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Services

Anxiety Therapy in Tampa & St. Petersburg

Specialists in CBT, EMDR & Evidence-Based Anxiety Treatment

Empty green chair on a peaceful beach symbolizing anxiety relief and calm from therapy in Tampa and St. Petersburg

Anxiety doesn’t always look like panic, it often hides behind perfectionism, overthinking, and exhaustion. At It Begins Within, we help busy professionals, parents, and high-functioning adults in Tampa and St. Petersburg break free from anxiety’s grip. Whether you’re battling chronic stress, intrusive thoughts, or burnout, our team provides evidence-based care that meets you where you are.

What Brings People to Anxiety Counseling

If you find yourself struggling with anxiety, it may help to know you’re not alone, anxiety disorders impact over 40 million people in the U.S. every year. That doesn’t make what you’re feeling any less painful, but it does mean there’s absolutely proven approaches for healing.

In our offices, we often meet clients navigating both the reasons and the seasons of anxiety. Sometimes it’s a recent breakup, parenting stress, or a demanding job. Other times, it’s tied to transitions like starting a career, entering parenthood, or preparing for retirement. These moments can quietly build pressure until anxiety starts to take the driver’s seat.

Our role is to help you slow down, make sense of it, and find the path through it.

Anxiety Therapy Services Available in Tampa & St. Petersburg

At It Begins Within, we offer a wide range of specialized anxiety therapy services tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. Whether you're dealing with persistent worry, overwhelming panic attacks, or anxiety related to social situations or trauma, our experienced therapists in Tampa and St. Petersburg are here to help. Every treatment plan is guided by evidence-based techniques and a compassionate, client-centered approach.

Individual Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Persistent worry, restlessness, and overthinking may be signs of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). We use evidence based approaches to help individuals heal including CBT, ACT, and mindfulness to help you manage symptoms and regain peace of mind.

CBT for Social and Performance Anxiety

Social anxiety and performance anxiety can severely impact almost all areas of your life. Whether you're struggling with public speaking, dating-related fear, or constant worry about judgment, we offer specialized anxiety counseling to help you engage with the world more freely.

Exposure Therapy for Phobias and Panic Disorders

Exposure therapy is one of the most effective approaches for treating phobias and panic disorders. This method gradually helps you face feared situations or triggers in a safe and controlled environment. At IBW, we integrate exposure-based interventions with supportive counseling and anxiety management strategies. Our therapists have successfully used this approach to help individuals in Tampa and St. Petersburg overcome fears such as driving, flying, crowds, and panic-inducing environments.

Child and Adolescent Anxiety Counseling

Children and teens often experience anxiety differently than adults—sometimes through irritability, behavioral outbursts, or sleep issues. Our licensed therapists can help you discern what’s part of normal development and what may be signs of something more concerning. We provide clinical assessments and personalized anxiety treatment for toddlers, children, tweens, and teens across the greater Tampa Bay area.

EMDR Therapy for Anxiety and Trauma

For anxiety rooted in past events or trauma, EMDR therapy helps process distressing memories and reduce triggers. Ideal for clients seeking deeper healing beyond talk therapy alone.

Why Tampa & St. Pete Residents Come to IBW for Anxiety Treatment

Choosing the right therapist can make all the difference when you're navigating anxiety. At It Begins Within, we’re committed to providing exceptional care rooted in trust, skill, and compassion.

Evidence-Based Approaches Backed by Research

We use clinically proven methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Exposure Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Our goal is not just symptom relief — we empower you with tools for long-term mental wellness using approaches supported by decades of psychological research.

Licensed and Trauma-Informed Anxiety Specialists

Our team is composed of licensed therapists who are professionally trained in treating anxiety, trauma, and related disorders. We deliver care through a trauma-informed lens, ensuring a safe and supportive experience tailored to your emotional needs.

