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Anxiety Therapist Orlando Shares: 5 Faith-Based Strategies for Calming Anxious Thoughts

September 9 • Written by: Jennifer Sierra, LMHC

You’re lying in bed at 2 AM, your mind racing with worries about tomorrow. Your heart pounds as you replay conversations from earlier. You feel overwhelmed by everyday tasks that used to be manageable. You pray for peace, but the anxious thoughts keep coming back stronger than before.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. As an anxiety therapist in Orlando, I’ve worked with many women and young adults who struggle with overwhelming worry and racing thoughts. Anxiety doesn’t discriminate, and it certainly doesn’t disappear just because we have faith.

The good news? God has given us practical tools to find peace in the storm. By combining biblical wisdom with simple daily practices, you can experience the calm your heart is searching for.

🌿 Ready to Start Anxiety Therapy?

Take the first step toward overcoming anxiety and life transitions.

Serving Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, and surrounding Orlando communities with compassionate, faith-based anxiety therapy for women and young adults.

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What Happens When Anxiety Takes Over?

Anxiety affects your whole being – mind, body, and spirit. Your thoughts race with “what if” scenarios. Your body stays tense and on high alert. You might even feel disconnected from God, even when you’re praying regularly. This happens to many believers struggling with anxiety, and it doesn’t mean your faith is weak.

Anxiety symptoms overwhelm faith-based counseling Orlando

Why Faith-Based Anxiety Support Makes a Difference

Research shows that integrating faith with anxiety therapy can be incredibly powerful. When we address anxiety through both clinical strategies and spiritual practices, we’re treating the whole person – not just the symptoms. Here are five biblical strategies that can help you find peace when worry feels overwhelming

5 Faith-Based Strategies to Calm Anxious Thoughts

1. Establish a Daily Sacred Practice

Whether it’s a 15-minute devotional or simple morning prayer, seeking God consistently builds a foundation of peace. Even five minutes of connecting with God can help to rewire your brain for calm. Your relationship with Him provides the strength you need when worry feels overwhelming. Just like any healthy relationship, it requires consistent time and intentional listening to grow and deepen.

Bible devotional anxiety relief Christian counseling Orlando

2. Connect to Community

God designed us for connection, and research shows that social support actually reduces stress hormones in our bodies. When we’re surrounded by people who understand our struggles and can pray with us, we feel less alone in our worry.

Consider joining a small group, Bible study, or even connecting with other believers online if in-person community isn’t available. Sometimes just texting a trusted friend “Please pray for me today” can shift your entire mindset. When anxiety whispers “you’re all alone in this,” community reminds you that you’re held by both God and His people. The simple act of sharing your burden with someone who cares makes it feel lighter and more manageable.

3. Combine Meditation with Scripture

The word of God is powerful and breathes life into our weary souls (Hebrews 4:12, Isaiah 55:11). When we store it in our hearts, it provides the strength and peace we need during anxious moments. Biblical meditation is different from secular mindfulness – it focuses your mind on God’s truth rather than emptying your thoughts.

Try breathing slowly while repeating verses like Philippians 4:6-7 (“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”) or Isaiah 41:10 (“Fear not, for I am with you”). As you inhale, breathe in God’s truth and presence. As you exhale, release your worries to Him. This practice calms both your nervous system and your spirit, creating space for God’s peace to fill the anxious places in your mind. Even five minutes of scripture meditation can shift your entire day from overwhelming to manageable.

Scripture meditation anxiety therapy Christian counseling Orlando

4. Let Singing and Worship Music Calm Your Nervous System

This might surprise you, but singing actually calms your nervous system. The vibrations from your voice stimulate the vagus nerve, which signals your body to relax. Whether you’re humming hymns in the car or playing worship music at home, you’re giving your anxious mind a break while connecting with God.

