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:

• Generalized anxiety

• Social anxiety

• Performance anxiety

• Panic attacks

• Phobias

• Trauma and PTSD

• Obsessive thinking

• Racing and ruminative thoughts

Anxiety Therapy – Frequently Asked Questions

What is anxiety therapy?

Anxiety therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals understand and work with the emotional, cognitive, and nervous system patterns that contribute to chronic anxiety. Therapy focuses on increasing regulation, resilience, and a sense of internal safety rather than simply managing symptoms.

What does anxiety look like beyond panic attacks?

Anxiety does not always involve panic attacks. Many adults experience anxiety as constant worry, overthinking, physical tension, irritability, difficulty sleeping, digestive discomfort, or a persistent sense of pressure—even while appearing outwardly capable and composed.

How do I know if my anxiety is something I should seek therapy for?

If anxiety feels persistent, exhausting, or begins to interfere with your relationships, work, health, or ability to be present in your life, therapy can be helpful. Many people seek anxiety therapy not because they are in crisis, but because they are tired of living in a heightened state of alert.

Is anxiety related to trauma or chronic stress?

Often, yes. Anxiety frequently reflects a nervous system that has adapted to prolonged stress or unresolved experiences. Therapy can help address these underlying patterns rather than focusing solely on controlling anxious thoughts.

How does an integrative approach help with anxiety?

An integrative approach looks beyond surface symptoms to understand how anxiety is shaped by nervous system activation, emotional patterns, relationships, and life context. Therapy may include trauma-informed psychotherapy, EMDR-informed approaches, somatic awareness, and strategies that support regulation and flexibility.

Can EMDR help with anxiety?

EMDR may be helpful when anxiety is connected to past experiences, emotional triggers, or deeply held beliefs that continue to activate fear or hypervigilance. It is used selectively and within a broader therapeutic framework when clinically appropriate.

Is anxiety therapy effective without medication?

For many people, psychotherapy alone can be effective in treating anxiety, particularly when anxiety is linked to stress, trauma, or relational patterns. Therapy can also be used alongside medication when appropriate, with thoughtful collaboration.

Is telehealth effective for anxiety therapy?

Yes. Telehealth therapy is highly effective for anxiety for many clients. Working from a familiar environment can support nervous system regulation while allowing therapy to be integrated into daily life with consistency and privacy.

Do you provide anxiety therapy for New York clients via telehealth?

Yes. Anxiety therapy is offered to individuals located in New York through secure telehealth sessions, in accordance with state licensure requirements.

Who do you typically work with around anxiety?

I often work with adults who carry a great deal of responsibility internally and externally, including professionals, midlife women, and individuals with trauma histories who experience anxiety that feels persistent, hidden, or difficult to quiet.

How long does anxiety therapy take?

There is no fixed timeline. Some clients notice meaningful improvement within a few months, while others benefit from longer-term work that addresses deeper emotional and nervous system patterns. Therapy is tailored and paced collaboratively.

When should anxiety be treated at a higher level of care?

If anxiety involves severe impairment, panic that feels unmanageable, or safety concerns, a higher level of care may be recommended. Ethical practice includes careful assessment and support for appropriate referrals when needed.

How do I get started with anxiety therapy?

You can begin by requesting an initial consultation. This allows us to discuss your concerns, determine whether anxiety therapy is the right fit, and explore next steps in a supportive, thoughtful way.

Reach out today to experience effective anxiety therapy.