Anxiety Therapy in Upper West Side, NY

New York rarely gives your nervous system a day off. The to‑do list, the subway crowds, and your mind keeps running “what if” scenarios long after lights out. Anxiety is common—and treatable. 

At Gordon Therapy Group on the Upper West Side, our licensed psychologists utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and practical coping skills to help you worry less and live more. Sessions are available in person at our UWS office and online for NY, NJ, and CT residents. We’ll move at your pace and focus on changes you can feel in everyday life.

Therapist taking notes during private anxiety therapy session.

Understanding Anxiety

Before we jump into treatment, it helps to properly define and establish what anxiety can look like in the real world so you can see your own pattern. 

Anxiety can show up in different ways. For some, it’s generalized worry and “what-if” thoughts that persist. 

For others, it comes as panic attacks—racing heart, dizziness, or tightness in the chest. You may feel anxious about social situations, such as meetings, presentations, or other gatherings, and start to avoid them.

It can also manifest as specific phobias, such as a fear of flying, elevators, or medical settings. Health anxiety is common too—persistent worry about illness or fears about dying, even when tests are normal.

Performance anxiety often rides with perfectionism and self-criticism, making every task feel high-stakes. And sometimes it’s steady work or academic stress that makes it hard to relax, switch off, or sleep.

Anxiety responds well to CBT and exposure-based treatments, especially when tools are practiced between sessions.

Our Approach to Anxiety Therapy

We keep the process structured but flexible, turning skills into measurable relief. CBT sits at the core, showing how thoughts, emotions, and behavior interact—and how small shifts can break big cycles.

With Exposure & Response Prevention, we take gradual, supportive steps toward what you’ve been avoiding so fear loses its grip. We incorporate mindfulness and relaxation skills—such as breath work, grounding, and attention training—to help steady your body and mind. We set goals together and track what’s changing, so you can see the momentum.

Therapist offering support during anxiety counseling session

Types of Anxiety We Treat

A few common patterns we see—and how we tailor the plan.

    1. Generalized Anxiety (GAD): chronic worry and over‑preparing; cognitive tools and worry scheduling help turn the volume down.
    2. Panic Disorder: fear of sensations and places; interoceptive + situational exposures rebuild confidence.
    3. Social Anxiety: fear of judgment; behavioral experiments and gradual exposures for meetings, presentations, and conversations.
    4. Phobias: targeted, stepwise exposures for whatever you’re scared of: flying, elevators, driving, medical settings, and more.
    5. Performance Anxiety: reduce checking, perfectionism, and self‑criticism; build flexible standards that still honor your goals.
    6. Health Anxiety: cognitive tools to identify your fears, and stepwise exposures to face them and reduce checking
    7. Work & Academic Stress: practical routines for focus, recovery, and boundaries to prevent burnout.

Why Clients Choose Gordon Therapy Group

Our clients choose Gordon Therapy Group for our team of licensed psychotherapists with over 20 years of experience in advanced CBT for anxiety, panic, and stress. 

We create personalized plans with clear goals, track progress session to session, and equip you with tools you can use between visits. Sessions are held in a calm, private, and nonjudgmental setting—with evening options available—and our practical, compassionate approach respects your time and energy.

In‑Person & Online Therapy Options

Choose the format that keeps you consistent—we’ll support either.

  • In‑Person: Quiet Upper West Side office, accessible via the 1/2/3 and B/C lines.
  • Telehealth: HIPAA‑secure video for NYC, CT, and NJ residents with flexible scheduling.
  • Hybrid Plans: switch formats as life shifts without losing continuity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my anxiety needs professional help?

If worry, panic, or avoidance interfere with work, school, relationships, sleep, or health—and self-help hasn’t made a difference—therapy can provide targeted tools and support.

Timelines vary. Many clients notice early changes within a few weeks when practicing between sessions. Focused courses often run 12–16 sessions.

We design gradual practices for feared situations or sensations. You stay in control, we pace it together, and you learn your body can handle more than anxiety predicts.

Yes. We use interoceptive and situational exposures, along with cognitive tools, to reduce fear of symptoms and avoid specific places.

Absolutely. Many clients blend formats to keep momentum during busy or travel weeks.

We don’t prescribe, but we’ll collaborate with your healthcare provider if medication is part of your treatment plan.

Take the Next Step

Anxiety therapy is an investment in your future. At Gordon Therapy Group, we believe that real change is possible with the right tools and support. Let’s map what’s getting in the way and practice small steps you can use this week. In-person UWS and telehealth options are available.

Request an Appointment

Location

241 Central Park W # 1D, New York, NY 10024

Phone: (917) 972-5671

Email: info@gordontherapygroup.com

Hours of Operation

Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM
Saturday – Sunday: Closed