I enjoy treating a full range of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder, specific phobia, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trichotillomania, and generalized anxiety disorder. In addition, I completed my dissertation on the effects of self-esteem on romantic relationships and therefore have a particular interest in treating self-esteem issues, which often underlie anxiety disorders, as well as relationship-related anxiety. I also have significant interest and experience in treating chronic pain and health-related anxiety, as my postdoctoral fellowship was specialized in primary care/behavioral health psychology.
My Treatment Philosophy
I am trained in the most rigorous cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, which have been clinically proven to have the most consistently robust effects in resolving anxiety disorders. Sometimes, however, CBT may still fall short of desired effects, and we need to find other tools that will do the trick. That is why I also specialize in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which is a mindfulness-based treatment that is also empirically based and shown to have high effectiveness in resolving chronic issues that may not be as responsive to CBT treatment. Based on Eastern theories and techniques, ACT can help people find peace when faced with chronic issues like pain, disease, anxiety, trauma symptoms, or depression. With these research-proven techniques, I join forces with my clients to find their inner strength and overcome their fears in a team-based approach.
Pronouns: she/her(s)
Contact and Fees
Please contact me at christine@anxietyaustin.com or 512-879-1836 ext.6, if you would like to discuss the possibility of working together. My standard fee is $190 per 50-minute session. The fee for the initial assessment is $225. I do not accept insurance but I can provide you with an invoice that includes all the billing codes required to obtain reimbursement from your insurance company.
Selected publications by Dr. Leyva:
“Yes, cavalier attitudes can have pernicious consequences: A reply to Krueger, Vohs, & Baumeister.”
“Do our self-views matter? Self-concepts and self-esteem in everyday life.”
The benefits of self-verifying social feedback. In R. Sutton, M. Hornsey, & K. Douglas (Eds.) Feedback: The handbook of praise, criticism, and advice.
For more information, read Dr. Leyva’s CV.