At Riverside Psychology, we understand that anxiety can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our empathetic team offers anxiety therapy in Westchester County, New York, and can provide tools and strategies to help you regain control and manage your symptoms. Whether you’re experiencing generalized anxiety, social anxiety, or panic attacks, we create a safe, caring space to explore your thoughts and feelings. We believe that healing begins with connection, and our goal is to make sure you feel heard, understood, and validated from the moment you reach out for support.
What Causes Anxiety?
There isn’t one singular cause of anxiety. It often stems from a combination of psychological, biological, and environmental factors and presents with symptoms such as excessive worry, restlessness, sleep disturbances, intense fear, and racing thoughts. For some, anxiety may come on suddenly; for others, it builds gradually over time. Genetics, brain chemistry, medical conditions, past trauma, and even chronic stress can all play a role in the development of anxiety. Additionally, major life transitions, especially those that feel unpredictable or outside of your control, can heighten anxious feelings. These may include:
- Moving to a new home or city
- Experiencing a breakup or divorce
- Losing a job or starting a new one
- Becoming a parent or caregiver
- Coping with illness
These transitions often disrupt routines, challenge identity, and create uncertainty, which are all common triggers for anxiety. Social pressure, unresolved grief, perfectionism, or a demanding work environment may also contribute to heightened anxiety. Therapy helps unravel these layers, allowing you to gain a clearer understanding of what’s fueling your symptoms. By identifying patterns, exploring your history, and learning how your body and mind respond to stress, therapy empowers you to develop awareness, insight, and practical tools for lasting relief.
How Therapy Helps Anxiety
The good news is that anxiety therapy services can help you uncover the root causes of your anxiety and change unhelpful thought patterns or behaviors to achieve long-lasting relief. Riverside Psychology uses the following techniques:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – This therapy is designed to help individuals reframe unhelpful thoughts and reduce the intensity of anxious feelings. CBT focuses on developing coping skills to navigate life confidently. It is especially effective for clients who struggle with intrusive thoughts, rumination, and avoidance behaviors.
- Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) – A powerful approach for stress-related conditions and anxiety that results from traumatic experiences. By addressing avoidance, which commonly occurs with anxiety, clients can confront fears in a safe environment. This method supports clients in shifting their perspective and finding meaning beyond the anxiety. CPT can be particularly helpful for individuals who carry guilt, shame, or distorted beliefs connected to past experiences.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) – Originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder, DBT can help with various mental health challenges. It emphasizes mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can be applied to anxiety therapy. DBT’s structured approach can help clients learn how to manage overwhelming emotions, improve relationships, and enhance self-awareness.
Counseling for anxiety also equips you with practical tools to manage everyday stress, such as breathing exercises and grounding strategies, to help you stay present and calm. These techniques can be incorporated into your daily routine, allowing you to build a toolbox of calming strategies that work in real-time. Your anxiety therapist will personalize your treatment plan to your unique needs and empower you to build resilience and confidence. We take a holistic, client-centered approach to therapy, supporting your emotional, mental, and physical well-being as you move toward lasting change.
Your Journey to Healing Starts Here
Taking the first step toward healing is a powerful act of self-care. If you’re seeking professional anxiety therapy in Westchester County, NY, reach out to Riverside Psychology to learn how our compassionate therapists can help you. With the proper support, you can gain clarity, feel more in control, and achieve peace. Let today be the day you reclaim your calm and begin your journey toward a more balanced life.