Anxiety Therapy And Counseling For NYC

What is Anxiety?

It is normal to feel anxious from time to time. Stressful situations, such as deadlines, tests, social obligations, fearful experiences can make us feel nervous and scared. However, there is a level of anxiety that is needed for survival because it helps us to be more alert and attentive to possible challenging or threatening situations.

Some of us experience extreme fear and worry that does not subside which becomes increasingly constant or even chronic. The frequency and intensity of anxiety we feel can become overwhelming and may interfere with our daily functioning. This usually is a sign of anxiety disorder.

There are many forms of anxiety which can include Generalized Anxiety Disorders, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Phobias and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The symptoms for each of these anxiety disorders vary but can include overwhelming fears and debilitating dread. Typically, anxiety disorders will affect all aspects of a person’s life and that is why some seek the help of a licensed anxiety therapist in NYC.

What Are The Major Kinds Of Anxiety Disorders?

There are several major kinds of Anxiety Disorders. The most common is Generalized Anxiety Disorder, which is characterized by incessant worry about different things like health, money, kids and a sense of impending doom. Untreated, Generalized Anxiety may evolve into a Panic Disorder which involves sudden, intense and unprovoked feelings of terror and dread.

Panic attacks are common with Generalized Anxiety and are often mistaken for a heart attack or some serious medical issue which can lead to Emergency Room visits for an evaluation. More often than not, an ER visit will result in being sent home with a prescription for anti-anxiety medications and referral for treatment. Those suffering from Panic disorder, are chronically scared by possibility of the next attack, which tends to cause future attacks. This turns into a vicious cycle of constant fear.

The exact causes of anxiety disorders are still unknown. In some cases, there may be genetic predispositions to anxiety, however, often times anxiety seems to be directly related to events in a person’s life.

Treatment For Anxiety

It is critically important to seek treatment for anxiety. If left untreated, anxiety can become a chronic condition which can impair day to day functioning and ability to perform normal activities. For example, if a panic disorder is untreated, those suffering from recurring panic attacks will be likely to avoid any situation which they may think will be likely to trigger the attacks. Such avoidance can interfere with job and family responsibilities as well as general quality of life.

The effective treatments for anxiety disorders are Cognitive/Behavioral Therapies, EMDR, dynamic therapies as well as medication management. In many cases, the symptoms of anxiety will subside relatively quickly after a few months of treatment.

In sessions with clients who suffer from anxiety, we start with understanding biological, interpersonal and situational causes and roots of presenting symptoms as well as explore coping strategies for managing particular symptoms that are being experienced. When appropriate a referral for medication will be made.

When To Seek Treatment And Counseling For Anxiety

Knowing when to seek treatment is important for those suffering from any type of anxiety disorder. If you find you are having any of the following, it is time to seek treatment or therapy for anxiety:

• Persistent fears
• Negative thinking involving catastrophic situations
• Panic attacks
• Increasing avoidance of more and more situations for the fear of triggering panic or other anxiety symptoms
• Visits to Emergency Room with heart palpitations / fear of heart attack

Contact A Licensed Therapist Today!

If you feel anxious or having panic episodes, contact Irina Firstein, LCSW, a licensed anxiety therapist in New York City. She has over 25 years of experience providing individual therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, substance addiction as well as other issues concerning relationships and personal life. She also offers couples therapy and marriage counseling in NYC.

Call (212) 953-1388 or email irinafirstein@aol.com to set up an appointment today!

How Do I Know if I Need Anxiety Therapy?

Therapy is needed when anxiety that is experienced causes suffering, life limitations, avoidance of situations or activities which feel life limiting. Anxiety is basically irrational or exaggerated fears that interfere with normal life activities or experiences and causes mental and emotional pain.

Benefits of Anxiety Therapy

• Understanding causes of anxiety
• Developing coping strategies
• Counteracting shame of having the disorder
• Interruption or stopping avoidance and avoidant behaviors
• Basically reclaiming one’s life

Treatment For Anxiety

It is critically important to seek treatment for anxiety. If left untreated, anxiety can become a chronic condition which can impair day to day functioning and ability to perform normal activities. For example, if a panic disorder is untreated, those suffering from recurring panic attacks will be likely to avoid any situation which they may think will be likely to trigger the attacks. Such avoidance can interfere with job and family responsibilities as well as general quality of life.

