Debbie Tessmer-Wagner, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, (MFC#77147)
Certified EMDR Clinician / Board Certified PTSD Clinician

Do you struggle with excessive worry? Do you find it difficult to manage your anxiety? We all live with a certain amount of anxiety in our lives that is adaptive for our survival. Often this adaptive form of anxiety is out of our awareness because we"re so used to operating with it. Sometimes, however, anxiety and worry can reach levels that are maladaptive and unhealthy, and that interfere with healthy functioning academically, professionally, and/or socially. Certain symptoms of excessive worry or anxiety include muscle tension, irritability, restlessness or feeling on edge, difficulty concentrating, being easily fatigued, and difficulty falling or staying asleep. If you experience some of these symptoms, you may have an issue with anxiety. Because these symptoms can be so uncomfortable, people often turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as food, drugs or alcohol, to control the anxiety. Unfortunately, these are only temporary solutions. Therapy can provide the necessary skills and tools to help you better manage anxiety and restore long-lasting balance to your life. In therapy, we can also explore if there are underlying fears or life experiences that produce and maintain such a high level of anxiety. Addressing such fears and collaboratively developing ways to manage them can restore a sense of peace and tranquility to your life. If you or someone you know struggles with anxiety, reaching out for professional help is a positive first step. If you would like help, please call me at 619-507-2936.

Debbie Tessmer-Wagner, MA, LMFT
(MFC#77147)

Do you suffer from obsessional thinking? Do you find yourself involved in repetitive behaviors to relieve anxiety created by these obsessions or to prevent some dreaded event? If so, you may have OCD. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is time-consuming (more than an hour per day), and can cause significant distress or impairment socially, occupationally, and in other important areas of functioning. OCD is an anxiety-based disorder, and in some cases, medication may be required to interrupt obsessionality and reduce anxiety. In addition to medication, treatment can include EMDR therapy (please read my blog on EMDR). If you or someone you know struggles with OCD, seeking professional help is a positive first step. If you would like to take that first step, please call me at 619-507-2936.

Debbie Tessmer-Wagner, MA, LMFT
(MFC#77147)

• Trauma (3)
• Anxiety-Based Disorders (2)
• EMDR (1)
• Grief and Loss (1)
• Phase of Life Issues (1)
• Relationship Issues (1)