ANXIETY & DEPRESSION TREATMENT IN MANHATTAN
In-person & online
anxiety & depression therapy
Struggling with anxiety or depression? You don’t need to struggle alone.
What Is Depression?
Many people have described depression as a dark cloud that comes over ones life without reason, blocking the sun. This experience is often described as sadness, an inability to feel pleasure, feeling low or down, and a lack of motivation or energy. Although we all experience feeling down or “blue,” depression is much more persistent and should not be considered as weakness or something you can simply “get over.” Depression is the most common issue in the U.S., affecting more than 16 million adults in the U.S. in 2016, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
There are numerous reasons and combinations of factors that contribute to the onset of depression, such as genetics, trauma, environmental factors, and more. Even in more severe cases, depression can be managed and treated, and you shouldn’t have to go it alone. There are many treatments that deal with depression, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, meditation, and medication. Psychotherapy helps with the disruption of negative thought patterns that may prevent future depressive episodes.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a very common issue with over 40 million adults affected by it in the U.S., according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). We often get anxious about various things, such as a test we must prepare for, public speaking, or social situations in general. As the ADAA points out, there are various types of anxiety disorders, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Social Anxiety Disorder, most of which are highly treatable. However, only approximately a third of those suffering from anxiety receive treatment. If you are experiencing anxiety, be mindful of any depressive thoughts or feelings as it is very common for depression to accompany anxiety and vice versa.
Although there are many similarities in how anxiety manifests, it is a unique experience to each person. Together, our goal is help you understand what anxiety means to you. Therapy can provide a safe space for you to explore your anxiety and help alleviate some of its symptoms.
Therapy Can Help Relieve Anxiety & Depression Symptoms.
Insight-Oriented Therapy (Psychodynamic) Insight-oriented therapy is based on the belief that through increased consciousness we can create new life experiences. This therapeutic process involves the therapist and client exploring and gaining a better understanding of how feelings, beliefs, actions, and events from the past may be influencing our current mindset and circumstances. The goal of insight-oriented therapy is to empower you with a sense of clarity so that you have the freedom to make new, adaptive, and healthier choices based on the present that support your continuing growth.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) This form of psychotherapy is focused on addressing the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that may be contributing to anxiety symptoms. The research shows that CBT is a very effective form of treatment for a variety of mental health conditions including both anxiety and depression. Through compassionate and supportive care, I hope to create a safe space for you to feel comfortable in starting the process of examining and re-evaluating old thought patterns that may be getting in your way.
Mindfulness Practices
Through consistent practice, like meditation, we become more focused on the present and understand our experience in the here-and-now. Mindfulness teaches us to shift our attention away from negative thought patterns that lead to the unsatisfactory and problematic thoughts and behaviors and move toward positive and meaningful growth.
Common anxiety symptoms you might be experiencing:
Tension or tightness in the chest area
Feeling nervous or restless
Feeling panic or a sense of impending danger
Increased heart rate
Rapid breathing
Sweating and/or trembling
Issues with sleeping
Common depression symptoms you might be experiencing:
Significant lack of pleasure in most activities that was once pleasurable
Feeling sad or down most of the time
Significant weight loss or weight gain; or decreased appetite
Insomnia or hypersomnia and fatigue
Irritability
Poor concentration
Pessimism or hopelessness
Frequently asked questions about therapy for anxiety & depression
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Although psychotherapy alone can often reduce anxiety and depression, the combination of psychotherapy and medication (usually prescribed by a psychiatrist) helps many of those suffering from these symptoms.
With that said, not everyone needs medication for anxiety or depression. The decision to start medication is a highly personal one and there is no one-size-fits-all.
I strongly believe in empowering clients to make the decisions that feel best for their health. To that end, I’m happy to consult with any psychiatrist or other medical provider you might be seeing to coordinate care. On the other hand, I also respect client’s autonomy in making their own medical decisions. Wherever you are on your journey with medication (or lack there of), I’m happy to meet you there.
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Therapy is a collaborative process, where the therapist and client work together to identify specific concerns and develop skills and techniques for coping with these symptoms. The therapist and client may also look at the client’s past to identify patterns where anxiety or depression has come up before and how these patterns may be continuing to pop up.