How Anxiety Therapy Helps in 2025: Managing Stress from Economic Uncertainty and the Impact of New Policies

Why Anxiety Is Rising in 2025

Many of us in the U.S. are feeling a lot more anxious than usual. Similar to the Covid pandemic, major shifts in society that are unpredictable and out of our control are driving feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability, which feed anxiety. Our brains are wired for survival, so this anxiety is actually a normal response to a threat to stability.

The Psychological Impact of Economic and Political Changes

Some policy changes are going to cause real vulnerability in terms of financial and physical security for many people, so feelings of anger or fear are warranted. Social and emotional threats aren’t just about hurt feelings - we are wired for connection, and are interdependent as humans. Distress is coming from both the tangible consequences of social injustice and the disruption of close personal relationships due to political differences.

Many of us are already seeing the impact in our own lives or communities, so anger or fear aren’t pathological symptoms that need to be rationalized; but, staying in an activated fear state is not going to be sustainable. How do you know if the stress is impacting your health?

Common warning signs you might need help are:

• Inability to relax your body or shift into rest. Your mind doesn’t shut off, and you can’t stop thinking about what’s going on. You’re constantly scrolling for news, looking for perspectives from others who might reassure you or give some sort of answer or direction, but it never calms down (or ramps right back up).

• Physical symptoms of muscle tension, racing heart, sweating, headaches, shaking, or fatigue (not related to a medical cause).

• Insomnia, waking in the middle of the night in a panic, waking too early. Or sleeping too much, not wanting to face the day.

• You’re not doing the things you normally would, like exercise or hobbies. Or when you try, you’re not enjoying them like you used to or you can’t concentrate long enough to do something like read a book.

• Withdrawing from people.

• Consistently worrying about what’s going to happen. Again sometimes the worry or negative prediction is actually true. But if you’re constantly catastrophizing and worrying about many things in life, that might be a warning sign.

Evidence-Based Ways to Cope with Uncertainty

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one of the most evidence-based treatments for anxiety. CBT is focused on rationalizing your thoughts by examining the evidence for and against your anxious thought. Often when we feel uncertain, there’s a lack of confidence that we can cope with the feared outcome. In CBT we can focus on the evidence that you can cope - looking at past successes, for instance. You can also look at the evidence on a bigger scale and see when society has faced a similar crisis, how did people overcome? What actions can we take in our personal lives, and as a community to move forward? Do we have those capabilities?

Mindfulness is another approach that is my own go-to for uncertainty and racing thoughts. Mindful breathing is a tool we can use wherever we are to bring ourselves out of the thoughts and into our bodies, into the present moment. You might have to do it over and over, but over time it does get easier.

Finding solutions for the tangible problems also helps uncertainty. If you’re facing economic uncertainty because you may be laid off or you’re struggling with inflation, lay out some steps you can take. Working on your resume, networking, or working on your budget can help you feel more in control of your life. If you’re facing an urgent issue around immigration or employment law, seek out advice from legal counsel.

Set boundaries with social media and news consumption. This is tough when you want to be informed, so determine where you want to get your information and set a timer for how long you’re going to spend. Maybe write out the questions you want answered before you even open your phone or computer, and stick to finding the information then getting out.

Connect with others. It can help immensely to talk with other people who are also going through the same thing. Particularly if you can talk on the phone or in person. Sharing the struggle and having a sense of connection can ease some of the anxiety. It can also help if you feel like you are part of a solution with others.

Go outside. Connect with nature. Last week in the Cincinnati area, we had a really warm day for the middle of winter. It’s amazing how getting outside can lift the mood, make you feel connected with something bigger than yourself, and remind you that the world has been here a long time and weathered so many storms before now.

Deciding to Seek Professional Help for Anxiety

If you’re doing all you can to manage anxiety on your own but still find yourself overwhelmed, it’s time to find an anxiety therapist. Will a therapist fix what’s going on? Unfortunately no (though licensed Social Workers sure try!). But a therapist can help you process and get un-stuck so you can move forward. Being overwhelmed by anxiety can keep you from taking action that can help you, as well as others. Therapy can be a place to process the emotions productively so you can get back into living your life.

