Anxiety Therapists in 10114
Barbara O'Hara
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10114
Do you often have the sense you're not in charge of your own life? In overwhelm? I believe difficulties in living are a sign we've outgrown certain habits, behaviors or views. What may have helped us survive in the past doesn't help us flourish in the here and now. So, we find ourselves stuck - in a painful relationship, an unsatisfying job situation, or with unpleasant physical symptoms of anxiety or depression. Our suffering may be a great awakener, calling us out of the sleep of unconsciousness, asking us what it is we really want. I provide a sensitive, warm spaciousness that invites your whole self to address that question.
Do you often have the sense you're not in charge of your own life? In overwhelm? I believe difficulties in living are a sign we've outgrown certain habits, behaviors or views. What may have helped us survive in the past doesn't help us flourish in the here and now. So, we find ourselves stuck - in a painful relationship, an unsatisfying job situation, or with unpleasant physical symptoms of anxiety or depression. Our suffering may be a great awakener, calling us out of the sleep of unconsciousness, asking us what it is we really want. I provide a sensitive, warm spaciousness that invites your whole self to address that question.
Anxiety Therapists
What are the most common treatments for anxiety?
Talk therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, is the most common treatment for anxiety. Studies have shown it is equally effective as medication. Other popular forms of therapy are popular, depending on a patient’s experience. Exposure therapy, for instance, can be useful for people dealing with fears and phobias, or who have experienced traumatic events. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy may be useful for patients who need help with emotion regulation. Anxiolytic medications, like benzodiazepines, can also help with calming a person enough to focus on the skills they’ve learned, and physical exercise has been shown to help symptoms of anxiety across the board.
How long does therapy for anxiety take to work?
The amount of time needed to alleviate symptoms depends on the severity of a person’s condition. Some therapies may take 5-20 weekly sessions to show results. Anti-depressant medications typically take two to four weeks before a benefit is felt. Anti-anxiety medications are felt typically within 20-30 minutes. Medications are best used to offer a patient a better headspace in which to work on techniques learned in therapy. Exercise, improved sleep habits, and meditation are effective, but takes weeks or months to show results.
When should I seek treatment for anxiety?
Everyone feels anxious at times, but when anxiety causes disruption to your daily life, it may be time to seek help. Such disruption can be mental, physical, or both: having fear dominate your thoughts, avoiding situations or objects that bring on feelings of anxiety, or experiencing shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or panic attacks. When these symptoms are recurrent and distressing, it may be time to talk to someone.
How effective is treatment for anxiety?
Treatment for anxiety has been shown to be moderately to highly effective, according to a large body of psychology studies and analyses. For some people, treatment using CBT or exposure therapy alone is effective. Others respond best to a combination of medication and therapy.