Anxiety Therapy Without Insurance Hassles

At IBW, we prioritize personalized, consistent care over insurance limitations. By operating out-of-network, we're able to offer longer sessions, flexible treatment plans, and full therapist focus — without the restrictions or rushed timelines of insurance-driven models.

Anxiety Therapist in Tampa & St. Peterburg

  • anxiety treatment largo melissa zentner

    Melissa Zentner, MS, LMHC

    Anxiety & Trauma-Informed Therapist | TF-CBT, CBT, and Stress Management

    Melissa is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in TF-CBT and CBT for anxiety, stress, and trauma. She helps clients manage social anxiety, performance pressure, and generalized anxiety disorder using practical, evidence-based tools. Her integrative approach supports high-functioning adults facing anxious thoughts, trauma responses, and burnout in Tampa and St. Petersburg.

  • Angela Holmes-Cruz, EMDR and CBT therapist for young women with anxiety and trauma

    Angela Holmes-Cruz, MS, RMHCI

    Anxiety & Trauma Therapist for Young Women | EMDR & CBT Focus

    Angela is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern who specializes in working with college-aged women and young adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, and obsessive thoughts. She uses EMDR therapy and CBT to help clients process past experiences, reduce anxiety symptoms, and build emotional resilience.

  • Tyler MacDonald, CBT, DBT, and ACT therapist for anxiety and neurodivergent adults

    Tyler MacDonald, MA, LMHC

    Men’s Anxiety & Stress Therapist | CBT, ACT & Mindfulness-Based Approaches

    Tyler is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who specializes in anxiety, stress-related disorders, and support for neurodivergent clients, including ADHD and autism spectrum. He integrates CBT, DBT, ACT, and Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) to help clients manage panic, intrusive thoughts, emotional dysregulation, and high-functioning anxiety. Tyler’s approach blends structure with compassion—ideal for men, professionals, and neurodivergent adults in Tampa and St. Petersburg seeking evidence-based relief.

  • anxiety therapy tampa picture of dr. mary

    Mary Perleoni, Ph.D., LMHC

    Founder | Expert in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Disorders

    Dr. Mary Perleoni brings a depth of experience helping clients overcome generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and chronic stress. Specializing in CBT for anxiety and TF-CBT therapy, she leads IBW with a commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate care. Dr. Perleoni's evidence-based approach is ideal for high-performing professionals and parents in Tampa and St. Petersburg.

  • Amanda Farris, CBT and solution-focused therapist for anxiety and mood disorders

    Amanda Farris, MS, LCSW, QS

    Anxiety & Mood Disorder Specialist | CBT & Solution-Focused Therapy

    Amanda Farris is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Qualified Supervisor who specializes in anxiety and mood disorders, including chronic worry, emotional overwhelm, and burnout. She blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with solution-focused strategies to help clients gain clarity, regulate emotions, and move forward with confidence. Amanda’s practical, results-oriented style is ideal for high-functioning adults and professionals in Tampa and St. Petersburg seeking effective tools for lasting change.

  • Kelly Morrissey, relationship and family anxiety therapist using CBT and systems therapy

    Kelly Morrissey, MA, LMFT, LMHC, CAP, QS

    Relationship & Family Anxiety Specialist | CBT + Systemic Therapy

    Kelly Morrissey is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor with extensive experience treating anxiety within relationships, family systems, and codependency patterns. She integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and systemic approaches to help individuals and couples manage relationship anxiety, emotional reactivity, and family stress. As a Qualified Supervisor and Certified Addiction Professional, Kelly brings a holistic, deeply grounded perspective to anxiety therapy in Tampa and St. Petersburg.

  • Paris McDonald, EMDR and CBT therapist for trauma-related anxiety and PTSD in Tampa

    Paris McDonald, LMHC

    Trauma & Complex Anxiety Therapist | EMDR & CBT Expert

    Paris is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who specializes in treating anxiety rooted in trauma, including PTSD, complex anxiety disorders, and emotional dysregulation. Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and trained in trauma-informed CBT, Paris helps clients process the root causes of anxiety—often after years of “managing” symptoms that never fully resolved. Her calm, focused approach is ideal for adults navigating chronic worry, childhood trauma, or high-functioning anxiety in Tampa and St. Petersburg.