5. Meditate on God’s Promises

We are eternal beings, and remembering that this current struggle isn’t the end of your story creates safety and hope. When you focus on God’s promises about your future and His care for you, it puts today’s worries in perspective. Verses like 1 Peter 5:7 remind us that God actually cares about what’s making us anxious, while Romans 8:28 assures us that He works all things for our good.

Even in our darkest moments, we can hold onto Revelation 21:4’s promise: ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ His eternal perspective has the power to transform temporary fears into manageable moments.

Biblical promises anxiety relief faith-based therapy Orlando

Considering Anxiety Therapy in Orlando?

Many women and young adults notice that worry and anxious thoughts seem to take over their daily lives. It’s important to recognize when we could benefit from extra support. While faith-based strategies can make a significant difference, sometimes professional guidance is what helps you move forward.

One of the approaches I use with my clients, especially those who struggle with overwhelming worry, is integrating biblical truths with proven therapeutic techniques. This approach teaches you that instead of fighting anxious thoughts with “I shouldn’t feel this way,” you can acknowledge them and renew your mind to God’s truth. This difficult season won’t last forever, and your peace will return. The focus shifts from battling anxiety to resting in God’s presence and noticing your thoughts without letting them control you.

Whether you’re in Orlando or surrounding communities, finding local support makes all the difference. At Holistic Mental Health Counseling, we provide compassionate Christian counseling and Faith Based Therapy in Orlando for women and young adults. We understand that your relationship with God can be central to your healing journey, and we’re here to support you in integrating both clinical expertise and spiritual wisdom as you find your path to peace.

All faiths are welcome here. We adapt our approach to meet you exactly where you are in your spiritual journey – whether through biblical wisdom, nature-based practices, mindfulness, or exploring purpose and meaning. Your spiritual beliefs, whatever they may be, can be a powerful resource in your healing.

Ready to Start Anxiety Therapy?

I’d love to support you to gain clarity and find calm in your body. Reach out to Holistic Mental Health Counseling in Orlando today to schedule a consultation. Your future self – the one who feels peaceful, confident, and free – is waiting for you to begin.

Schedule Your Free 15 Minute Anxiety Therapy Consultation Today

Not Quite Ready for Anxiety Therapy?

At Holistic Mental Health Counseling, we get it—anxiety is exhausting, and taking that first step for help can feel overwhelming. You’re not alone. While navigating this journey, we invite you to explore the blogs below.

Therapy Orlando Anxiety Resources

Other Services offered at Holistic Mental Health Counseling in Orlando

We provide evidence-based therapy that honors your strengths while addressing the patterns that no longer serve you. Our services include anxiety therapy, depression therapy, holistic mental health therapy, and life transitions therapy. We work with individuals ready to create lasting change in their mental health and well-being.

Anxiety Therapist  Orlando Jennifer Sierra, LMHC

AnxietyTherapist Orlando, Jennifer Sierra, LMHC

Jennifer Sierra is an Orlando Anxiety therapist who specializes in trauma-informed counseling and helping clients navigate anxiety and life transitions. She is a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional with 20 years of experience; Jennifer thoughtfully balances traditional talk therapy with holistic interventions to help clients find calm within and strengthen relationships. Jennifer maintains a heart for community involvement and Orlando mental health awareness through volunteer work, workshops, and speaking engagements.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information shared is based on our understanding and interpretation of various mental health topics. It is important to recognize the complexity of mental health issues, and the advice provided here may not address the specific needs of every reader. The content on this blog should not be considered a substitute for professional advice from a qualified mental health professional. Always seek the advice of a licensed therapist or other qualified mental health provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your mental health or well-being.

Orlando Therapist helps with relationship challenges, anxiety and life transitions. Jennifer Sierra, LMHC

Orlando Therapist Shares 5 Signs You’ve Outgrown a Friendship 5 ways to Navigate the Transition

January 15 • Written by: Jennifer Sierra, LMHC

As an Orlando therapist, Jennifer Sierra, LMHC specializes in helping young adults manage anxiety and navigate life transitions, including challenges in relationships. If you’re wondering whether a friendship has run its course, this guide will walk you through five key signs a relationship might be ending and offer five steps to handle the shift with care and compassion.

