Anxiety Therapist in Brookfield, WI
From the outside, you look calm, prepared and on top of everything. Inside, your mind is running a constant loop of what-ifs. You replay conversations, over-prepare for meetings and lie awake rehearsing tomorrow. The anxiety that once made you good at your job now makes it hard to rest, focus or enjoy anything.
I'm Katie Nickel, an anxiety therapist in Brookfield, WI. I help high-achieving adults quiet the noise, in person or online anywhere in Wisconsin.
Signs of anxiety in high achievers
High-functioning anxiety doesn't always look like panic. It often looks like:
Racing thoughts that won't slow down, especially at night
Constant worry about work, family or "dropping the ball"
Perfectionism and over-preparing to avoid mistakes
Trouble relaxing, even on vacation
Physical tension: tight shoulders, clenched jaw, upset stomach, headaches
Irritability, restlessness or feeling on edge
Avoiding things that feel uncertain, or overcommitting to stay in control
Anxiety and burnout often travel together
Many of my clients come in saying they're burned out. As we talk, it becomes clear that anxiety has been powering their overwork for years: the need to be prepared, to be perfect, to never let anyone down. Burnout is what you feel. Anxiety is often what's underneath, and that's what we treat. Sometimes ADHD or depression is part of the picture too, and we look at all of it together.
How anxiety therapy helps
Therapy for anxiety isn't about never feeling anxious again. It's about changing your relationship with anxious thoughts so they stop running your life. Together we'll:
Understand what triggers your anxiety and what keeps it going
Learn tools to calm your body's stress response in the moment
Notice anxious thoughts without automatically obeying them
Loosen perfectionism and the fear of letting people down
Practice setting boundaries without the spiral of guilt afterward
I use evidence-based approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), solution-focused therapy and nervous-system regulation techniques, adapted to how your brain works.
What to expect
We start with a free 15-minute consult by phone or video. If we're a good fit, your first 50-minute session focuses on your history, what anxiety looks like for you and your goals. Most clients meet weekly at first, then less often as things steady. Learn more about what to expect.
In person in Brookfield or online in Wisconsin
You can meet with me in person at 13160 W. Burleigh Rd., Suite 203, Brookfield, WI 53005, convenient to Waukesha, Milwaukee and Wauwatosa. If you'd rather skip the drive, I offer online therapy anywhere in Wisconsin.
Cost of anxiety therapy
Sessions are $150 for 50 minutes. I don't accept insurance. I can provide a superbill you may be able to submit for out-of-network reimbursement, depending on your plan. Sessions are generally HSA/FSA eligible. See fees & insurance.
How to get started
Book a free 15-minute consult.
Tell me what's going on, and ask anything you want.
If it feels right, we'll schedule your first session.
Anxiety therapy FAQ
Do I need an anxiety diagnosis to start therapy?
No. If anxiety is getting in the way of your life, that's reason enough to reach out. I can provide a diagnosis if it's helpful, for example for a superbill, but it's not required.
Do you prescribe anxiety medication?
No. I'm a counselor, not a prescriber. If medication might help, I can refer you to a psychiatric provider and help you prepare for that conversation.
Is online therapy effective for anxiety?
Many people find online therapy works well for anxiety, and some feel more at ease talking from home. We can decide together what fits you best.
What if my anxiety is mostly physical?
That's common. A lot of anxiety shows up in the body first, as tension, stomach issues or trouble sleeping. Part of our work is learning to calm your nervous system, not just your thoughts.