02:00pm Monday, 27 Apr
Ask a Therapist: The Illusion of Control and the Anxiety It Creates
With Danielle A. Vann
Control can feel like safety—but often, it’s what’s keeping anxiety in place.
In this session, we’ll explore how the brain is wired to predict and avoid uncertainty, and how control becomes a nervous system strategy to manage that discomfort. The problem is, the more you rely on control, the less tolerance you build for the unknown—fueling anxiety even more.
We’ll also break down the difference between truly letting go and collapsing, so you can release control without losing your sense of stability.
You’ll Learn:
How the predictive brain drives anxiety
Why uncertainty feels so activating
Control as a learned safety strategy
The difference between letting go and shutting down
Tools and Takeaways:
Recognize your personal control patterns
Build tolerance for uncertainty without overwhelm
Shift from control into regulation
Practice grounded letting go (without collapse)
anxiety, control, uncertainty, nervous system, overthinking, stress, emotional regulation, mindfulness, self awareness, mental health