Friendships in our adult years can feel like navigating a shifting landscape. Old bonds rooted in shared classes or childhood block parties sometimes feel harder to maintain amidst packed calendars and changing priorities. And, even harder still, you may find yourself questioning whether some long-held friendships are still right for you.

If the thought of growing apart from your current relationships fills you with anxiety or guilt, know that you’re not alone. Outgrowing friendships is a natural part of life—and it’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed or that you’re a bad person. Instead, it’s an opportunity to reflect on your personal growth, values, and self-worth.

This blog will explore the nuances of adult friendships, why outgrowing some connections is an essential part of your mental health and personal evolution, and how to approach these realizations with compassion for yourself and others.

Why Growing Apart Is Natural

Life takes us on different paths. Whether it’s moving to a new city, changing careers, starting a family, or focusing on self-improvement, your circumstances—and your needs in friendships—evolve over time. Your mid-20s to early 40s is a season of rapid change, often bringing mixed emotions about the connections in our lives.

The Role of Friendships in Personal Growth

Friendships are foundational to who we are. They give us comfort, provide support, and mirror parts of ourselves back to us. However, some friendships simply don’t grow alongside us. If you’re prioritizing mental health, setting boundaries, or striving to become a better version of yourself, you might discover certain friendships no longer feel aligned with where you’re headed.

Addressing the Guilt of Growing Apart

Feeling guilty when a friendship no longer fits is natural. But this doesn’t erase the value that person once brought to your life. It’s okay to cherish the good memories while recognizing the relationship may no longer meet your needs or feel balanced.

Signs That a Friendship May Have Reached Its Season

Orlando therapist helps with relationship challenges. Jennifer Sierra, LMHC

 

It’s not always easy to pinpoint when a friendship has run its course. Here are some gentle signs to watch for:

1. The Relationship Feels One-Sided

Do you feel like you’re always initiating conversations or plans? Healthy friendships are built on mutual effort and support. If the dynamic feels imbalanced for a prolonged period, it may be time to reassess.

2. Negative Energy Dominates Interactions

Friendships should leave you feeling uplifted and valued. If you notice constant criticism, undermining comments, or a lack of shared positivity, the connection may be taking a toll on your mental health.

3. You No Longer Share Core Values

Values are the foundation of relationships. If you find yourselves repeatedly disagreeing on fundamental beliefs or priorities, it could signal a deeper disconnect.

4. Growth Is Met with Resistance

It’s natural to want the best for those we care about. If your personal growth—whether it’s committing to anxiety therapy , pursuing a dream, or setting boundaries—is met with resistance or judgment, the friendship may not feel as safe or supportive as it once did.

5. Conversations Feel Forced or Surface-Level

Do you struggle to connect meaningfully or feel like conversations lack depth? If the relationship feels more like an obligation than a joy, it may be worth reflecting on its current role in your life.

Recognizing these signs is not a directive to immediately end the friendship but rather an invitation to reflect on its place in your life.

Navigating the Transition with Compassion

Outgrowing a friendship doesn’t mean “cutting someone off” abruptly or without care. Instead, consider these thoughtful steps to approach the situation:

1. Reflect on Your Feelings

Give yourself time to process. Journaling or working with a counselor can help you map out your emotions and understand why the friendship feels misaligned. If you’re in the Orlando area, seeking anxiety therapy in Orlando can offer tools for navigating complex feelings about these changes.

2. Decide on Boundaries

Not every shifting friendship requires a formal “breakup.” Sometimes it’s about adjusting the dynamics—communication frequency, expectations, or the type of support you offer each other.

3. Hold an Honest Conversation (If Necessary)

If the friendship was deeply meaningful to you, consider having an open, respectful conversation. Frame your feelings around personal growth rather than blame—for instance, “I feel like we’ve both grown in different directions, and I want to honor that.”

