Have you ever wondered if what you’re experiencing might benefit from professional support? You’re not alone. After listening to thousands of patients at the CBT Center, we’ve noticed something important: while everyone’s story is uniquely their own, there are common threads that bring people through our doors.
Anxiety, depression, and stress top the list of reasons people reach out for help. These challenges rarely progress alone—they often intertwine, creating a complex web of difficulties. Many individuals experience them simultaneously, sometimes alongside other concerns like OCD, ADHD, or trauma.
Let us walk you through the primary reasons people seek therapy, the symptoms that finally prompt them to reach out, and how cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can make a real difference.
1. Anxiety Disorders
Did you know anxiety is the most common reason clients seek therapy at our center? We’re not talking about normal, everyday worry here. Anxiety disorders go far beyond that, significantly impacting quality of life and daily functioning.
Common anxiety symptoms that prompt therapy
⦿ That persistent worry that follows you everywhere and seems impossible to shake
⦿ Physical sensations like a racing heart, shortness of breath, and muscles that won’t relax
⦿ Avoiding situations because they trigger fear or panic
⦿ Lying awake at night, unable to quiet your mind
⦿ Feeling constantly on edge, as if something bad might happen at any moment
How CBT helps anxiety
Cognitive-behavioral therapy provides practical strategies to identify those anxious thought patterns, challenge the distortions in your thinking, and develop effective coping mechanisms. Our therapists use evidence-based techniques like exposure therapy, cognitive restructuring, and mindfulness practices—approaches proven effective for various anxiety disorders.
Think of anxiety like an overprotective (but misguided) alarm system in your brain. CBT helps recalibrate that system so it’s not constantly setting off false alarms.
2. Depression
Depression affects approximately 8.8% of adults in the US annually, making it one of the leading reasons people seek mental health treatment. But depression goes far beyond just feeling sad—it can touch every aspect of your daily life.
Signs of depression that lead to therapy
⦿ Persistent feelings of sadness or an emptiness that doesn’t seem to lift
⦿ Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed—even your favorite things feel flat
⦿ Changes in appetite and sleep that you can’t control
⦿ A fog around your thinking that makes concentration and decisions difficult
⦿ Feelings of worthlessness or guilt that don’t match reality
⦿ Thoughts about death or wondering if life is worth living
How CBT addresses depression
Our cognitive-behavioral approach helps you identify negative thought patterns, challenge distorted thinking, and gradually increase engagement in meaningful activities. Rather than just talking about how you feel, CBT for depression focuses on developing new skills to manage symptoms and prevent future depressive episodes.
Depression often tells convincing lies about your worth, your future, and your capabilities. CBT helps you recognize these lies and replace them with more balanced perspectives.
3. Chronic Stress
We all experience stress—it’s part of being human. But when stress becomes chronic, it can lead to serious physical and mental health consequences. Many clients seek therapy when stress starts feeling overwhelming or affecting their health.
Stress indicators that lead to counseling
⦿ That constant feeling of being overwhelmed, like you’re always playing catch-up
⦿ Burnout at work or persistent career challenges that follow you home
⦿ Juggling so many responsibilities that something always seems to be falling through the cracks
⦿ Physical symptoms like headaches, digestive issues, or constant tension
⦿ Strain in your relationships because stress is affecting how you interact with others
Effective stress management through therapy
In therapy, we help you develop personalized stress management strategies, improve time management, set healthy boundaries (yes, it’s okay to say no!), and implement self-care practices that actually fit into your life. Cognitive-behavioral techniques can transform how you respond to stressors and build long-term resilience.
Stress isn’t just “all in your head”—it has real physical effects. Learning to manage it effectively can improve both your mental and physical health.
4. OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
OCD can trap you in exhausting cycles of intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that significantly impact your daily functioning and quality of life.
OCD symptoms that bring clients to therapy
⦿ Unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant distress
⦿ Repetitive behaviors or mental acts you feel driven to perform to reduce anxiety
⦿ Time-consuming rituals that interfere with your daily activities
⦿ Intense distress when unable to complete compulsions
⦿ The frustrating awareness that your thoughts or behaviors are excessive but feeling unable to stop
CBT approaches for OCD
Our therapists are specially trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold standard treatment for OCD. This structured approach helps you gradually face feared situations while learning to resist compulsive behaviors, breaking the cycle of OCD over time.
OCD thrives in the shadows of avoidance and rituals. ERP brings it into the light where its power begins to fade.
Community Support! The CBT Center is proud to host a monthly OCD Support Group led by Dr. Andrew Keenan. This group provides a safe, understanding environment where individuals can connect with others facing similar challenges, share experiences, and learn additional coping strategies. Whether you’re currently in therapy or just exploring options, this support group offers valuable community connection as part of your recovery journey.
5. ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
Many adults seek therapy after years of struggling with undiagnosed ADHD or looking for non-medication strategies to manage their symptoms better.
ADHD challenges that lead to seeking help
⦿ Difficulty maintaining focus on tasks or conversations—your mind seems to have a mind of its own
⦿ Problems with organization that leave you feeling constantly behind
⦿ Making impulsive decisions that you later regret
⦿ A restlessness or energy that makes sitting still feel impossible
⦿ The frustration of repeatedly starting projects but struggling to follow through
Therapy approaches for ADHD
We help clients develop practical strategies for organization, time management, and focus. Our cognitive-behavioral approaches for ADHD focus on building executive functioning skills and creating systems that work with your brain rather than against it.
Living with ADHD in a world designed for neurotypical brains can be exhausting. Therapy helps you develop strategies tailored to your unique brain wiring.
6. Trauma and PTSD
Experiencing traumatic events can have lasting effects on mental health, leading many to seek professional support for recovery and healing.