The effective treatments for anxiety disorders are Cognitive/Behavioral Therapies, EMDR, dynamic therapies as well as medication management. In many cases, the symptoms of anxiety will subside relatively quickly after a few months of treatment.

In sessions with clients who suffer from anxiety, we start with understanding biological, interpersonal and situational causes and roots of presenting symptoms as well as explore coping strategies for managing particular symptoms that are being experienced. When appropriate a referral for medication will be made.

When To Seek Treatment And Counseling For Anxiety:

Knowing when to seek treatment is important for those suffering from any type of anxiety disorder. If you find you are having any of the following, it is time to seek treatment or therapy for anxiety:

• Persistent fears
• Negative thinking involving catastrophic situations
• Panic attacks
• Increasing avoidance of more and more situations for the fear of triggering panic or other anxiety symptoms
• Visits to Emergency Room with heart palpitations / fear of heart attack

My Approach – What to Expect in Anxiety Therapy

The anxiety therapy process is like any therapy. It starts with understanding presenting problems and root causes, duration and the touchstone events if they can be identified. There is also an evaluation of the necessity of introducing medication if symptoms do not abate or if there are biological aspects in which case a referral to a psychopharmacologist is made. Much of the therapy is developing coping skills to deal with symptoms by breathing exercises, self-talk, mindfulness, insight, and processing trauma (if there is one) through EMDR or other trauma treatment techniques. Anxiety therapy may take time and requires collaboration between therapist and client.

Client Testimonials

“Irina has been a crucial pillar of my support system and I very much appreciate her insight and observations, which help me greatly as I navigate this next chapter of my life.” – Ann D.

“I went to see Irina Firstein. I was going through a very difficult time in my life. She was extremely helpful and immediately understood my situation. I highly recommend her.” – Peter

“I have been seeing Irina for quite some time I can honestly say she has saved me! She is very straightforward and tells me what I need to hear (even if it’s not what I wanted to hear haha). She is intelligent, honest, and truly insightful and I have no idea where I’d be without her. Thank you Irina!!!” – Misha R.

“Irina is a very confident and experienced therapist. She listens intently and helps you to sort your thoughts, but is not afraid to state her opinion and point you in the right direction. A book that she recommended I read was the best self-help book I have ever read (and I have read many) and helped me to change my energy and enjoy my life. I believe she helped me to attract and keep the right guys. When I went to her a couple years ago I was single and now I have been in a wonderful relationship for a year.” – Alena G.

Anxiety Therapy FAQs

What is the difference between anxiety and fear?

There is a distinct difference between anxiety and fear. Fear is a normal reaction by the nervous system to danger. It is critical to our survival and abates once the threat is no longer there. Anxiety does not end and becomes chronic. The source of danger may or may not be real.

Can anxiety be cured?

Sometimes anxiety can be cured and at times it is managed so that a person can resume normal life activities and decrease emotional pain.

Can anxiety cause physical pain?

Anxiety can cause physical pain such as abdominal distress, headaches and chest pains.

Can medication and therapy be used together for anxiety?

Therapy and medication are often used together in treatment for anxiety.

Is it normal to avoid situations that trigger my anxiety?

From a nervous system response perspective, it makes sense to avoid triggers to anxiety. Ideally, when triggers are part of a necessary life or severely limiting or inhibiting or irrational, it is not the best thing.

How can I manage anxiety on my own?

Sometimes it’s not possible to manage anxiety on your own as you simply don’t have control. But it is helpful to understand what is causing it, talk about it to close people and learn about it as much as possible.

Is anxiety a sign of weakness?

Anxiety is not at all a sign of weakness; it is how your nervous system responds and protects you from real or perceived danger. It is very important to view it in such a way.

How long does anxiety therapy last?

There is no possible way to know how long the treatment will take. It is very individual, based on the nature of the symptoms and causes, duration and person’s ability to utilize the tools.

How much does anxiety therapy cost?

I charge the same fee for anxiety therapy as for any individual therapy. $250 for 45 minutes and $310 for a full hour.

Is online therapy effective for anxiety?

Anxiety therapy is as effective online as in-person.

Do you offer online therapy sessions?

I do offer online therapy sessions. To schedule an online session, please call (212) 953-1388 or get in touch online.

When are therapy sessions scheduled?

Therapy sessions are scheduled based on my availability and specific time preferences of my clients.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Appointments are scheduled via my email irinafirstein@aol.com or by calling my office at (212) 953-1388.