4. Be Open to Ebb and Flow

Some friendships naturally fade and reignite later, while others may settle into a lighter, more casual rhythm. Leaving space for this possibility can ease the pressure of “finality.”

5. Lean on Your Support System

Processing these changes can feel isolating. Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, or mental health professionals. They’ll help you maintain perspective and a sense of self-worth.

Building New Connections That Align with Your Growth

 

Orlando therapist helps with relationship challenges. Jennifer Sierra, LMHC

Outgrowing a friendship creates space for connections that align with your current values and passions. Here’s how to foster new, meaningful bonds as an adult:

  • Pursue Mutual Interests: Join local groups or online communities centered around hobbies, like book clubs, hiking meetups, or creative writing forums. Shared passions provide natural opportunities for connection.
  • Be Open and Curious: New friendships often begin with small talk or shared experiences. Stay curious about others and don’t shy away from deep conversation.
  • Nourish Existing Relationships: Sometimes, the connections we’ve overlooked deserve nurturing. Reach out to old friends or acquaintances to see if your paths align now.
  • Remember Quality Over Quantity: Fewer, deeper friendships that support your mental health and personal growth are far more enriching than a large network of casual acquaintances.

Building connections takes time but prioritizing authenticity ensures the bonds you create are fulfilling and long-lasting.

Honor Your Journey and Theirs

Every friendship, even those you outgrow, plays a role in your life story. Moving forward doesn’t erase the good times or lessons learned. It simply reflects who you’re becoming and your commitment to surrounding yourself with relationships that uplift and support you.

Are You Ready?

If you’re ready to explore these changes, consider working with a therapist who can help you process emotions, set healthy boundaries, and rebuild confidence. Start therapy today.

Are You Ready?

If you’re ready to explore these changes, consider working with a therapist who can help you process emotions, set healthy boundaries, and rebuild confidence. Start therapy today.

About Jennifer Sierra, LMHC

Orlando Therapist. Jennifer Sierra, LMHC

Orlando therapist, Jennifer Sierra LMHC, offers a compassionate and creative approach to mental health. She specializes in working with clients struggling with anxiety and difficult life transitions. Jennifer is a licensed mental health therapist as well as certified in integrative mental health. Jennifer Anxiety therapy helps you make sense of it all, break old patterns, and rediscover calm and connection.

Peaceful woman practicing Anxiety therapy techniques in Orlando

Anxiety Therapy Orlando: 7 Natural Anxiety Relief Tips from an expert Holistic Therapist

January 3 • Written by: Jennifer Sierra, LMHC

As winter invites us to slow down and rest, many of us find ourselves doing the opposite – constantly moving, doing, and thinking. If you’re reading this, you might know how hard it is to simply sit still, to quiet your mind, or to stop carrying everyone else’s needs on your shoulders. As a therapist who helps people find natural ways to heal from anxiety, I see how deeply this always-on state affects people’s lives.

Does this sound familiar? Your mind races the moment things get quiet. Even after checking everything off your to-do list, you can’t truly relax. There’s always this feeling that you need to stay in control, to make sure nothing falls apart. Maybe you’ve noticed that even during happy moments – like celebrating an achievement or enjoying time with friends – there’s this restless voice in your head asking “what’s next?” You’re not alone in feeling this way. Research shows more and more people are experiencing this kind of ongoing anxiety in today’s non-stop world [1].

Living with anxiety is like carrying around a heavy backpack that no one else can see. It shows up as tight shoulders, a churning stomach, and that endless feeling that you should be doing more. It’s tiring being the person who can’t switch off, who feels responsible for everything and everyone, who struggles to just be in the moment without thinking about tomorrow. But hidden in this struggle is something beautiful – a chance to reconnect with your inner peace and discover a gentler way of living.

At Holistic Mental Health Counseling in Orlando, we help clients manage anxiety through a holistic approach that goes beyond just talk therapy. Here are seven natural strategies you can start using today to reconnect with calm and build balance in your life.

