When the seasons shift from summer to fall, many people find themselves feeling more anxious, restless, or even downhearted. The shorter days, cooler weather (even in LA), and abrupt changes in routine can heighten feelings of worry or sadness. To help with anxiety in fall, it’s important to take proactive steps such as developing healthy routines, practicing mindfulness, staying physically active, and talking to a professional. Working with a psychologist LA residents trust can provide the tools and emotional support needed to navigate these seasonal challenges effectively.
Therapy allows people to gain perspective, learn strategies for managing negative thought patterns, and build resilience. With professional help, the transition into fall doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. That’s where Dr. Thomas can help.
Why Does Anxiety Often Increase in the Fall?
Fall can bring a unique mix of emotional triggers that make anxiety more noticeable. For some, the sudden drop in daylight hours disrupts their natural rhythms, leading to fatigue, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating.
Others may find the looming pressures of the end of the year—deadlines, holidays, or family obligations—overwhelming. There’s also the loss of the freedom and lightheartedness often associated with summer.
Some common reasons anxiety intensifies in the fall include:
- Reduced exposure to sunlight, which affects energy levels and mood.
- The end of summer activities that kept people socially engaged.
- Concerns about academic or work responsibilities resuming in full force.
- Anticipation of the stress that the holiday season may bring.
Anxiety during this time is not unusual, but it is important to recognize that the feelings are real and deserve attention. As an experienced psychologist in LA, Dr. Yvonne Thomas can help you identify what specifically fuels your anxiety and provide strategies to manage it in healthier ways.
How Can Therapy Provide Support During Seasonal Transitions?
Therapy creates a safe and supportive environment to examine the emotional impact of seasonal changes. Instead of allowing anxiety to spiral, a therapist can help you slow down your thoughts, understand the root causes of your stress, and develop practical coping techniques.
Through therapy, individuals can:
- Build awareness of how the transition from summer to fall affects their mental health.
- Practice stress-management tools such as grounding exercises, journaling, and structured problem-solving.
- Strengthen resilience to navigate not just fall, but all seasonal shifts throughout the year.
Working with a psychologist LA residents turn to for guidance allows you to not only ease anxiety in the moment but also prepare for similar challenges in the future. Therapy becomes a way to learn and practice tools that provide lasting benefits, rather than temporary relief.
What Are Healthy Ways to Reduce Fall Anxiety Outside of Therapy?
While therapy is one of the most effective long-term solutions, there are daily habits that can make a big difference. These habits work best when combined with professional guidance:
- Staying physically active to boost mood and energy levels.
- Setting consistent sleep and wake times to regulate circadian rhythms.
- Spending time outdoors to take advantage of available sunlight.
- Eating balanced meals that support overall health and well-being.
- Practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing.
Even with these steps, anxiety can still persist, which is why working with a psychologist in LA is so valuable. Having professional support ensures you are not managing your feelings alone.
Even with these steps, anxiety can still persist, which is why working with a psychologist is so valuable. Having professional support ensures you are not managing your feelings alone.
How Can Dr. Yvonne Thomas Help With Anxiety in Fall?
Dr. Yvonne Thomas has extensive experience working with individuals who feel heightened anxiety during seasonal changes as well as any other time of the year. Through individual counseling, she helps clients identify triggers, address underlying concerns, and create a toolkit for handling stressful transitions.
She provides both in-person sessions and teletherapy throughout California, giving clients flexibility to choose the approach that best suits their lifestyle.
Our service focuses on personalizing the therapeutic experience. We understand that no two clients experience fall anxiety in the same way. Some people may feel emotionally heavy due to reduced daylight, while others feel unsettled by the shift in social or work expectations. Dr. Thomas works closely with clients to tailor her approach, ensuring each person feels understood and supported.
By building coping strategies, reframing negative thoughts, and strengthening self-compassion, clients gain confidence in their ability to manage anxiety and enjoy the new season rather than fearing it.
How Does Therapy Address Feelings of Fear or Sadness in the Fall?
Fear, sadness, and worry often worsen in the fall. For many, this combination can feel paralyzing, making it hard to focus on responsibilities or enjoy daily life. Therapy addresses these feelings by:
- Exploring the root causes behind them.
- Helping clients differentiate between temporary seasonal effects and deeper concerns.
- Offering strategies to redirect anxious thinking into constructive actions.
- Teaching relaxation methods to calm the nervous system.
Dr. Thomas’s approach emphasizes both short-term relief and long-term emotional growth. Clients leave sessions with actionable tools they can apply outside therapy, while also working through larger patterns that contribute to recurring anxiety.
What Role Does Emotional Support Play in Reducing Fall Anxiety?
One of the most powerful benefits of therapy is having consistent emotional support. For many, anxiety worsens when they feel isolated or misunderstood. Having a professional to talk to each week creates stability and reassurance during a season of change.
This support may include:
- A nonjudgmental space to discuss feelings.
- Guidance in navigating stressful relationships or responsibilities.
- Validation that their struggles are real and deserving of care.
Knowing that support is available often reduces the intensity of anxiety itself. With Dr. Thomas, clients feel empowered to face seasonal changes with confidence.
How is Teletherapy Effective for Anxiety?
Yes, teletherapy in Los Angeles can be highly effective, particularly for individuals who feel overwhelmed during seasonal transitions. Many clients prefer the flexibility of meeting with Dr. Thomas from home, avoiding added stress from commutes or scheduling conflicts.
Teletherapy sessions provide the same level of care and personalization as in-person sessions, making them an excellent option for managing anxiety in fall. Clients can discuss their experiences, learn coping techniques, and receive guidance without leaving their familiar environment.
This makes it easier to integrate therapy into daily life and reduces barriers to consistent care.
How Does Anxiety in Fall Affect Relationships, and Can Couples Counseling Help?
Anxiety often impacts not only the individual but also their relationships. In the fall, couples may feel increased tension as schedules become busier or as one partner struggles with heightened worry. Working with a psychologist in LA through couples counseling provides a structured way to address these dynamics, helping partners communicate effectively and support one another.
Through couples counseling, Dr. Thomas works with both partners to:
- Identify how seasonal anxiety influences their relationship.
- Improve communication so that worries do not escalate into conflict.
- Develop strategies for mutual support during stressful times.
This type of counseling ensures that couples grow stronger together instead of being pulled apart by seasonal stressors.
How Does Dr. Thomas Approach Long-Term Support Beyond Fall?
While fall anxiety is common, many clients also experience similar challenges in other seasons. Dr. Thomas’s approach is designed to help clients not only manage fall anxiety but also build resilience for future transitions.
Her work focuses on long-term growth by:
- Addressing deeper patterns of anxiety that surface during seasonal changes.
- Helping clients identify consistent coping tools they can use year-round.
- Supporting clients through other life transitions such as career shifts, family changes, or personal milestones.
The goal is to help clients develop lasting confidence in their ability to handle emotional ups and downs.
How Can You Begin Working With Dr. Yvonne Thomas?
Starting therapy with Dr. Thomas is a straightforward process. We offer both individual counseling and couples counseling to address anxiety, stress, and relationship concerns. Clients can choose between in-person sessions or teletherapy in Los Angeles depending on their preference.
Taking the first step to work with a psychologist LA residents rely on can make a significant difference in how you experience not only fall but every season. Dr. Thomas is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care that helps clients move forward with greater peace of mind and emotional strength.