Trauma symptoms that prompt therapy
⦿ Intrusive memories or flashbacks that pull you back into traumatic moments
⦿ Nightmares or sleep disturbances that leave you exhausted
⦿ Avoiding situations, people, or places that trigger memories
⦿ Feeling constantly on guard or easily startled
⦿ Negative changes in your thoughts and mood that persist after the event
Trauma-focused therapy approaches
Our therapists are trained in evidence-based trauma treatments like Trauma-Focused CBT, which help you process traumatic experiences in a safe environment and develop new ways to manage triggers and symptoms.
Trauma responses aren’t a sign of weakness—they’re normal reactions to abnormal events. Therapy helps your brain and body recognize that you’re now safe.
7. Specific Phobias
Intense fears of specific objects or situations can significantly limit life experiences, leading many to seek therapy for relief.
When phobias lead to therapy
⦿ Extreme fear responses that seem out of proportion to the actual danger
⦿ Avoiding activities or places that limit your daily life
⦿ Physical symptoms of panic when exposed to feared stimuli
⦿ Recognition that your fear is excessive but feeling powerless to change it
Exposure therapy for phobias
Our therapists use gradual exposure techniques to help you face feared situations in a controlled, supportive environment. This evidence-based approach has remarkable success rates for overcoming specific phobias.
Phobias are highly treatable. Many clients are surprised by how effectively exposure therapy helps them overcome fears they’ve had for years.
8. Self-Esteem Issues
Low self-esteem can affect your relationships, career advancement, and overall life satisfaction, prompting many to seek therapy.
Self-esteem challenges that lead to counseling
⦿ That inner critic that never seems to quiet down
⦿ Difficulty accepting compliments or recognition for your achievements
⦿ Setting impossibly high standards for yourself that you’d never expect of others
⦿ The exhausting habit of comparing yourself unfavorably to others
⦿ Struggling to set boundaries because you don’t feel worthy of having needs
Building self-esteem through therapy
We can help you identify and challenge negative core beliefs, develop self-compassion practices, and build a healthier relationship with yourself through proven cognitive-behavioral techniques.
Self-esteem isn’t about thinking you’re perfect—it’s about accepting yourself as worthy despite your imperfections.
9. Relationship Problems
Difficulties in personal relationships are a common reason people seek individual or couples therapy.
Relationship issues that prompt therapy
⦿ Communication breakdowns or conflicts that seem to repeat without resolution
⦿ Trust issues or recovering from betrayal
⦿ Major life transitions that are straining your connection
⦿ Fundamental differences in goals, values, or expectations
⦿ Feeling emotionally disconnected from your partner
Relationship-focused therapy approaches
Our therapists help individuals and couples improve communication skills, resolve conflicts constructively, and rebuild emotional connection. Whether seeking individual or couples therapy, you’ll learn practical skills for healthier relationships.
Even the strongest relationships face challenges. Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness but a commitment to growth together.
10. Emotional Regulation Difficulties
Problems managing emotions effectively can lead to impulsive behaviors and relationship difficulties that affect many areas of life.
Signs of emotional regulation issues
⦿ Feeling emotions very intensely or becoming easily overwhelmed
⦿ Having trouble calming yourself down once you’re upset
⦿ Reacting impulsively in ways you later regret
⦿ Emotional responses that seem out of proportion to the situation
⦿ Using unhealthy coping mechanisms to manage difficult feelings
How therapy helps with emotional regulation
CBT Center therapists teach you to identify emotions earlier, develop healthy coping strategies, and respond rather than react to emotional triggers. Cognitive-behavioral and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) techniques provide practical skills for emotion management.
Emotions aren’t the problem—they’re valuable signals. The goal isn’t to eliminate emotions but to respond to them effectively.
When to Seek Professional Help
It’s important to recognize when it’s time to reach out for professional support. Consider it the time to seek therapy if:
⦿ Your symptoms interfere with your daily functioning
⦿ You’ve tried self-help strategies without seeing improvement
⦿ You’re using unhealthy coping mechanisms (like substance use or avoidance)
⦿ Friends or family have expressed concern about your well-being
⦿ You’re experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide
⦿ You feel stuck or unable to move forward on your own
Remember that seeking therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness. Taking this step demonstrates courage and commitment to improving your quality of life. Think about it—would you hesitate to see a doctor for a broken bone? Mental health deserves the same attention and care.
What to Expect in Therapy at the CBT Center
Your therapy journey begins with a comprehensive assessment to understand your unique challenges and goals. From there, your therapist will work collaboratively with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is:
⦿ Goal-oriented and solution-focused (we don’t just talk—we take action)
⦿ Based on developing practical skills and strategies you can use in your daily life
⦿ Focused on the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
⦿ Relatively short-term compared to other therapy approaches
⦿ Backed by extensive research demonstrating its effectiveness
Most clients report noticeable improvement within 8-16 sessions, though this varies based on individual circumstances and goals. We’re not looking to keep you in therapy forever—our aim is to help you develop the skills you need to be your own therapist.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you’re struggling with any of the issues mentioned above, the CBT Center is here to help. We specialize in evidence-based approaches to help you overcome challenges and build a more fulfilling life.
Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation. You can reach our Director/Founder, Dr. Michelle Drapkin, at 732.455.9993 or have a look at our team of licensed clinicians to learn more about who we are and how we can be of help.
What’s holding you back from the life you want to live? We’re here when you’re ready to take that first step.
References:
Mental Health America. (2024, December 5). Quick facts and statistics about mental health | Mental Health America. https://mhanational.org/resources/quick-facts-and-statistics-about-mental-health/
