Well+Being Holistic Mental Health
Emotional Health & Wellness Tips From The Therapy Couch And Other Places
Kimberly Seelbrede, LCSW, is a New York State licensed psychotherapist and women’s emotional health expert whose work weaves together the science of the mind, the biology of the brain, and the art of holistic integrative wellness. With nearly two decades of clinical experience, she helps women in midlife navigate the profound emotional, hormonal, and identity transitions that often surface during perimenopause and menopause. In addition, she works with couples to improve communication, strengthen emotional intimacy, and navigate changes in sexual health, relationship dynamics, and shared life stressors. She works with men who are experiencing personal and professional crises, life transitions, stress, mood changes, or relationship challenges. Her approach blends evidence-based psychotherapy with holistic mind-body interventions, including EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing® techniques, mindfulness, and lifestyle medicine — to address the full spectrum of emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. Disclaimer: I am a licensed and fully credentialed mental health provider, but I am not a medical doctor. The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical or health-related concerns, including perimenopause, menopause, hormone therapy, or other chronic medical conditions. Reliance on the content on this site is solely at your own risk.
Natural and Holistic Alternatives for Anxiety: A Manhattan Psychotherapist’s Guide
Most of us struggle with anxiety from time to time. Many turn to prescription medications—such as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) or anxiolytics like benzodiazepines—to find relief. While these medications can be highly effective for some, others may experience unwanted side effects, limited symptom relief, or prefer to avoid long-term pharmaceutical use. Fortunately, there are safe, evidence-informed natural alternatives that can complement or, in some cases, replace medication.
As a holistic psychotherapist, I work with individuals who want to address anxiety through integrative methods. Whether you’re tapering off medication, hoping to avoid starting it altogether, or simply looking to supplement therapy with natural approaches, you deserve an individualized, science-informed plan tailored to your nervous system.
Why Choose a Holistic Approach to Anxiety?
Holistic anxiety treatment focuses on the whole person—mind, body, and nervous system. Unlike symptom-targeted approaches that rely solely on medication, holistic therapy integrates lifestyle changes, nutritional support, and mind-body techniques to uncover and treat the root causes of anxiety.
This approach may include:
Psychotherapy modalities such as EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, CBT, and mindfulness-based therapies
Complementary practices like breathwork, grounding, and movement
Amino acid therapy and targeted nutritional supplementation
Personalized lifestyle modifications to reduce stress and regulate the nervous system
How Anxiety Can Affect Your Life
Anxiety isn’t just “worry”—it’s a complex condition that can impact every area of functioning. Understanding its full range of effects helps normalize your experience and illuminate a path forward.
Emotional impact
Anxiety often brings intense feelings of fear, worry, and apprehension. These emotions can feel overwhelming and lead to sadness, irritability, or panic.Physical symptoms
Common physiological signs include a racing heart, dizziness, shortness of breath, GI upset, muscle tension, fatigue, and trembling. These sensations can mimic other health issues and be frightening in their own right.