212.675.3205  •  32 UNION SQUARE EAST, SUITE 1100, NYC, 10003  •  INTAKE@UNIONSQUAREPSYCH.COM

It’s not uncommon these days to hear people talking about a possible anxiety disorder, and you may be wondering if your feelings of anxiety meet the criteria for a diagnosis, and whether therapy can help. 

​

Symptoms of Anxiety
 

Anxiety is a feeling, just like sadness, happiness or anger, so it’s important to remember that everyone feels anxiety at various times in their lives.  You may feel anxious when you are entering a new situation, thinking about a difficult conversation with someone, or going into a situation that reminds you of a difficult experience from your past.  Feeling anxiety at these times is a normal and natural response.  It’s your body’s way of keeping you alert so you can act quickly if necessary.  As long as you can recognize what you are feeling, you can use strategies such as deep breathing, reframing your thoughts to match the reality of the situation, talking to a friend, or reasonably adjusting how you approach something new to relieve anxiety. Sometimes it just helps to remember anxiety isn’t necessarily bad; sometimes it’s helpful and you probably have no cause for concern.  

​

When Anxiety Feels Out of Control

​

However, sometimes this anxious experience just doesn’t respond to intellectual reason or logic. It can feel out of your control. You may need help managing your feelings of anxiety if you find this feeling of dread or worry is happening more often than not. If you have trouble sleeping, miss out on activities or gatherings that are important to you, are unable to complete work or school projects, experience what might be panic attacks, or end healthy relationships because you are afraid of what might happen, it might be time to start therapy.  Anxiety is also often accompanied by depression, because the overwhelming worrying thoughts can be exhausting, and it can feel hopeless to think that you may never be enough, be good enough, or this  constant worry won't go away (it will).  

​

How Therapy Can Help with Anxiety

​

The therapists at Union Square Psychology can help you navigate such overwhelming feelings.  They practice a variety of therapeutic methods proven to reduce anxiety.  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help you notice the thoughts that are leading to the feelings and learn to manage those thoughts.  Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) includes mindfulness training, which can help you notice and release worrying thoughts without becoming too attached to them.  Psychodynamic therapy enables you to process your thoughts and feelings with a professional trained in listening deeply to you and your situation.  They may notice patterns of thought that you repeat without noticing, beliefs you have about yourself or others that you may want to question, or behaviors that are helping or hindering your anxiety management. A greater sense of control over your experience tends to come with a deeper understanding of it.

Even if your feelings of anxiety fall within the range of normal and your therapist does not diagnose you with an anxiety disorder, you may benefit from therapy.  Union Square Psychology therapists also help with personal growth & development, interpersonal relationships, and navigating life transitions.  

​

Getting Help for Anxiety

If you think you may have an anxiety disorder or you’d simply like to better understand yourself and your experience, please contact our Client Care Coordinator today for a free consultation and she will match you with one of the best anxiety therapists in New York at Union Square Psychology.