Anxiety Therapy San Diego
Imagine feeling free from worry, stress, and tension...
Seeing an anxiety therapist can help relieve these feelings and put you back in control of your life.
What you are experiencing is very common.
You are not the problem, it is merely the symptoms of anxiety within you that are causing problems in your life. In fact, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in the United States, affecting approximately 19.1% of the population every year.[1] This is not surprising, seeing as we live in a very fast-paced culture. In our society, we are told that “success” is earned by doing more and constantly challenging ourselves. We are expected to work, and we are expected to work hard. While hard work can benefit us in many ways, it can also become detrimental when we find that we are unable to relax and are constantly worrying about the next task that needs to get done. This is one type of anxiety, which I refer to as “high achiever anxiety” or “anticipatory anxiety”. Anxiety can manifest in many other ways in our lives, including: generalized anxiety, specific phobias, social anxiety, stress, panic attacks, or health-related anxiety.
National Alliance on Mental Health
Sarah Lawley Chernick, LMFT
Anxiety Therapist
My name is Sarah Lawley Chernick and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I am also trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Certified Therapist through EMDRIA. I have 10 years of experience working in the mental health field with many clients for anxiety in various treatment settings and for many of the conditions listed below. I personally have overcome multiple anxiety disorders in my own life, so I can understand firsthand just how difficult it may feel…but I can also tell you that it is possible to recover from chronic anxiety. I also have years of experience working with clients to successfully overcome anxiety in a variety of treatment settings including intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs, community-based mental health care, school settings, residential treatment centers, outpatient therapy clinics, and private practice.
Not only do I have the personal experience of overcoming multiple anxiety disorders and helping clients do the same in a variety of settings, but I also offer additional mindfulness skills to clients that can be very powerful in the treatment of anxiety. I am a Registered Yoga Teacher, and my training as both a therapist and yoga teacher has allowed me to utilize specific mind/body approaches such as meditation, breathing practices, and guided imagery for anxiety reduction. These evidence-based approaches can help reduce distress and anxiety right in that moment. I provide you with the skills and guidance to learn these techniques so you can feel empowered and confident to use them on your own outside of session.
Credentials & Certifications:
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California (License # 115162)
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Training
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Certified Therapist
- Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapy training
- 200 HR Certified Yoga Teacher – Trained in various mindfulness and meditation techniques
How Does Therapy Help Anxiety
Here Are Some Benefits of Seeing an Anxiety Counselor :
- Learning coping skills to help your body and mind remain calm and peaceful in your daily life.
- Uncovering the root of your anxiety and processing these feelings.
- Having a safe space to share concerns, struggles, and frustrations with a professional.
What Happens in an Anxiety Counseling Session
An anxiety therapist can help you uncover the underlying causes of your worries, learn how to calm down and relax, and begin to look at situations in new, less stressful ways. In counseling for anxiety, I begin by providing a safe space for you to share all of your current thoughts, concerns, and struggles. We will identify and set goals by determining how you would like your life to look differently in regards to your current anxiety. Once I have a better understanding of your current concerns and goals, I will tailor your treatment and take an individualized approach to help you.
I will help you learn lasting coping skills and stress-reduction techniques that we can practice together in session and that you will also be able to do on your own in between sessions. I utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques to decrease anxiety including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Therapy skills. Learn more about the anxiety treatments I use in sessions .
Why Book an Anxiety Therapy Session with Me?
Not only do I have the personal experience of overcoming multiple anxiety disorders and helping clients do the same in a variety of settings, but I also offer additional mindfulness skills to clients that can be very powerful in the treatment of anxiety. I am a Registered Yoga Teacher, and my training as both a therapist and yoga teacher has allowed me to utilize specific mind/body approaches such as meditation, breathing practices, and guided imagery for anxiety reduction. These evidence-based approaches can help reduce distress and anxiety right in that moment. I provide you with the skills and guidance to learn these techniques so you can feel empowered and confident to use them on your own outside of session.
You CAN live the life you’ve always wanted, free from anxiety and worry!
Contact me to schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation and see if Anxiety treatment in San Diego is right for you!
My Standard Rate is $200 Per Session (50 Minutes)
As an out-of-network provider, I have partnered with Mentaya to help my clients save money on therapy. Use the out of network benefits calculator to see if you qualify for reimbursement for my services. Learn more about my rates and insurance.
You may have some questions about seeing a therapist for anxiety...
What type of therapist should I see for anxiety?
