Practice information:

David Guthrie BA, BSW, MSW is a Registered Clinical Social Worker with the College of Social Workers. David is a certified Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) clinician. David works exclusively with adult clients with anxiety disorders in the city of Kelowna and surrounding area. He does offer virtual counselling.  He has been working in the mental health field for over 24 years. 

Anxiety Disorders are the focus of David's practice. He works with adults experiencing: Social Anxiety/Phobia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Generalized Anxiety (GAD) and Panic Attacks. Often people with anxiety worry about perceived threats, feared future events or they have catastrophic predictions about the future. Socially anxious people worry about being judged or embarrassed. Doing normal activities such as going to the mall, public speaking, meeting new people, talking on the phone or using public bathrooms are difficult because of fear embarrassment or judgement from others.  People with panic disorder worry about getting anxious, having a panic attack, experiencing anxiety symptom while in public spaces, fainting or vomiting while out of the home.  Some people with OCD experience worries about contamination or germs. Or there is a need for things to be "just right."  People with OCD will do rituals to feel better, like excessive hand washing, counting, re-doing things, checking things or balancing things.  They might experience aggressive/violent or sexual thoughts that cause them great distress. Although these "pure obsessions" can be extremely distressing, it can be easily addressed with a skilled clinician who is knowledgeable about this unique topic.   David has specific expertise in this area. People with Generalized Anxiety worry about everything but common themes are health, future success/failure or bad things happening (i.e. plane crash).  David uses a CBT approach to educate clients how to manage their thoughts, use realistic thinking, break anxiety rituals and how to use relaxation to better manage anxiety symptoms. David will develop a treatment plan specifically for your anxiety and will help you through the CBT process. In sessions, David addresses the way you think, feel and behave when you experience anxiety. He uses carefully planned exposures to address feared situations with clients. Exposures help clients gain confidence & control over their anxiety. David also introduces the key tool of “Mindfulness” as a way to better manage emotions.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is the most recognized/researched therapeutic method to address anxiety symptoms. 

What causes anxiety? Often there is no "one" cause as to why anxiety can become problematic for some people. Usually it is a combination of factors. Researchers are not 100% sure why some people develop anxiety or depression symptoms, while others do not. Approximately 1 in 4 people experience anxiety that interferes with their daily life. Genetics and family history are factors. The environment one lives in, your work, life stress and life experiences can also impact mood & anxiety in people. Although anxiety is unpleasant, it is not dangerous or life threatening. You are not alone and you can get help!