Aviva Psychology Services
Therapy for anxiety in Massachusetts
Helping those who feel overwhelmed by worry and emotional exhaustion to reclaim calm, connection, and confidence.
Is it always this hard to feel okay?
When we feel anxious, even simple things can feel impossible. You might be pushing through your day, trying to hold it together, but inside, you're constantly on edge. Maybe you’re stuck in your head, overthinking every choice and interaction. Or maybe your heart races when you open your inbox. It’s exhausting and not getting better on its own.
Anxiety doesn’t just stress you out. It wears you down.
- You feel tense, irritable, or emotionally raw
- Sleep is light or restless, and mornings start with dread
- You cancel plans or avoid trying new things
- You second-guess everything, even good moments
At Aviva, our psychologists support adults who are ready for change. We specialize in treating anxiety with evidence based approaches that are grounded in science and built on a strong relational foundation of trust. We help you build the tools to feel more present and grounded.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a common state and experience for all humans. We have an inherent fight or flight response that is triggered whenever there is a perceived threat. From an evolutionary perspective, this is a positive, protective response; it's what keeps us safe. For some of us, however, the fight or flight response is overactive and triggered in everyday occurrences, even when there is no true threat to our safety. Over time, an overactive fight/flight response causes undue stress on one’s body and brain, which may lead to unwanted physiological and emotional symptoms.
Symptoms of anxiety include:
- Feeling keyed up or on edge all day
- Avoiding situations that feel too overwhelming
- Constant self doubt and/or inner pressure to “do more” or “be better”
- Panic symptoms like racing heart or shallow breathing
- Trouble staying focused or falling asleep
Anxiety can be generalized or specific to certain events, situations, or people. You can learn more about types of anxiety disorders here.
Evidence Based Treatment for Anxiety
Our doctoral-level Licensed Psychologists have expertise in helping adults manage anxiety and stress-related challenges, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), OCD, panic disorder, social anxiety, and health-related anxiety. Therapy for anxiety at Aviva is supportive, skill-building, and evidence-based. Our psychologists utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) to help clients change unhelpful thought patterns, reduce avoidance, and build resilience. Mindfulness-based approaches are also woven into care to enhance present-moment awareness and reduce reactivity.
Our approach is both relational and evidence-based. That means we build trust with you, explore the roots of your anxiety, and teach practical tools you can use in everyday life. We respect your pace, your goals, and your strengths. We see you as a whole person with the capacity for growth and meaningful change. You can learn more about our approaches to treatment here.
What's next?
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but we keep the process simple and supportive. Here’s what to expect:
Request an Appointment
Once you complete the form, we will reach out. If we have a fitting opening, we schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to assess fit further together.
Assessment and Planning
The first 2-4 sessions involve assessing your history, symptoms, and goals. Together, you and your psychologist will establish a treatment plan and discuss next steps.
Ongoing Weekly Sessions
Sessions are typically weekly for 55 minutes at a consistent time. You and your psychologist will focus on your treatment needs and goals.
Life without constant worry and self doubt
Imagine starting your day with a sense of clarity rather than dread. Daily responsibilities still exist, but they feel manageable. Stress no longer leads to emotional overwhelm and you follow through on commitments, not from fear or pressure, but from desire and a sense of alignment with your values. You feel more connected in your relationships and less preoccupied by self-doubt and over analysis.
Evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and mindfulness-based interventions have been clinically tested and shown to significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve quality of life. With the right treatment, individuals can experience lasting changes in how they think, feel, and function— regaining a sense of agency and psychological flexibility in their daily lives.
Benefits of therapy for anxiety
More peace of mind
Learn how to calm racing thoughts and stop the mental spiral.
Better sleep & energy
Reduce stress-related fatigue, tension, and restlessness.
Stronger relationships
Feel more present, connected, and engaged with the people in your life.
FAQs about anxiety treatment
How do I know if I need therapy for my anxiety?
If symptoms of anxiety are interfering with your daily life, whether it’s your work, relationships, or sense of well-being, therapy can help. You don’t have to wait until things feel unbearable to get help.
How long does treatment for anxiety take?
Everyone’s process is different, but many people start to feel relief within 4-6 sessions. Treating anxiety is about overcoming avoidance and building long-term skills and perspective shifts. The process moves at your own pace and you will engage in onoging discussion with your psychologist about your pogress and goals.
Can therapy help if I’ve had anxiety my whole life?
Yes. Anxiety is treatable at any stage. No matter how long you’ve struggled, you can learn new ways to cope and feel better.
Will therapy just be talking?
No, treating anxiety is action-oriented. We’ll give you practical tools and strategies to help you manage anxiety in real-life situations. You may have homework and will be asked to practice skills between sessions to support learning and change.
Do I need a diagnosis to start therapy?
No. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to benefit from therapy. Many people begin simply because they want tools to manage stress, worry, or anxious thoughts more effectively.
[Take our quick self-check quiz] to see if therapy might be helpful for you.
