ANXIETY
THERAPY FOR ANXIETY
IN NEW YORK CITY
“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability
to choose one thought over another.”
– William James
We’re here to help
Who suffers from anxiety?
We Specialize in Therapy for Anxiety in New York City
Anxiety affects over 40 million adults in the U.S., according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).
We often get anxious about various things, such as a test we must prepare for, public speaking, or social situations in general. As the ADAA points out, there are various types of anxiety disorders, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Social Anxiety Disorder, most of which are highly treatable. However, only approximately a third of those suffering from anxiety receive treatment. If you are experiencing anxiety, be mindful of any depressive thoughts or feelings as it is very common for depression to accompany anxiety and vice versa.
Although there are many similarities in how anxiety manifests, it is a unique experience to each person. Thus, our goal is to help you understand what anxiety means to you. So we’re dedicated to creating a safe space for you to explore your anxiety and help alleviate some of its symptoms through effective anxiety therapy.
What does anxiety feel like?
Common Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety can feel different for different people, but some common experiences include:
- Physical sensations: Anxiety can cause physical sensations such as a racing heart, sweating, trembling, feeling hot or cold, chest tightness or pain, shortness of breath, and feeling nauseous or dizzy.
- Emotional symptoms: Anxiety can cause intense feelings of fear, worry, apprehension, irritability, and restlessness.
- Cognitive symptoms: Anxiety can cause a sense of impending doom or danger, racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and excessive worry or rumination.
- Behavioral symptoms: Anxiety can lead to avoidance of certain situations, such as social situations or places that trigger anxiety, and can also lead to compulsive behaviors, such as checking and reassurance-seeking.
Although psychotherapy alone can often reduce anxiety, the combination of psychotherapy and medication (usually prescribed by a psychiatrist) helps many of those suffering from anxiety.
different types of anxiety disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): This is a chronic condition characterized by excessive and persistent worry about everyday events and activities, often with no obvious cause. People with GAD may experience physical symptoms such as muscle tension, fatigue, and irritability.
Panic Disorder: Panic disorder is characterized by sudden and intense episodes of fear or panic, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as sweating, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Panic attacks can occur unexpectedly and can be very disruptive to daily life.
Social Anxiety Disorder: This is a fear of social situations and being judged or evaluated by others. People with social anxiety may avoid social situations or experience intense anxiety and panic when they cannot avoid them.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): OCD involves recurring, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) in an attempt to reduce anxiety.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD and Complex-PTSD can develop after exposure to a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, serious accident, or violent crime. Symptoms can include flashbacks, avoidance of triggers, and heightened anxiety.
Specific Phobias: Specific phobias involve intense fear or anxiety about a specific object, situation, or activity, such as heights, spiders, or flying.
Separation Anxiety Disorder: This condition involves excessive fear or anxiety about being separated from attachment figures. Symptoms can include distress when anticipating separation, worry about losing attachment figures, and reluctance to be alone.
It’s important to note that anxiety disorders can co-occur with other mental health conditions such as depression, and that each person’s experience of anxiety is unique. If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, it’s important to seek professional help to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
If you’re struggling with anxiety in New York City, it’s essential to find a therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders. A mental health professional with experience in treating anxiety can help you develop coping strategies and techniques to manage your symptoms. When searching for a therapist in NYC, look for someone who has experience working with anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or social anxiety disorder. You can also ask about their approach to therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or exposure therapy, and whether they offer relaxation techniques or other anxiety-reducing methods.
Licensed Therapists Offering In-Person & Virtual Sessions
NYC Therapists Who Specialize in Therapy for Anxiety
Amy
Michael
Nancy
Maryam
Han Lim
Madeleine
Madelyn
Alyssa
Lauren
What does therapy for anxiety in New York City look like?
How Therapy Can Help Anxiety
We teach a variety of strategies to help our clients overcome anxiety, emphasizing the importance of therapy in treating anxiety disorders. Sometimes, anxiety can get worse before it gets better, so persistence in treatment is crucial.
