Photo of Philip Nekai, Licensed Professional Counselor in 92064, CA
Philip Nekai
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Poway, CA 92064
Hello, I am Philip Nekai, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who holds a Master of Science in Multi-Cultural Counseling. My goal is to offer compassionate and evidence-based therapy to my clients, and I achieve this by building a trusting therapeutic relationship with them. I use a variety of techniques, including motivational interviewing and trauma-informed counseling, to help individuals facing different social-emotional challenges such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, substance use, and post-traumatic stress disorder. My primary focus is to support my clients in their journey toward personal growth and healing.
Hello, I am Philip Nekai, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who holds a Master of Science in Multi-Cultural Counseling. My goal is to offer compassionate and evidence-based therapy to my clients, and I achieve this by building a trusting therapeutic relationship with them. I use a variety of techniques, including motivational interviewing and trauma-informed counseling, to help individuals facing different social-emotional challenges such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, substance use, and post-traumatic stress disorder. My primary focus is to support my clients in their journey toward personal growth and healing.
(858) 422-4123 View (858) 422-4123

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.