Imagine a young boy named Avraham struggling with his math homework. Each night, his parents see him growing increasingly frustrated, often ending his study sessions in anger or tears. One evening, his mother, exasperated herself, tries a different approach. Instead of saying, “Don’t worry, you’re smart,” she praises his effort: “Avraham, I noticed how hard you tried to solve those problems tonight. Your persistence is impressive.” Over time, Avraham’s attitude towards math begins to shift. He starts approaching his homework with more determination, slowly realizing that his effort is making a difference.

Imagine your mind as a meticulous planner, always thinking ahead, anticipating every turn in the road or potential misfortune. This may seem like a beneficial strategy since planning is a great skill, but sometimes, our desire to control the future becomes so intense that it disrupts our daily lives. This is where anxiety enters the scene.

Anxiety is like that friend who tends to worry about almost everything. It’s that jittery feeling you get before a significant event, such as an important exam or presentation. It can make your heart race, your palms sweaty, and your thoughts go haywire with “what-ifs.”

Yossi is a man in his thirties, juggling the demands of work and family. Lately, he has been feeling overwhelmed and lost, like a boat drifting in the sea. He thought about seeking therapy, but skepticism held him back. “I don’t know if therapy really works,” Yossi shared with his wife, Sarah. “It’s hard to believe that talking to someone I barely know can make a difference in my life.”