therapy for anxiety disorders

NYC · NY · online 

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Elevated anxiety therapy blends both top-down approaches (such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and bottom-up, nervous-system-based approaches (including EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and Ego State Therapy).

Anxiety is an umbrella term that includes several distinct yet overlapping conditions, each with its own patterns, triggers, and treatment considerations. Common types of anxiety disorders include:

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – chronic worry, overthinking, tension, and persistent unease

  • Panic Disorder – recurrent panic attacks and fear of future attacks

  • Social Anxiety Disorder – fear of judgment, embarrassment, or rejection in social or performance situations

  • Health Anxiety (Illness Anxiety Disorder) – persistent fear of having a serious medical condition despite reassurance

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors

  • Specific Phobias – fear of flying, driving, needles, heights, enclosed spaces, or other specific triggers

  • Separation Anxiety (Adults) – intense distress around attachment and separation

  • Trauma-Related Anxiety – anxiety linked to PTSD or complex trauma

Many people experience more than one form of anxiety at the same time. Regardless of type, anxiety disorders are highly treatable, and therapy can address both symptoms and the underlying emotional and nervous system patterns driving anxious distress.

EMDR therapy, Internal Family Systems–informed work, Somatic Experiencing, and CBT are all highly effective tools for resolving anxiety at its roots—not just managing symptoms. If you are a New York resident, we can work together virtually.

Finding the Best Anxiety Therapist in New York City for You

Finding the best anxiety therapist in New York City isn’t about choosing the most visible name or the longest list of techniques—it’s about finding someone who understands how anxiety shows up in your life and can offer approaches that truly match your needs.

In a fast-paced, high-pressure city like NYC, anxiety is often shaped by overwork, constant stimulation, and unrelenting self-expectations. Effective anxiety therapy looks beyond surface symptoms and draws from multiple evidence-based and trauma-informed modalities.

The right therapist will:

  • Tailor treatment to your specific presentation

  • Adjust approaches as goals evolve

  • Address related concerns such as burnout, depression, trauma, or relationship stress

  • Create emotional safety rather than urgency

Feeling understood and grounded early in therapy is often a stronger indicator of fit than any credential alone.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety affects over 40 million adults in the United States and is one of the most common mental health conditions. Many New Yorkers live with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or other anxiety-related conditions.

Anxiety often presents as:

  • Chronic worry

  • Anticipatory fear

  • Physical tension

  • Hypervigilance

  • Avoidance

Left untreated, anxiety can become debilitating, impacting work, relationships, health, and overall quality of life. Many people begin avoiding places, activities, or relationships they care about in an effort to reduce discomfort.

Anxiety can feel loud and overwhelming—or subtle and persistent, like unpleasant background noise. Therapy helps identify your specific pattern and create a plan for relief and resolution.

Common Anxiety Symptoms Therapy Can Help With

  • Excessive or uncontrollable worry

  • Irritability

  • Difficulty concentrating or mental fog

  • Muscle tension

  • Fatigue

  • Trouble falling or staying asleep

  • Panic attacks (racing heart, sweating, shaking, nausea, shortness of breath)

  • Social avoidance

  • Phobias or irrational fears

What Causes Anxiety?

Anxiety can develop for many reasons and often results from multiple contributing factors, including:

  • Major life events (divorce, loss, illness)

  • Chronic stress

  • Trauma or adverse experiences

  • Hormonal imbalances

  • Medical conditions

  • Genetics

  • Certain medications

  • Feeling pressure to control uncontrollable outcomes

Some days may feel manageable, while others feel overwhelming. Getting support early helps prevent anxiety from gradually taking over your life.

Additional Symptoms People With Anxiety May Experience

  • Feelings of dread or impending danger

  • Restlessness or nervousness

  • Rapid heart rate

  • Excessive sweating

  • Insomnia

  • Trembling or twitching

  • Digestive issues

  • Difficulty focusing

  • Avoidance of triggers

  • Trauma-related anxiety (PTSD)

  • Obsessions, rumination, or compulsive behaviors (OCD)

How to Know If Your Anxiety Needs Treatment

You may benefit from anxiety therapy if:

  • Anxiety interferes with daily functioning

  • You experience panic attacks

  • You worry excessively most days

  • You feel mentally or physically exhausted by worry

  • You avoid situations because of anxiety

This practice treats a full range of anxiety-related conditions, including:

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

  • Social anxiety

  • Panic disorder

  • Phobias

  • Agoraphobia

  • Health anxiety

  • Stress-related anxiety

  • Trauma-related anxiety

Questions to Ask Yourself

  • Does worry keep you up at night?

  • Do you feel chronically tense or exhausted?

  • Do you overthink conversations or situations?

  • Do you procrastinate due to fear of mistakes?

  • Do others describe you as distracted or unavailable?

  • Do you struggle with uncertainty?

  • Do you feel compelled to control outcomes?

  • Does anxiety show up as irritability or anger?

If several resonate, it may be time to meet with a licensed mental health professional.

How Anxiety Therapy Helps

At Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness, I offer anxiety therapy that goes beyond a band-aid approach. Together, we identify and resolve the root drivers of your anxiety while building skills for regulation and resilience.

Anxiety therapy can help you:

  • Understand your nervous system

  • Reduce reactivity and hyperarousal

  • Process unresolved experiences

  • Change unhelpful thinking patterns

  • Build emotional tolerance

  • Develop healthier coping strategies

Anxiety Therapy Can Support:

Reach out today to experience effective anxiety therapy.

LET'S WORK TOGETHER