  • Emma provides effective therapy for anxiety

    Emma Groskind, MS, LCSW

    Social Anxiety & Stress Management Therapist | CBT & Mindfulness-Based Therapy

    Emma Groskind is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in treating social anxiety, panic attacks, and chronic stress using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based interventions. She works with clients of all ages—helping them build emotional regulation, confidence, and calm in high-pressure environments. Emma’s evidence-based, down-to-earth approach is especially effective for individuals struggling with overwhelm, performance anxiety, or difficulty setting boundaries in Tampa and St. Petersburg.

  • Nicole Segovia, clinical intern providing affordable anxiety therapy using CBT techniques in large, clearwater and indian rocks beach

    Nicole Segovia, BS

    Clinical Intern | Affordable Anxiety Counseling with CBT Foundations

    Nicole Segovia is a Clinical Intern pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Under licensed supervision, she supports individuals experiencing generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and stress-related concerns. Nicole utilizes foundational CBT techniques and strengths-based interventions to help clients feel heard, supported, and empowered. She also offers a sliding scale, making quality anxiety therapy more accessible to clients across Tampa and St. Petersburg.

  • Lauren Pankuch, therapist specializing in anxiety therapy for autistic and neurodivergent children

    Lauren Pankuch, MA, LMHC

    Child Anxiety & Autism-Informed Therapist | CBT & Play Therapy Specialist

    Lauren Pankuch is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with advanced training in treating anxiety disorders in children, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based interventions to help children manage generalized anxiety, panic symptoms, and sensory-related overwhelm. Lauren provides a calm, structured environment where neurodivergent children feel understood and supported—serving families across Tampa and St. Petersburg.

  • Ashley Canto, toddler and pediatric anxiety therapist using CBT and mindfulness

    Ashley Canto, MS, LCSW

    Pediatric & Toddler Anxiety Specialist | Holistic, Mindfulness-Based CBT

    Ashley Canto is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in treating anxiety in toddlers, children, and preteens using a developmentally sensitive, holistic approach. She integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and play-informed strategies to help young children manage fears, separation anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. Ashley partners closely with parents to support emotional regulation and long-term coping—providing trusted care for families across Tampa and St. Petersburg.

  • Ciana Nguyen, multicultural therapist specializing in CBT and mindfulness for anxiety in young adults

    Ciana Nguyen, MS, LCSW

    Anxiety & Multicultural Therapist | CBT & Mindfulness for Young Adults

    Ciana Nguyen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in treating anxiety disorders in young adults, including those facing cultural stress, identity shifts, and perfectionism. She integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based techniques to help clients reduce overwhelm, manage self-criticism, and build emotional resilience. Ciana’s inclusive, culturally responsive approach makes her an ideal therapist for those navigating anxiety within complex personal or social contexts in Tampa and St. Petersburg.

  • anxiety therapist tampa picture of kaitlyn shelp

    Kaitlyn Shelp, MA, LMHC-QS

    Anxiety Specialist | CBT & Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for Panic and OCD

    Kaitlyn Shelp is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor with advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for anxiety-related disorders. She specializes in treating generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors, blending structured cognitive techniques with the rapid, trauma-informed power of ART.

  • Samantha Kindler, CBT and strength-based therapist for anxiety and co-occurring disorders in teens and young adults

    Samantha Kindler, MA, RMHCI

    Anxiety & Co-Occurring Disorder Therapist | CBT & Strength-Based Support for Teens and Young Adults

    Samantha Kindler is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern who specializes in treating anxiety disorders and co-occurring challenges such as depression or self-doubt. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and strength-based approaches, she helps teens and young adults build coping skills, reduce anxious thinking, and regain a sense of control. Samantha’s supportive and empowering style makes her a trusted guide for those navigating academic pressure, social anxiety, and identity-related stress in Tampa and St. Petersburg.