Finding the right therapist can make a big difference in your life. If you’re ready to start, click here to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with an experienced online anxiety therapist from Cincinnati today for virtual counseling in Indiana and Ohio. Or call/text 513-461-2045.

Managing Chronic Anxiety: Expert Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Tips from a Cincinnati Therapist

What Is Chronic Anxiety?

Chronic anxiety refers to an ongoing experience of anxiety symptoms. This could be a diagnosed Generalized Anxiety Disorder, a Panic Disorder, or a subclinical feeling of anxiety that you may have always dealt with. Anxiety is a feeling of uncontrollable worry, which presents as overthinking and usually has some physical symptoms like tension or a racing heart.

Chronic means it’s not just one episode of anxiety, like feeling anxious about a job interview, but it’s ongoing and related to many topics or triggers. You may always have a steady level of anxiety which spikes at times, or you may have repeated episodes during different points in your life with breaks in between.

Some people identify themselves as an “anxious person” or feel it’s part of their personality. While you may be predisposed to anxiety, you are not destined to have anxiety rule your life. Treatment can help you to reign it in and manage it over the long-term.

Signs You May Need an Anxiety Therapist in Cincinnati

If you have tried coping skills, talking to loved ones, and other self-help strategies but continue to feel bothered by anxiety, it’s probably time to find a therapist. If anxiety is interfering with relationships (“Are you sure you’re not mad at me??”), your ability to function at work (you can’t concentrate because you’re terrified you’re going to get fired), or at home (constant calling and checking on someone who’s driving because anxiety says they’re in a ditch on the side of the road), therapy can help.

How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Cincinnati Can Help Manage Chronic Anxiety

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one of the most evidence-based treatments for anxiety. I find it so helpful that I continue to use it to start out with most clients even after being trained in several other techniques. Working through CBT can alleviate the intensity of the current symptoms while digging down to find the underlying issues that might be driving the anxiety. We find ways to think differently, but also figure out the things that help to cope in the long-term. Once you’re feeling better, it’s important to make a plan for spotting a relapse in symptoms early and addressing it so it doesn’t spiral.

Practical Tips for Managing Anxiety Between Therapy Sessions

Therapy is really most effective when you’re actively working on things in between sessions. Your therapist should give you homework assignments or coping strategies to practice to build your skills. If you’ve started CBT, I find it helpful to keep an Automatic Thought Record on hand and pull it out when anxiety spikes, and try to identify and rationalize the thoughts. If the train has left the station and you’re physically anxious, physical strategies like exercise can be more effective. Ask your therapist to help you figure out what will work for you.

Finding the Right Anxiety Therapist for Virtual Care in Cincinnati

Finding the right therapist for you might require a little perseverance. You might get a referral from a friend or doctor, or you might be searching online. It’s important to set up a phone call first to see if you click with the person. Calling a few different therapists will help you get a feel for who might be the best fit.

Ready to get help with chronic anxiety? Click here to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with an experienced online anxiety therapist in Cincinnati today for online counseling in Indiana and Ohio. Or call/text 513-461-2045.

Unlocking Inner Peace: Top Truths About Therapy with Your Anxiety Therapist in Cincinnati

As a therapist, I assume everyone knows how helpful it is to have the support of a professional. But the reality is, a lot of people are on the fence, don't really know what therapy is like, and aren't sure it'll work for them. Or some of us (myself included) have had bad experiences in therapy and are reluctant to try someone else. Here are some things I want people to know about working with a professional.

Understanding Therapy: Transformative Healing for High Achievers

Therapy isn't just for people who are so anxious they can't function, or so depressed they can't get out of bed. Professional psychotherapy can help high functioning people who are overwhelmed and on the verge of burnout. You might be getting by, just making it through to the end of each week. If you feel like you're constantly waiting for things to slow down so you can breathe, therapy can help you pause and take a big picture look at what's causing this overwhelming stress and what to do about it. Learning new skills and practicing new ways of thinking can help you to not just function, but really be intentional about your life.

Beyond Chatting: The Distinct Support of Professional Therapy

Therapy shouldn't just be venting about your week. Your therapist should be asking questions prompting reflection on how you're seeing things, the choices you're making, and the patterns in relationships. In therapy, you make connections and develop insights, set goals and learn new things so you can make measurable progress. Your therapist will challenge you to grow and provide accountability so you can feel better.

