After the World Trade Center attack in September of 2001, a number of expert panels formed in New York City to recommend the best treatment approaches to manage anxiety. The committee recommended several forms of treatment, but the most often recommended one was Psychotherapy and Counseling.
Benefits of Psychotherapy in Addressing Anxiety
Psychotherapy offers a safe and confidential treatment approach to explore anxiety, fears, conflicts, personal history and relationships. Just the act of putting words to feelings helps a person gain clarity, control and insight, reducing anxiety. When we repress our feelings or cannot talk about our fears, many of us often withdraw or isolate, creating more anxiety and confusion.
Hiding feelings can take up an enormous amount of energy, reducing motivation. That is why talking to a professional in a confidential setting is so helpful. Just naming the anxiety can open the way to deeper insight and positive solutions that diminish the anxiety. In this way, anxiety can be transformed into positive action.
Dealing with Anxiety Living in NYC
New York City, in particular, is an especially anxious place. Think of it—real estate is overpriced, jobs are competitive and stressful, noise levels and construction are over the top, the dating scene is fraught with mishaps and disappointments and intimate relationships can be difficult, just to mention a few triggers to anxiety.
Talking to a professional, someone who knows how to listen well and more than that, someone who has experience creating a safe environment for you to talk and explore feelings, someone who knows psychotherapy and cognitive behavior techniques and someone who offers concrete stress reduction solutions will certainly help you reduce anxiety and build self-confidence.
Some Common Signs of Anxiety and Stress:
Excessive worry
Difficulty focusing at work
Habitual or obsessive thinking about problems
Nervousness and exhaustion
Isolation and depression