Welcome to Long Island Therapy, where we understand that anxiety is a normal part of our life. I’m Bella Boroniec, LCSW, and I’m here to guide you on a journey to manage and reduce anxiety’s impact on your life.
Anxiety as a Natural Response
It’s important to recognize that anxiety is a fundamental, natural response ingrained in us to ensure our survival. In a world vastly different from today, anxiety helped our ancestors escape from danger, evading predators or navigating treacherous terrain. So, it’s perfectly normal to have some level of anxiety – it’s a natural defense mechanism.
Balancing Anxiety in Modern Life
At Long Island Therapy, we believe in helping you strike a balance between the necessary anxiety for survival and the excessive anxiety that can interfere with your daily life. Our goal is not to eliminate anxiety completely, as that wouldn’t be realistic or healthy. Instead, we focus on reducing excessive anxiety and its impact on your well-being.
Effective Anxiety Treatment
Our approach is grounded in evidence-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and exposure therapy. These techniques are tailored to address various aspects of anxiety and its root causes.
Exposure Therapy: Facing Your Fears
One effective method we use is exposure therapy. Imagine a life where you can’t leave your home due to agoraphobia or the constant dread of boarding a plane because of a fear of flying. These scenarios may seem extreme, but they happen. Social anxiety on the other hand is extremely common. Have you ever experienced sweaty palms or rapid heartbeat when you had to speak up during a meeting or give a presentation? The mind often has difficulty distinguishing between real and imagined fear. Faced with fear, your body jumps into action with a fight or flight response, to protect yourself from harm. Exposure therapy involves gradually confronting your fears, like stepping outside your comfort zone or taking that flight you’ve been avoiding. Research demonstrates that 80-90% of people with specific phobias benefit from exposure therapy.
Psychoeducation: Understanding Your Fears
We’re not here to merely push you into uncomfortable situations. Education plays a significant role in our approach. Understanding the likelihood of negative outcomes can shift your perspective. It’s about arming yourself with knowledge, empowering you to make informed decisions, and reducing anxiety’s grip on your life.
Personal Experiences: Real-World Success
As your therapist, I’ve experienced anxiety myself and successfully managed it. My journey, particularly in dealing with health-related anxiety, has taught me the power of natural exposure. Becoming a parent brought about unexpected exposure to illness, and gradually, my anxiety lessened. Natural exposure can be a significant part of your healing journey, but some may need the guidance of a therapist.
Integrated Approach: Your Path to Freedom
Our practice takes pride in adopting an integrative approach to anxiety treatment. We combine cognitive-behavioral techniques, exposure therapy, and EMDR to address not just the symptoms but also the root causes of anxiety.
We understand that every individual is unique, and our approach is tailored to your specific needs and goals.
A Life with Less Anxiety Awaits
Anxiety doesn’t have to control your life. At Long Island Therapy, we’re here to support you on your journey to a life with less anxiety and more freedom. Remember, it’s normal to have some anxiety, but it’s also possible to reduce its impact on your daily life.
Take the first step towards a brighter, less anxious future. Contact me today at (516) 565-8988 or book a free 15-minute consultation to begin your journey to a more fulfilling life. Together, we’ll empower you to take control of your anxiety and thrive.
