Women’s Counseling Q&A

Dr. Angela Bisignano is a women’s counseling expert in Southern California. Dr. Bisignano works with women to help manage anxiety, stress and relationships. Dr. Bisignano has helped hundreds of women better manage work and life anxieties and stresses.

First, it is important to realize that stress can have both positive and negative consequences. Occasional anxiety is normal and healthy. It creates stress which helps us pay attention, energizes us to make decisions, and motivates us to deal with problems.  When anxiety is out of proportion to the situation it affects your well-being.

Suffering from anxiety and stress can be self- limiting and for some debilitating. Stresses often arise in your relationships, career and life in general. Cultivating techniques to manage anxiety and stress can be life changing.

What is the best way to manage anxiety and stress?

When you develop a healthy mindset and a repertoire of coping skills you can train yourself to better cope with stress. Begin by understanding why you are stressed. Reflect on what is causing your stress and identify triggers that set you off. This way you can anticipate stress and anxiety in the future. What are you telling yourself?  Reframe negative thoughts to gain insight into how and why you respond to stress. Use skills and strategies for reducing symptoms due to anxiety. Practice self-care. Get help and support to build resiliency. Reach out to others for support. Learn to anticipate stress and anxiety in the future, and how to cope to reduce your stress and improve your life.

What is the most effective treatment for anxiety and stress?

Stress management and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). If you worry all the time, and stress interferes with your ability to make choices for a fulfilling life, get psychological counseling to eliminate self-limiting beliefs and self-defeating behaviors. You can’t always control what happens to you, but you can control how you react.

Can anxiety be managed without medication?

Yes. You can manage and / or overcome anxiety and stress, depression, guilt, shame, pessimism and low self-esteem with CBT. It is scientifically proven to reduce symptoms, improve your mood, and help you develop a positive approach to life.

What is the main cause of anxiety?

Anxiety can be caused by a number of sources. One of the main factors of symptom reduction is your response to it. This is especially true when you face a traumatic life event or sudden loss. Constant worry, distress, apprehension and fear create anxiety. Anxiety is a normal response to stress. But, when your thoughts and behaviors become overwhelming and interfere with your life, it is time to seek professional help.

What is emotional intelligence?

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize and regulate our emotions and empathize with others and their reactions. It is important because it expands our idea of intelligence, helps us better manage stress, and cultivate greater satisfaction in our relationships. It is valuable to understand our emotions and the emotions of others, and how we communicate in order to strengthen our relationships, at home, at work and in life.

What is relationship management?

Healthy relationships require consistent nourishment and cultivation with care and communication. Relationship management is the development of healthy communication skills to improve your interactions with your partner, parent, child, and others.  It is the way to develop deeper emotional connections. It is also the way to support and strengthen marriages and families. Managing conflict, creating shared meaning, and a positive perspective contributes to happiness and life satisfaction.

Dr. Angela Bisignano can help you examine the stressors in your life, process your thoughts in a more positive way, and teach you effective ways to manage or reduce your stress.

Dr. Bisignano’s office is located in Palos Verdes Estates in the South Bay of Los Angeles County; serving clients from the surrounding communities. She is passionate about empowering her clients to lead their best lives.