When seeking the best therapy anxiety, look for a licensed mental health professional who has experience treating anxiety disorders. Therapists trained in evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for anxiety, Exposure Therapy, or EMDR are especially effective for treating anxiety. It’s also helpful to find someone you feel comfortable with, as a strong therapeutic relationship plays a big role in your progress.
How much is a therapy session for anxiety?
My standard rate is $200 per 50-minute therapy session for out-of-network clients that live in CA and FL. If you live in UT and are using insurance, you may only need to pay a co-pay (please check with your insurance company first).
When should I seek treatment for anxiety?
You should consider seeking treatment for anxiety when it starts to interfere with your daily life whether that means difficulty sleeping, trouble concentrating, avoiding situations or isolating, physical symptoms (like a racing heart or nausea), or constant worry that feels difficult to control. You don’t need to wait until things feel “bad enough” to seek support. If anxiety is affecting your well-being, relationships, or ability to function, reaching out for support can help you feel better and regain a sense of control in your life.
Is it worth seeing a therapist for anxiety?
Anxiety counseling is an investment that will take some of your time as well as a financial commitment. However, it can also take away an immense amount of stress and finally allow you to live the life you have always envisioned – free from constant worry and tension. Working with an anxiety counselor is often the most effective option when it comes to treating anxiety. We all need a little help sometimes, and it is absolutely worth investing in yourself to get some guidance from a trained professional so that you can find long-lasting relief.
Nobody seems to understand my anxiety. How can you help?
It may feel like nobody understands your specific situation, and that’s because they don’t! We are all unique individuals, with unique responses to anxiety and individualized treatment needs. I have helped individuals find relief from many different types of anxiety, and we will work together to find an approach that fits exactly what you need.
Will I have to take medication to manage my anxiety?
Whether or not you will take medication to manage your anxiety may be dependent on your current symptoms, genetics, and life circumstances. There are plenty of ways to manage anxiety without medication, but some people make the collaborative decision with their treatment provider that medication could be a good fit for them. I do not prescribe medication as a licensed psychotherapist. However, I work with psychiatrists in the community and would be happy to refer you to a trusted colleague to discuss medication options, if that is what we deem to be an appropriate approach for symptom management.
Will I have to be in therapy forever to manage my anxiety?
You will not have to be in therapy forever in order to manage and decrease your anxiety. The ultimate goal of therapy is to get you to a place where you feel confident to manage your symptoms on your own, by utilizing the tools that you were taught throughout therapy. Therapy will provide you with tangible ways to continue to manage your anxiety on your own, long after you have successfully completed and discontinued treatment. There is no exact “time limit” or time frame in regards to how long you will be in therapy to find full, ongoing relief from your anxiety; this is individualized and varies per the individual.
Will seeing a therapist for anxiety also help with depression?
Seeing an anxiety counselor can also be incredibly helpful for decreasing symptoms of depression. Oftentimes, therapy for depression and anxiety often go hand in hand, addressing both conditions together for better outcomes.. You may develop low self-esteem over time due to ongoing feelings of anxiety or feeling unsure why you can’t just “manage things on your own”. This may lead to feelings of depression, hopelessness, or feeling stuck and unmotivated. If you are also struggling with feelings of depression, working with an anxiety counselor can be a great fit to help get to the underlying cause of both symptoms and decrease or eliminate them. Visit the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) website for more information on the treatment of anxiety and depression collectively.
What Is an Anxiety Disorder?
Occasional anxiety is a part of life — we all get nervous or worried at times, such as before taking a test or making an important decision. Anxiety Disorders involve more than just a temporary worry or fear. If you have an anxiety disorder, the uncomfortable feelings of anxiety do not go away on their own and may increase over time. These symptoms of fear and worry can negatively interfere with work, school, and relationships. Finding the best therapy for anxiety is a great way to get individualized help to treat the Anxiety Disorder, so that you can go on to live your life free from constant worry, fear, and uncomfortable physical sensations of anxiety.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Panic Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder
Other Anxiety Disorders
- Specific Phobia - Marked fear or anxiety about a specific object or situation (i.e. flying, heights, spiders, receiving an injection)
- Panic Attack - Heart palpitations, sweating, trembling or shaking, shortness of breath, feelings of impending doom
- Agoraphobia - Marked fear or anxiety about various scenarios including being in enclosed spaces, being in open spaces, using public transportation, being in a crowd, or being outside of the home alone
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - a condition where unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) lead to repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) done to ease anxiety. These patterns can become distressing and interfere with daily life.
