Overthinking Everything? How Anxiety Distorts Your Thoughts
Do you ever catch yourself replaying a conversation over and over? Worrying about something that hasn’t even happened yet—or might never happen?
If so, you’re not alone. At Aspire Counseling, our anxiety therapists hear this all the time from our clients across Missouri.
“I can’t turn my brain off.”
*“I know it’s probably not a big deal, but I can’t stop thinking about it.”
“What if something goes wrong?”
In this post, we’ll explain how anxiety distorts your thoughts, why overthinking feels so hard to stop, and how working with an anxiety therapist in Missouri—online or in person—can help you find relief.
Why Does Anxiety Make You Overthink?
Anxiety is part of your brain’s natural alarm system. It’s meant to help you spot danger and stay safe. But when anxiety becomes too intense or constant, it starts to misfire—seeing threats where there are none and flooding you with thoughts that feel urgent but aren’t accurate.
Overthinking is one of the brain’s go-to anxiety responses. When we’re worried, our minds try to “solve” the problem—even if the problem isn’t real or isn’t solvable in that moment.
The result? Endless loops of worry, doubt, and what-ifs.
Why do I keep having the same anxious thoughts over and over?
If you struggle with anxiety, you likely have common anxious thoughts or common pattern of thoughts that frequently come up for you.
These patterns are often called cognitive distortions—and while that might sound technical, it simply means ways our brain twists things. These are well-established, researched patterns that show up across all kinds of anxiety (and honestly, most of us fall into them at some point). Different therapists and resources might use slightly different names or group them in different ways, but they all describe the same core idea:
We’re believing a story our brain is telling us that increases anxiety—but isn’t fully accurate or helpful.
In our work at Aspire Counseling, we sometimes talk about this as “buying a thought.” Just because a thought pops into your head doesn’t mean you have to buy it—especially if it’s making you anxious or pulling you into unhelpful spirals.
Below are a few of the most common distorted thinking patterns we help clients recognize and gently challenge in therapy:
🔁 Catastrophizing
Jumping to the worst-case scenario.
“If I mess up this presentation, I’ll get fired, and then I’ll never find another job.”
⚖️ Black-and-White Thinking
Seeing things as all good or all bad.
“If I don’t do this perfectly, I’ve failed.”
🤯 Mind Reading
Assuming you know what others are thinking—and that it’s negative.
“They haven’t texted back. They must be mad at me.”
🔄 Rumination
Replaying past events over and over without resolution.
“Why did I say that? I should have done something differently.”
These patterns are exhausting. They make it hard to focus, sleep, or enjoy your life. But the good news is, they’re treatable.
You’re Not “Too Sensitive.” This Is How Anxiety Works.
One of the most painful parts of overthinking is feeling like you should be able to stop. But anxiety isn’t a matter of willpower—it’s a physiological and psychological response that can feel completely out of your control.
At Aspire Counseling, we help people across Missouri understand how anxiety works and learn tools to interrupt these patterns. Whether you’re dealing with generalized anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, or a combination of symptoms, therapy can help you feel more in control of your mind.
What Does Anxiety Therapy Look Like?
Our licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches like:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – to help you notice and change distorted thought patterns
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) – especially helpful for clients with OCD or intrusive thoughts
Polyvagal-informed strategies – to regulate your nervous system and calm the physical side of anxiety
EMDR or somatic approaches – for clients whose anxiety is rooted in past trauma
We tailor your treatment plan to match what’s actually going on in your brain and body—not just what the anxiety is telling you is happening.
Anxiety Therapy for Adults & Teens Across Missouri
Aspire Counseling offers in-person anxiety treatment in Columbia and Lee’s Summit and online therapy for anxiety throughout Missouri.
We help:
Professionals whose minds won’t slow down
Parents overwhelmed by worry and responsibility
Teens stuck in spirals of doubt or perfectionism
College students dealing with panic attacks or intrusive thoughts
People who’ve tried therapy before but need something deeper or more tailored
You Deserve Relief from Overthinking
You don’t have to live in your head 24/7. You deserve peace, clarity, and rest.
Our therapists are here to help you quiet the noise and feel more grounded—whether that’s through practical tools, deeper healing work, or just having someone truly listen and understand.
📍 Serving all of Missouri, including Kansas City, Columbia, Lee’s Summit, St. Louis, and rural areas
💻 Offering online therapy for anxiety across the state
🌿 Specializing in anxiety, panic, trauma, OCD, and teen mental health
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward a calmer mind.
About the Author
Jessica Tappana, MSW, LCSW
Jessica is a licensed clinical social worker who has been practicing in the mental health field since 2008. After completing the clinical track of her MSW in 2011, she began specializing in the treatment of severe anxiety and PTSD. Jessica is passionate about helping clients overcome debilitating panic attacks and obsessive thinking, and she has lovingly built a team of evidence-based therapists across Missouri who share her dedication to trauma-informed care.