  • Megan Midura, child and teen therapist specializing in CBT and exposure therapy for anxiety

    Megan Midura, MA, RMHCI

    Child & Adolescent Anxiety Therapist | CBT & Exposure Therapy for Phobias and Social Anxiety

    Megan Midura is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern who specializes in treating anxiety disorders in children and adolescents, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and specific phobias. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and exposure-based therapy to help young clients confront fears, manage avoidance behaviors, and build confidence. Megan’s warm, structured approach creates a safe space for children and teens to reduce anxiety and gain real-world coping skills—serving families across Tampa and St. Petersburg.

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Complementary Strategies for Managing Anxiety

While therapy plays a vital role in managing anxiety, it’s not the only tool at your disposal. Complementary strategies, including lifestyle changes and relaxation techniques, can significantly enhance your ability to manage anxiety. Specific lifestyle changes can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms, thereby enhancing one's quality of life.

Think of managing anxiety like maintaining a garden. Just as a garden needs proper sunlight, watering, and care to thrive, your mind and body need proper care to manage anxiety effectively. Let’s dig into the power of relaxation techniques and the role of physical health and stress management in this process.

The Power of Relaxation Techniques

Imagine a calm lake on a peaceful morning. That’s the state relaxation techniques can help bring your mind to. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga help to calm the mind and mitigate the physiological responses to stress.

By learning and applying these techniques, you can manage moments of heightened anxiety and promote overall well-being..

Integrating Physical Health into Anxiety Management

Your body is like a car, and just like a car, it needs proper fuel and maintenance to run optimally. Regular physical exercise, well-balanced meals, and quality sleep play a vital role in managing anxiety. Not only do these habits promote overall physical health, but they also play a significant role in improving your mental well-being.

Remember, a well-maintained car is less likely to break down on a long journey, and a well-cared-for body is better equipped to manage anxiety.

Medications as Adjuncts to Anxiety Therapy Tampa

Medications can be an ally in your fight against anxiety, helping manage symptoms and enhance therapy effectiveness. However, they should not be considered as a magic bullet or a replacement for psychotherapy. Instead think of them like a pair of glasses that help you see better, but don’t correct your vision.

Our anxiety counseling may include a combination of medication management and psychotherapy for effective results.

Various medications are available for treating anxiety disorders, often alleviating anxiety symptoms in combination with psychotherapy. Understanding these medication options and working closely with mental health professionals is crucial for effective treatment.

Understanding Medication Options

When it comes to medication for anxiety, there are many options, just like there are many flavors of ice cream. The choice of medication depends on the specific anxiety disorder and other health issues. Commonly prescribed medications include Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), and benzodiazepines.

Just as you’d choose your ice cream flavor based on your taste and dietary needs, your doctor will choose the right medication based on your specific needs and health condition.

Working with Mental Health Professionals

Just as you’d consult a mechanic before fixing your car, it’s crucial to work closely with mental health professionals when considering medication for anxiety. They can assess the benefits and risks associated with medications, ensuring you get the most effective treatment.

It’s also important to discuss any herbal supplements or vitamins you’re taking, as they may interact with prescribed medications.

Enhancing Therapy Effectiveness

Image of mountains representing anxiety treatment therapy success

The road to managing anxiety is not always smooth. There might be bumps, potholes, and even roadblocks along the way. But by enhancing therapy effectiveness, you can navigate these challenges more easily. Models like the Collaborative Care model (CoCM) integrate mental health care to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction, leading to improved mental and physical health outcomes. Our approach also addresses other mental health issues such as depression, trauma, and stress management.

Just like a driver needs to stay focused on the road, patients need to stay focused on their therapy. This can be achieved by committing to the therapeutic process, coping with setbacks constructively, and utilizing support networks. Let’s explore these strategies in more depth.