What’s Really Going On With Anxiety?

Let’s get real about anxiety for a moment. Those racing thoughts, the tight chest, the feeling that everything might fall apart if you let go for just a second? That’s your body and mind trying to protect you [2]. If you grew up having to be the responsible one or take care of yourself emotionally, these feelings probably feel like old friends. While anxiety sometimes serves as a form of self-protection, it doesn’t have to control your present. The key is to understand the underlying cause and find tools that allow you to work through it.

7 Holistic Tools for Anxiety Relief

At HMH Counseling, we believe in treating anxiety not just as something to “fix,” but as a part of your story that deserves understanding and gentle care. Here are some approaches in addition to traditional talk therapy, that have helped many of my clients find more peace and overall wellness into their lives:

Mindful meditation practices for anxiety relief in Orlando therapy1. Mindfulness (But Not the Instagram Version)

Forget the perfect meditation poses. We’re talking about simple, real-world practices you can do even during your busy day [3]:

  • Taking three deep breaths before checking your morning emails
  • Feeling your feet on the ground during stressful moments
  • Finding micro-moments of pause between tasks
  • Daily check ins to tune into your body and learn what you need in the moment

These micro-moments of mindfulness allow your brain to reset without requiring a huge time commitment.

2. Move Your Body

Movement in nature. woman peacefully writing bike for anxiety relief. Orlando, florida

Anxiety settles into your body, often as muscle tension or restlessness. Your body holds so much of your anxiety, and moving it mindfully can be incredibly healing [4].   Gentle movement can be surprisingly powerful in releasing this tension.

  • Stretch for a few minutes before your morning coffee.
  • Take a 10-minute walk during lunch to clear your head.
  • Dance to your favorite song in the kitchen just because it feels good.

The goal isn’t strenuous exercise—it’s being kind to your body in the way it needs most.

3. Spend Time in Nature

Nature offers one of the simplest tools for stress relief. No matter where you live, there are small ways to bring its calming effects into your routine.

  • Take a short walk outside to get some sunlight and fresh air.
  • Create a small indoor garden with plants that bring life into your space.
  • Find a favorite spot outdoors where you can reflect or relax, even for a few minutes.

Research has shown that spending time in nature balances mood and reduces anxiety.

4. Express Your Creativity

Creative expression is a powerful, but often overlooked, way to process anxious feelings. Studies have shown that creative expression can be powerful medicine for anxiety [6]. You don’t have to be an artist to benefit. Simple, enjoyable activities like these can help:

  • Keep a journal to jot down thoughts before bed.
  • Doodling during your coffee break
  • Playing music that moves you
  • Coloring while listening to podcasts

When you’re feeling stuck, creativity can open up new emotional pathways.

5. Nourishing Meaningful Connections

nourishing social connections as part of holistic mental health. couple walking in orlando, fl.

For those of us who learned early on to handle everything alone, asking for support can feel foreign. But connection is medicine [7]. As anxiety therapy progresses my clients find that, it becomes less strained and easier with each step forward. his might look like:

  • Finding friends who understand your journey
  • Joining communities of like-minded people
  • Setting boundaries with relationships that drain you
  • Creating space for meaningful conversations

6. Prioritize Holistic Self-Care

Think beyond bubble baths (though those are nice too!). Real self-care goes deeper than occasional treats. It’s about building habits that nurture your physical and emotional well-being daily. For instance:

  • Creating a morning routine that feels grounding
  • Setting boundaries that protect your time, energy and heart
  • Choosing foods that support your mood
  • Getting enough rest (even if it means saying no sometimes)

7. Seek Professional Comprehensive Support

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to fall into patterns that hold you back. You might find yourself prioritizing others at the expense of your own needs, battling constant worry or shying away from conflicts or new experiences. Sometimes, the strongest thing we can do is ask for help.

