» What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is an intense, often overwhelming feeling of unease, worry, or fear. It can manifest as a constant sense of impending doom, racing thoughts, or physical symptoms like a racing heart, shallow breathing, or tightness in the chest. These feelings can be triggered by specific events or situations, or they can arise without any clear cause. For some, anxiety is a temporary reaction to stress, but for others, it can be persistent and debilitating, making it difficult to focus, relax, or engage in everyday activities. The constant state of alertness can be mentally exhausting, leading to feelings of frustration, helplessness, or isolation. While anxiety is a normal human response to stress, when it becomes chronic or disproportionate, it can interfere with daily life and overall well-being. Recognizing these signs is key. If you notice these feelings in yourself, it may be time to seek help.

» Why Seek Help for Anxiety?

Getting help is not a sign of weakness. It shows you want to feel better. The staff at North Shore Psychology understand anxiety and the challenges that it can present. We offer a Cognitive-Behavioral approach to treat anxiety. This method helps you change negative thoughts and helps you feel more in control of your life. Anxiety, along with depression is one of the most treatable mental health disorders.

» How Therapy Helps with Anxiety

Therapy can offer many benefits. It provides a safe place to talk about your feelings. A therapist can help you:

• Understand the root of your anxiety
• Learn coping strategies
• Build confidence
• Set realistic goals

Therapy sessions are tailored to you. You can share what you feel and think. The therapist listens carefully and helps you find ways to deal with anxiety.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety. CBT focuses on changing how you think and act. Here are some goals of CBT:

• Identify negative thoughts
• Challenge those thoughts
• Replace them with realistic ones

By working through these steps, you can learn to handle anxiety in a healthier way.

CBT Steps	Description	Benefits
Identify Thoughts	Recognize negative thinking patterns	Increased awareness
Challenge Thoughts	Question the truth of these thoughts	Better perspective
Replace Thoughts	Create positive alternatives	Improved mood

» FAQs About Anxiety Treatment

1. What can I expect on my first visit? You will meet with the therapist to discuss your issues and feelings. They will ask questions to understand your situation better.
2. How long does therapy last? The duration of therapy varies. Some people may feel better in a few sessions, while others may need longer.
3. Is therapy really effective? Yes, many studies show therapy helps people manage anxiety. It is a proven method.
4. Can I do therapy online? Yes, we also offer virtual sessions for those who prefer online therapy.

» Literary Resources

1. "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook" by Edmund J. Bourne
   • A comprehensive guide that combines cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques, and exposure therapy. It provides step-by-step exercises to manage anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias.
2. "The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment" by Eckhart Tolle
   • This spiritual classic teaches the importance of being present in the moment, which can be a powerful antidote to anxiety and overthinking. Tolle's philosophy helps shift focus away from anxious thoughts about the future.
3. "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway" by Susan Jeffers
   • This book encourages readers to face their fears and anxiety head-on. Jeffers offers strategies for taking action even when fear is present, helping build resilience and confidence.
4. "The Anxiety Toolkit: Strategies for Fine-Tuning Your Mind and Moving Past Your Stuck Points" by Alice Boyes
   • A practical guide with evidence-based strategies for managing everyday anxiety. Boyes provides simple, actionable advice for improving emotional regulation and overcoming specific anxiety triggers.
5. "Dare: The New Way to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks" by Barry McDonagh
   • This book introduces the "DARE" method, which focuses on facing and embracing anxiety rather than trying to avoid or control it. McDonagh’s approach emphasizes self-compassion and the idea that anxiety cannot be eliminated, but can be effectively managed.
6. "Anxiety Relief: Self Help" by Helen Saul
   • A clear, no-nonsense guide to understanding the roots of anxiety and practical ways to reduce its impact on your life. It includes mindfulness practices, lifestyle tips, and cognitive strategies to combat anxious feelings.
7. "The Worry Trick: How Your Brain Tricks You into Expecting the Worst and What You Can Do About It" by David A. Carbonell
   • A straightforward book that explores how worry and anxiety work in the brain and provides CBT-based techniques for breaking the cycle of anxious thinking and worry.
8. "First, We Make the Beast Beautiful: A New Journey Through Anxiety" by Sarah Wilson
   • A beautifully written memoir that blends personal experience with insights into anxiety’s complexities. Wilson offers a fresh perspective on how to live with anxiety, embracing it as part of the human experience.
9. "The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living" by Russ Harris
   • Using principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), this book helps readers develop mindfulness and psychological flexibility to cope with anxiety, stress, and difficult emotions.
10. "Overcoming Anxiety: A Self-Help Guide Using Cognitive Behavioral Techniques" by Helen Kennerley
    • A clear and practical self-help book offering techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy to manage anxiety, panic, and stress. It includes worksheets and exercises to guide readers through the process of understanding and reducing their anxiety.
11. "Rewire Your Anxious Brain: How to Use the Neuroscience of Fear to End Anxiety" by Catherine M. Pittman and Elizabeth M. Karle
    • This book takes a neuroscience-based approach to understanding anxiety. It explains how different brain structures, like the amygdala, contribute to anxiety, and offers techniques to rewire your brain to reduce anxious responses.
12. "The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself" by Michael A. Singer
    • While not focused exclusively on anxiety, this book offers spiritual and psychological insights into freeing yourself from the constant mental chatter that fuels anxiety. Singer’s teachings can help quiet the mind and develop inner peace.
13. "Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think" by Dennis Greenberger and Christine A. Padesky
    • This book uses cognitive-behavioral techniques to help readers understand and change their thought patterns, which can be a key part of managing anxiety and other mood-related issues.
14. "The 10 Best-Ever Anxiety Management Techniques: Understanding How Your Brain Makes You Anxious and What You Can Do About It" by Margaret Wehrenberg
    • This book presents ten practical, easy-to-apply techniques for controlling anxiety, supported by the latest psychological research. Wehrenberg explains how the brain’s responses fuel anxiety and offers strategies to rewire these reactions.
15. "When Panic Attacks: The New, Drug-Free Anxiety Therapy That Can Change Your Life" by David D. Burns

» Why Choose Us?

Choosing the right therapist is important. You want someone you can trust. The staff at North Shore Psychology have the experience and knowledge to help guide you through tough times.

We know that each person has unique needs. That's why we offer both in-person and virtual therapy sessions. Both female and male therapists are also available as well as spanish speaking therapists.

• In-Person Sessions: Our office is located in Hauppauge, Long Island. Many patients prefer face-to-face interactions, finding this setting helpful for building trust and comfort. Many of our clients are local like you and travel from the following towns: Commack, Smithtown, Dix Hills, Stony Brook, Northport, Greenlawn, Lloyd Harbor, Oyster Bay, Ronkonkoma, and Holbrook.
• Virtual Sessions: If you cannot come to the office, our virtual sessions provide a convenient solution. You can connect with us from the comfort of your home. This option is perfect for those with busy schedules or who live throughout New York State.

Living with anxiety can be hard. But help is available. If you are on Long Island and seeking in-person support, we are here for you. Consider reaching out to North Shore Psychology. Together, you can find ways to manage your anxiety.

» How to Get Started Today

Getting started is easy! If you are ready to take the next step, here's how:

1. Contact Us: Call us at (516) 376-0950 to schedule your appointment.
2. Choose Your Session Type: Decide whether you want an in-person or virtual session.
3. Prepare for Your Session: Think about what you want to discuss during your first meeting.

You are not alone on this journey. We are here to help you every step of the way.

Call us today at (516) 376–0950 and take the first step toward a brighter future!