About
Challenge the Lie: One-Session Anxiety Consultation
Stop Overthinking. Start Talking Back to Your Brain.
Your amygdala—the brain's alarm system—is designed to keep you safe. But when it starts sounding false alarms during everyday moments, you end up stuck in spirals of overthinking, self-doubt, and "what if" thinking that won't quit.
The problem isn't that you're broken. The problem is that your brain is telling you lies, and you don't yet have a plan to challenge them.
What Is This Session?
This is a focused, one-time consultation where we work together to:
• Identify the specific "lie" your amygdala tells you when you overthink
• Build a personalized cognitive plan to challenge that lie in real time
• Give you exact words and steps to use the next time your brain starts spiraling
• Walk away with a written action plan you can use immediately
This session is designed for people who:
• Already understand they have anxiety or overthinking patterns
• Want a concrete, actionable strategy—not ongoing talk therapy
• Are ready to learn how to interrupt the anxiety cycle when it happens
• Prefer a focused, results-oriented approach
What Happens in the Session?
Part 1: Understanding Your Alarm System
We'll start with a brief explanation of how your amygdala works, why it overreacts, and how your thinking brain (prefrontal cortex) can learn to respond differently. You'll understand why overthinking feels so real—and why it's actually a pattern your brain has learned.
Part 2: Mapping Your Overthinking Pattern
We'll walk through a recent example of your overthinking. What triggered it? What automatic thought showed up? How did your body and emotions react? Together, we'll identify the core "lie" at the center of your spiral—the catastrophic belief your amygdala keeps repeating.
Part 3: Challenging the Lie
Using proven cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, we'll examine the evidence for and against that automatic thought. We'll create 1–3 alternative statements—believable, grounded responses you can actually use in the moment. These aren't empty affirmations; they're reality checks your brain can accept.
Part 4: Your Personalized Action Plan
You'll receive a written micro-protocol: a 3–5 step plan for what to say and do the next time overthinking starts. This becomes your go-to tool—a plan you can reference, practice, and refine over time.
This consultation is part of my private-pay therapy practice and is delivered as a professional psychotherapy service.
Session Details
• Format: Single 50–60 minute session via secure telehealth (Available only in California).
• Cost: $150 (private pay; superbills available for insurance reimbursement)
• What You'll Receive: Personalized written action plan and psychoeducation handout
• Not a Fit If: You are in acute crisis, are experiencing suicidal/homicidal thoughts, or are experiencing hallucinations. Also not a fit if you are not in California at the time of the consultation.
Important Information
This is a professional psychotherapy consultation, not coaching or advice. All sessions are confidential and HIPAA-compliant. You will complete a brief informed consent form before the session that explains the nature, benefits, and limits of a one-time consultation.
If during our session it becomes clear that ongoing therapy or a different level of care would better serve you, I will discuss that with you and provide referrals as appropriate.
Ready to Challenge the Lie?
If you're tired of your brain running the show and you're ready to take back control, this session is for you.
Schedule your sessions by clicking on "book now" or contact me by completing the contact form if you have more questions.
Brian Fernandez, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
California License #84136