Research shows that therapy, especially when combined with holistic approaches, can make a real difference [8]. At HMH Counseling, led by Jennifer Sierra, LMHC, we understand the importance of a comprehensive approach.

Listening with compassion

 

Our sessions provide a safe and supportive space where you can:

Process past experiences at your own pace

Learn practical tools for managing anxiety

Develop a healthier relationship with yourself

Explore the connection between your past and present challenges

Whether it’s managing perfectionism, setting boundaries, or coping with life transitions, we’ll work together to craft a personalized plan for your unique needs.

 

 

My approach blends compassion with creativity. I offer more than just talk therapy – I provide practical, actionable strategies you can implement in your daily life. Together, we will:

  • Make sense of your challenges
  • Break old patterns
  • Rediscover calm and strengthen connections

I’ll help you take control of anxiety and overwhelm by developing personalized coping strategies, creating self-care routines you’ll actually enjoy, challenging perfectionist thoughts, and fostering self-compassion. Together, we can break free from the habits that once protected you but are now standing in the way of your growth and happiness.

Take the First Step Today

If you’ve been thinking about therapy but haven’t taken the leap, I get it. It’s a big step.  But making the decision to address your anxiety actively can open doors to a more peaceful, balanced life.

If you’re ready to explore anxiety therapy in Orlando with someone who gets it, we’re here to help. Schedule a session with Jennifer Sierra, LMHC, and take the first step toward living with less anxiety and more joy.

Contact us today to begin your healing journey.
You’ve already shown incredible strength just by acknowledging that you need support. Together, we can build the life you truly want and deserve. By applying these practical strategies, you can start to reclaim moments of calm and control over your anxiety. Remember, it’s all about small, manageable steps—and you don’t have to take the alone.

 

References

[1] American Psychological Association. (2022). Stress in America™ 2022: Concerned for the future, beset by inflation. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2022/concerned-future-inflation

[2] van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking.

[3] Hoge, E. A., Bui, E., Marques, L., Metcalf, C. A., Morris, L. K., Robinaugh, D. J., Worthington, J. J., Pollack, M. H., & Simon, N. M. (2013). Randomized controlled trial of mindfulness meditation for generalized anxiety disorder: Effects on anxiety and stress reactivity. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 74(8), 786-792. https://doi.org/10.4088/JCP.12m08083

[4] Anderson, E., & Shivakumar, G. (2013). Effects of exercise and physical activity on anxiety. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 4, 27. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2013.00027

[5] Bratman, G. N., Anderson, C. B., Berman, M. G., Cochran, B., de Vries, S., Flanders, J., Folke, C., Frumkin, H., Gross, J. J., Hartig, T., Kahn, P. H., Kuo, M., Lawler, J. J., Levin, P. S., Lindahl, T., Meyer-Lindenberg, A., Mitchell, R., Ouyang, Z., Roe, J., … Daily, G. C. (2019). Nature and mental health: An ecosystem service perspective. Science Advances, 5(7), eaax0903. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aax0903

[6] Stuckey, H. L., & Nobel, J. (2010). The connection between art, healing, and public health: A review of current literature. American Journal of Public Health, 100(2), 254-263. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2008.156497

[7] Ozbay, F., Johnson, D. C., Dimoulas, E., Morgan, C. A., Charney, D., & Southwick, S. (2007). Social support and resilience to stress: From neurobiology to clinical practice. Psychiatry (Edgmont), 4(5), 35-40.

[8] Lake, J. (2017). The integration of psychotherapy and complementary and alternative medicine: A vision for the future. Alternative and Complementary Therapies, 23(1), 14-20.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information shared is based on our understanding and interpretation of various mental health topics. It is important to recognize the complexity of mental health issues, and the advice provided here may not address the specific needs of every reader. The content on this blog should not be considered a substitute for professional advice from a qualified mental health professional. Always seek the advice of a licensed therapist or other qualified mental health provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your mental health or well-being.

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