Overwhelm and Burnout: Why High Achievers Need Therapy More Than Ever

High achievers can get caught up in the “doing” and struggle with the “being.” We can identify with our achievements, and struggle when we're not productive or successful. We can also develop a disconnect between what others expect of us and who we truly are. It can lead to some existential questions in times of burnout where we wonder what we're even doing. That is exhausting. Therapy is a great place to explore this and learn to slow down and connect with your true self.

Virtual Therapy: Accessible Solutions for Busy Lifestyles

Virtual therapy has allowed so many busy people to get the support of a professional psychotherapist. Finding one hour at home or in a conference room is much easier than taking time off each week driving to an office and dealing with traffic. Lots of people wouldn't otherwise get help because there's just no time for it.

Mindfulness in Motion: Harnessing Inner Strength with Your Anxiety Therapist

Many of us have heard about or tried mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or some type of practice where we're supposed to slow down. But who has time to actually practice something regularly? And it can be so hard to get your brain to slow down. Therapy is a place where you can take a few moments and breathe in session, but also learn how to practice mindfulness during your day.

For instance, many days the only time I take for mindfulness are while I'm doing dishes or waiting in line at school pickup. Using all 5 senses, you can learn to start noticing everything around you which brings you out of your head and into the moment. Little moments like that add up and make it easier to “drop in” when you do take a few minutes to focus on your breathing.

Solution-Focused Therapy: Empowering Tools for Real-Life Challenges

Old stereotypes about going to a therapist who listens and nods are outdated. Modern psychotherapy is interactive and collaborative. We actively solve problems in sessions, rather than just trying to feel better about something that needs to change. For people who spend a lot of time in their head, therapy can make things more tangible with someone who is truly listening while looking at the big picture, and can walk you through identifying problems and solutions. You can leave a session feeling like you have some direction.

Taking the First Step: How to Start Your Journey with an Anxiety Therapist in Cincinnati

If these truths about therapy resonate, the first step is to find a therapist and set up a phone to see if it's a good fit.

Ready to reclaim your balance and conquer anxiety? Click here to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with an experienced online anxiety therapist in Cincinnati today for online counseling in Indiana and Ohio. Or call/text 513-461-2045.

What to Expect from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from a Counselor in Cincinnati

Finding the right therapist in Cincinnati can feel daunting. Looking for someone who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy can be more of a challenge. Most therapists have some understanding and training in CBT, so it may be listed under their specialties, but not everyone has been trained in using a full course of CBT. Once you have found the right person, here is what you can expect when you start.

What to expect from a free consultation call with a CBT therapist in Cincinnati

A free consultation is simply a phone call to tell a prospective therapist what you are looking for, and to find out if it's a good fit. They should ask you for a brief overview of what you need help with, and then they should explain how they work. The therapist should explain what type of therapy they do, as well as the logistics about how often they meet, payment, and location.

This is a time to ask any questions and feel it out. If it feels like the right fit, you can go ahead and move forward with scheduling. If not, you can call a few more therapists to find the right one, or you can also ask this person if they know anyone who better meets your needs.

What happens in the first session of CBT?

In your first session, your therapist will gather your history and more specific information on what you're struggling with. You'll set some treatment goals so you know what direction therapy will go, and then your therapist will explain how cognitive behavioral therapy works. You should get some handouts and some homework for your first week to jump in to the work of CBT.

How long does cognitive behavioral therapy in Cincinnati take to work?

Length of therapy will depend on many factors, but generally a basic course of CBT for anxiety or depression can take around 8 to 12 sessions. When CBT is done “by the book,” you will have moved through the components enough to understand how it works, make changes, and get relief.

If more “stuff” comes up or there are complicated or longstanding problems, CBT can go deeper into these. Your therapist might also incorporate more techniques to compliment CBT. But for many people, a couple months of weekly sessions should really help.

Throughout CBT treatment for anxiety or depression, you will be doing homework assignments to bring to your next session. You'll review these with your therapist and learn new skills. As you make changes and implement new habits, you should be able to see your progress as you approach those goals you set.

If you're ready to try virtual cognitive behavioral therapy in Cincinnati, with online therapy in Ohio and Indiana, click here to schedule your free 15-minute consultation today. Or call/text 513-461-2045.