Committing to the Therapeutic Process

Committing to therapy is like sticking to a fitness regimen. It requires active participation, consistency, and motivation. Here are some tips to help you on your therapy journey:

  • Start with small, manageable steps

  • Set time-limited goals

  • Don’t be overly critical of yourself

  • Regularly evaluate your progress with your therapist

  • Use these evaluations to motivate further participation

Coping When Anxiety Feels Worse

There will be times when your anxiety feels like a storm you can’t weather. But remember, every storm passes. Developing personalized coping strategies and addressing setbacks constructively can help manage anxiety when it feels overwhelming.

It’s like having an umbrella in a storm, providing some relief and assistance when you need it the most.

Anxiety by the Numbers in Tampa and Beyond

At It Begins Within Healing Center, we serve individuals across Tampa, St. Petersburg, and the greater Tampa Bay area, where the need for trusted anxiety therapy continues to grow. We believe it’s important for all of us to recognize the prevalence of anxiety, and how many lives are actually impacted.

anxiety facts

  • According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 19.1% (or nearly 1 out of every 5 individuals you meet around Tampa) of U.S. adults experience an anxiety disorder each year — a number that underscores the importance of accessible therapy.

  • The rate of anxiety in children and adolescents is continuing to climb according to the CDC - about 9.4% of children aged 3-17 have been diagnosed with anxiety.

These statistics mirror what we encounter daily in our practice. Anxiety can disrupt relationships, hinder work or school performance, and make everyday tasks feel overwhelming.

Whether you’re a parent seeking anxiety therapy for your child in Tampa, or an adult looking to manage anxiety in your personal or professional life, our team at It Begins Within Healing Center is here to guide you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety Therapy in Tampa & St. Petersburg

What types of therapy are effective for treating anxiety?

There are several evidence-based therapies proven to help reduce anxiety. The most clinically-backed and effective approaches are: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Exposure Therapy. These approaches can help clients identify triggers, reframe negative thinking, and better manage anxiety symptoms.

Does cognitive behavioral therapy work for general anxiety disorder?

Yes, CBT is one of the most effective treatments specifically for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Research shows that CBT helps individuals manage persistent worry by changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors.

How do I know if I need therapy for anxiety?

If anxiety is interfering with your daily life, relationships, or overall health, it may be time to seek professional support. Symptoms such as racing thoughts, sleep problems, persistent worry, panic attacks, or social withdrawal could be signs of an anxiety disorder. Our therapists offer comprehensive assessments in both our Tampa and St. Pete offices to help identify the best path forward.

What is the best therapy for social anxiety disorder?

At It Begins Within we’ve had tremendous results for clients across Tampa and St. Pete utilizing a combination of CBT and exposure therapy. These therapies help individuals gradually confront feared social situations and reframe anxious thought patterns.

Is anxiety therapy available near me in Tampa or St. Pete?

Yes! IBW has conveniently located offices in both Tampa (near Westshore) and St. Petersburg (Pinellas Park). Our licensed anxiety therapists serve clients from across the Tampa Bay area, including Clearwater, Brandon, and Largo. We also offer virtual anxiety counseling throughout Florida.

Do you offer therapy for children with anxiety?

Absolutely. We provide play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy for childhood anxiety, and parent training to help children manage anxiety and related behaviors. If you're looking for child anxiety therapy near Tampa or St. Pete, our experienced counselors are here to support your family.

How long does anxiety therapy take to work?

Many clients begin seeing improvement within as few as 6–12 sessions, though the length of treatment varies based on the type of anxiety, individual circumstances, and consistency. Our therapists tailor every treatment plan to individual goals and needs.

Schedule Free Consultation

We offer comprehensive anxiety therapy St. Petersburg, FL, and offer free consultations for all of our skilled therapists. Our belief is that the strongest factor in your success through therapy is the relationship with your therapist - and we want to ensure that.