How therapy can help
Anxiety can look like racing thoughts, worst-case scenarios, difficulty sleeping, irritability, or feeling “on edge” all the time. Sometimes it shows up as panic attacks, health anxiety, or a constant sense that something is wrong — even when you can’t quite name what it is.
In counseling, we’ll slow things down and make sense of what you’re noticing. Together, we’ll build tools to:
- Quiet spiraling, “what if?” thoughts and catastrophic thinking
- Understand triggers that lead to panic, anger, or shutdown
- Learn grounding skills for when your body feels revved up or frozen
- Set boundaries with work, family, or school so you’re not always “on”
- Strengthen self-compassion instead of constant self-criticism
What sessions with us feel like
We know it’s hard enough to reach out, let alone open up about your worries. Our approach is down-to-earth and collaborative. We talk like real people — no jargon, no lectures — and move at a pace that feels manageable for you.
We’ll check in about what’s working and what isn’t, and adjust as we go. Many clients tell us they feel relief simply having a space where they don’t have to hold everything together or pretend they’re “fine.”
Approaches we use for anxiety
Your therapist may integrate several evidence-based approaches, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): understanding patterns between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills: tools for emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, mindfulness, and distress tolerance.
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT): learning to respond differently to anxious thoughts instead of fighting them.
- Trauma-informed care: honoring how past experiences may be wired into your nervous system today.
Is therapy right for you?
You might benefit from therapy for anxiety if you notice:
- Feeling tense, restless, or keyed up most days
- Worrying about work, school, or family long after the day is over
- Difficulty turning your mind off at night, even when you’re exhausted
- Avoiding people, places, or tasks because they feel overwhelming
- Panic attacks, chest tightness, or stomach issues with no medical explanation
You don’t have to wait until things are “bad enough.” If anxiety is stealing your time, energy, or joy, that’s reason enough to reach out.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if anxiety therapy could help me?
Therapy can be helpful when worry, panic, or overthinking starts to interfere with sleep, relationships, school, work, or your ability to enjoy day-to-day life—even if you’re functioning on the outside.
What happens in the first session for anxiety therapy?
In the first session we’ll talk about what you’re experiencing, what’s been going on recently, and what you want to feel different. We’ll also review policies, answer questions, and decide together on next steps.
What approaches do you use for anxiety?
We use evidence-based approaches such as ACT and DBT skills, mindfulness, nervous-system regulation strategies, and trauma-informed care. Your therapist will tailor tools to your goals and pace.
How long does anxiety therapy take?
It depends on your goals and what’s driving the anxiety. Some clients come for a focused stretch (for example 8–12 sessions) while others prefer longer-term support. We’ll revisit progress regularly and adjust as needed.
Do you offer telehealth for anxiety therapy?
Yes. If requesting telehealth, you must be physically located in Pennsylvania at the time of each session. You will need a private space, reliable internet, and a phone or computer.
Do you take insurance for anxiety counseling?
Both Jessica and Erin accept Highmark, UPMC, Blue Cross Blue Shield/Anthem, Cigna, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare/Optum/UMR. Only Erin accepts Magellan and WPEE. We do not accept Medicare, Medicaid/Medical Assistance, or plans administered through Medicare or Medicaid. Insurance participation can vary by clinician and exact plan. Please contact us so we can verify your specific plan and benefits before your first appointment.