmed, on edge, avoid certain situations, or experience symptoms like tightness in the chest, trouble sleeping, or racing thoughts, you may be dealing with anxiety. A professional assessment can help clarify what you're experiencing and what kind of support might help.
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No, anxiety affects both the mind and body. It can influence sleep, digestion, energy levels, and the nervous system. That’s why effective treatment often includes both psychological and physiological support, such as counselling, Traditional Chinese Medicine, nutrition, and somatic care.
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Anxiety can have many causes, including past trauma, high stress, hormonal changes, nervous system dysregulation, nutrient deficiencies, or unresolved emotional patterns. Often, it's a combination of factors unique to each person.
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For some, anxiety may lessen with lifestyle changes or stress reduction. But for many, professional support is key to long-term relief. Therapy and integrative care can help address the root causes and build tools for lasting change.
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