There are a variety of different therapeutic approaches to treating anxiety. At Clarity Therapy, we specialize in various types of therapy including:
Insight-Oriented Therapy (Psychodynamic)
Insight-oriented therapy is based on the belief that through increased consciousness we can create new life experiences. This therapeutic process involves the therapist and client exploring and gaining a better understanding of how feelings, beliefs, actions, and events from the past may be influencing our current mindset and circumstances. The goal of insight-oriented therapy is to empower you with a sense of clarity so that you have the freedom to make new, adaptive, and healthier choices that support your continuing growth.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
This process is focused on addressing thought patterns, physical symptoms, and behaviors. Research shows that is a very effective form of treating a variety of issues. Through compassionate and supportive care, we hope to create a safe space for you to feel comfortable in starting the process toward growth and reducing the feelings of depression and anxiety you may be feeling. CBT can be used alone or combined with mindfulness/meditation.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is a type of therapy that involves gradually exposing you to the situations or objects that trigger your anxiety. The goal of exposure therapy is to help you become comfortable with the things that make you anxious, reducing your anxiety symptoms over time. Exposure therapy can be an effective treatment for anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. A mental health professional can work with you to develop a personalized exposure therapy plan, helping you to confront your fears and anxieties in a safe and controlled environment.
Mindfulness Practices
Through consistent practice, like meditation, we become more focused on the present and understand our experience in the here-and-now. teaches us to shift our attention away from negative thought patterns that lead to the unsatisfactory and problematic thoughts and behaviors and move toward positive and meaningful growth. Mindfulness can be used alone or combined with insight-oriented therapy and CBT.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) combines elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and guided imagery to help people process traumatic memories and change negative thought patterns. ART is designed to produce rapid symptom relief, often in just one or a few sessions. This process can help people reframe negative thoughts and emotions, release emotional blocks, and reduce troublesome symptoms of anxiety and phobias.
How do I know which type of therapy is right for me?
Consulting with a trained mental health provider is essential to understand which therapeutic approach is best suited for you. For severe anxiety, it is important to seek help from a mental health provider who can diagnose and treat the condition effectively. Mental health conditions such as anxiety can be complex and require a personalized approach to treatment. Our NYC therapists are trained to assess and diagnose mental health conditions and can recommend the best course of treatment based on your individual needs.
Benefits of Therapy
Therapy can be an incredibly effective way to manage anxiety symptoms and improve your overall mental health. Some of the benefits of therapy for anxiety include:
- Reduced anxiety symptoms: Therapy can help you develop coping strategies and techniques to manage your anxiety symptoms, reducing their impact on your daily life.
- Improved mental health: Therapy can help you address underlying mental health issues that may be contributing to your anxiety, such as depression or trauma.
- Increased self-awareness: Therapy can help you develop a better understanding of yourself and your anxiety, allowing you to make positive changes in your life.
- Enhanced coping skills: Therapy can teach you effective coping skills and techniques to manage anxiety, such as relaxation techniques or cognitive behavioral therapy.
- Support and guidance: A mental health professional can provide you with support and guidance as you work to manage your anxiety, helping you to stay on track and motivated.
Finding the Right Therapist
Finding the right therapist can be a crucial step in managing your anxiety. Here are some tips to help you find a therapist who is right for you:
- Ask for referrals: Ask friends, family members, or your primary care physician for recommendations.
- Check credentials: Make sure the therapist has experience working with anxiety disorders and is licensed to practice in your state.
- Check insurance: Find out if the therapist accepts your insurance and what your out-of-pocket costs will be.
- Read online reviews: Check online reviews to get a sense of the therapist’s approach and bedside manner.
- Make a list of questions: Write down a list of questions to ask the therapist during your initial consultation, such as their approach to therapy and their experience working with anxiety disorders.
Lifestyle Changes to Manage Anxiety
In addition to therapy, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to help manage your anxiety. Here are some tips:
- Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve your overall mental health.
- Practice relaxation techniques: Techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation can help reduce anxiety symptoms.
- Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to help regulate your mood and reduce anxiety symptoms.
- Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help support your mental health.
- Avoid caffeine and nicotine: Both caffeine and nicotine can exacerbate anxiety symptoms, so it’s best to avoid them or reduce your intake.
Why Choose Clarity for Anxiety Therapy in NYC
Our team has decades of experience working with clients who struggle with anxiety. Choosing the right provider for anxiety therapy is crucial to ensuring that you get the relief and progress that you are seeking. At Clarity Therapy NYC, we are committed to walking beside you on your healing journey.