- Separation Anxiety Disorder - Recurrent excessive distress when anticipating or experiencing separation from home or major attachment figures
- Anxiety Disorder due to Another Medical Condition - Panic attacks or anxiety due to a health-related medical condition
- Other Specified Anxiety Disorder - Symptoms of an anxiety disorder cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning but do not meet the full criteria for another anxiety disorder diagnosis
Anxiety Symptoms
Psychological Symptoms
- Excessive worry or fear
- Racing thoughts
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability
- Restlessness or feeling “on edge”
- Anticipating the worst (catastrophic thinking)
- Feelings of dread or panic
- Difficulty making decisions
- Depersonalization or feeling disconnected from reality
- Avoidance or isolation
Physical Symptoms
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle tension or aches
- Fatigue
- Nausea or stomach upset
- Sweating
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Trembling or shaking
- Headaches
- Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling or staying asleep)
- Chest pain or pressure
Types of Therapy for Anxiety
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety and Depression Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that examines the relationship between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It helps you to become more aware of negative thoughts so that you can view difficult situations in a new way and respond to them more effectively. Research shows that over 60% of those who receive CBT as part of therapy for depression and anxiety report substantial improvements in their symptoms.
- Mindfulness Therapy Practices for Anxiety Mindfulness practices include exercises and therapeutic techniques to help calm our nervous system down, which is essential in reducing anxiety symptoms. Some mindfulness practices include targeted breathing exercises, guided imagery, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation. Mindfulness-based practices can be very helpful in decreasing anxiety symptoms, as we are training your body’s nervous system to get into a “parasympathetic” (relaxed) state and out of a “sympathetic” (stressed out) state.
- EMDR Therapy for Anxiety and Depression EMDR therapy has been shown to be one of the most effective forms of therapy for anxiety and depression. In Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, you are guided by your therapist to engage in bilateral stimulation of your eye movements while imagining distressing scenarios. The act of bilateral stimulation will help your brain to fully process the distressing feelings and events, shifting your attention towards more positive thoughts and helping anxiety to dissipate. EMDR Therapy has been shown to be effective to help with a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety. EMDR therapy has also been shown to have long-lasting effects in terms of symptom reduction.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) DBT is an evidence-based therapy that helps people manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and reduce harmful behaviors. It combines cognitive-behavioral strategies with mindfulness and acceptance techniques. DBT can be especially effective for individuals who struggle with emotion regulation, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or unstable relationships. It teaches practical skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. I use elements of DBT in my work with anxiety, eating disorders, relational struggles, and trauma.
- Exposure Therapy Exposure therapy is a highly effective treatment for anxiety disorders, phobias, and OCD. It involves gradually and safely confronting the situations, thoughts, or memories that cause fear or discomfort, rather than avoiding them. Over time, this exposure helps reduce the emotional intensity of the fear response and builds confidence in handling distress. As part of social anxiety therapy, exposure therapy helps people confront social fears in a safe, structured way. Exposure therapy can be adapted for various situations and types of anxiety, including social anxiety, panic disorder, and other types of anxiety.
Types of Therapy for Anxiety
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety and Depression
Mindfulness Therapy Practices for Anxiety
EMDR Therapy for Anxiety and Depression
Areas I Can Treat for Anxiety
Social Anxiety Therapy
I help clients confront the fear of judgment or rejection so they can feel more confident in social situations, whether it’s speaking up in meetings or attending social events. We work together to build self-compassion, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and practice real-world skills that support meaningful connection and improve overall levels of confidence.
Anxiety and Stress Therapy
When stress and anxiety feel overwhelming or constant, I work with clients to understand their triggers, regulate their nervous system, and create sustainable routines that support calm and balance in the brain and body. Whether the stress is work-related, health-related, or due to life transitions, therapy can offer a space to breathe, reset, and move forward with more peace.
Anxiety and Depression Therapy
Anxiety and depression often go hand-in-hand, and can create a cycle of worry, exhaustion, and low motivation. I help clients untangle this cycle by addressing the root causes, developing coping tools, and creating a sense of hope and forward momentum.
Anxiety Therapist in San Diego
If you’re ready to overcome your anxiety and learn more about my anxiety therapy services, please use the button above or call (619) 800-5393 for a free 15 minute phone consultation.
Self emBody Therapy
EMDR, Eating Disorders, Anxiety
5330 Carroll Canyon Rd Suite 120,
San Diego, CA 92121
(619) 800-5393