Finding Peace in the Storm: Understanding and Coping with Anxiety through Christian Counseling and IFS

Christi Young
Jun 10
3 min read

Anxiety can feel like an invisible weight pressing down on your chest—a constant hum of fear, worry, or unease that doesn’t easily go away. Whether it shows up as racing thoughts, muscle tension, trouble sleeping, or a general sense of dread, anxiety is a very real and common struggle. As a therapist, I want you to know: You are not alone, and there is help.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is our body’s natural response to stress. It can help us react quickly in emergencies, but when it lingers or intensifies without a clear threat, it becomes overwhelming. Chronic anxiety can interfere with daily life, relationships, work, and faith.

The IFS Perspective on Anxiety

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy sees the mind as made up of different “parts”—each with its own perspective and purpose. When we experience anxiety, it is often a part of us that is trying to protect us from harm or failure. These anxious parts may fear judgment, abandonment, or rejection and work overtime to keep us safe. However, this overprotection can cause distress in our lives.

IFS helps us:

Identify the anxious parts of ourselves.
Understand the fears driving their behavior.
Develop a compassionate, curious relationship with those parts.
Invite the guidance and calm of the “Self”—the core of who you are, marked by qualities like peace, clarity, and confidence.

Christian Counseling: Bringing Faith into Healing

As Christians, we can also lean into the truth that God is our refuge and strength. Christian counseling invites faith into the therapeutic space, allowing clients to explore how Scripture, prayer, and a relationship with Christ support emotional healing.

Psalm 34:4 says, “I sought the Lord, and he answered

me; he delivered me from all my fears.”

God wants us to come close to him when we are afraid. He invites us into deeper trust and peace.

Combining Christian faith with IFS creates a powerful framework: We can bring our anxious parts to God with honesty and compassion, trusting the Holy Spirit to work through both inner exploration and spiritual surrender.

Practical Coping Skills for Anxiety

While deeper healing work unfolds over time, here are some effective tools you can start using today:

1. Grounding Techniques

Bring yourself back to the present moment through your five senses. Try naming 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.

2. Breath Prayer

Practice slow, deep breathing while meditating on Scripture. Example: Inhale: “When I am afraid...”Exhale: “...I will trust in You.” (Psalm 56:3)

3. Journaling with Your Parts

Ask your anxious part what it’s afraid of and when it first started feeling this way. Respond with curiosity and kindness—not shame.

4. Scripture Meditation

Write down and reflect on verses like Philippians 4:6–7, Isaiah 41:10, or Matthew 6:34. Let God’s truth gently interrupt your anxious thoughts.

5. Limit Overwhelm

Simplify your schedule where possible, and be gentle with yourself. Small steps forward are still progress.

6. Ask for Help

We were never meant to heal alone. Christian counseling offers a supportive space to explore what’s behind your anxiety and to find new ways of living with freedom and grace.

You’re Not Broken—You’re Brave

Anxiety doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means a part of you is trying hard to protect you—and it needs your attention and compassion. In therapy, we can explore how to bring God’s love and your inner Self to these anxious parts, creating space for peace, healing, and transformation.