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4,971 people sought anxiety therapy help at Greenville in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a anxiety can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina | BCBS, Carelon, +19 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +7 more

15 more therapist available in South Carolina

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Heather Smith

Hear from Heather Smith, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Heather Smith's profile

What is your go-to approach for anxiety therapy?

I work with clients to identify coping skills, determine triggers, collect personal data related to anxiety and coping throughout the week, and practice skills and techniques in anxious situations.

What tools do you teach in anxiety therapy?

I teach the following tools in anxiety therapy:

  • 5 Senses grounding technique: Identify 5 things you see, 4 things you feel (physically), 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, 1 thing you taste. This will help you focus on your surroundings, distract from the stressor, confirm you are safe and not in danger, etc. You can do this at any time, anywhere, for any emotion or reason. You can even get tricky with it and identify 5 blue things, or other specifics.
  • Following a negative with a positive: When you have a negative thought or feeling, go ahead and let it out. It’s valid and important to recognize. But then you have to follow the negatives with a positive thought. For example, thinking “I'm frustrated that *negative*, but at least I can *positive*.” The point is to recognize the good and recondition your brain to end on the positive rather than maintaining the negative (which can easily carry over into the next stressor).
  • Mantras/affirmations: Come up with 2-3 phrases you can repeat to yourself when anxious or in an immediately stressful/panic situation. This gives your brain an easy thing to distract with because it is already used to the phrase and naturally completes it for you.
  • Using different parts of the brain simultaneously: During any coping or grounding technique, try to engage in a physical activity of some kind in order to stimulate another part of the brain. This helps with fighting off the anxiety/stress. This can be anything from wiggling your toes to using a fidget toy to taking a walk.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in anxiety therapy?

I know a client is making meaningful progress in anxiety therapy when they report more success intervening early on in the anxiety process, verbalize feeling better each week, can maintain a comfortable anxiety baseline regularly, and overcome random anxiety flare-ups.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement anxiety therapy?

Clients can supplement their time in anxiety therapy by journaling or logging their anxiety level each day, identifying mantras or affirmations to repeat when anxiety begins or becomes unbearable, and practicing learned coping/relaxation/mindfulness techniques.

What should someone do to prepare for starting anxiety therapy?

To prepare for your first anxiety therapy session, you can develop a list of known symptoms, triggers, and previous coping strategies.

Starting Anxiety therapy

What is anxiety therapy?

Anxiety therapy helps people better understand and manage their anxiety. Anxiety therapists at Thriveworks in Greenville, SC can develop a treatment plan that will help you better manage your day-to-day anxiety or your anxiety disorder.

How does anxiety therapy work?

Anxiety therapy involves talking to a therapist about symptoms, potential causes, and more. Thriveworks Greenville therapists will then work with you to determine where your anxiety might stem from and teach you effective coping mechanisms.

How to deal with anxiety?

One of the best ways to deal with anxiety is to learn about your own anxiety: your symptoms, what triggers it, and what coping mechanisms have been effective in the past. When you learn what your anxiety is tied to, it can help you be mindful of what’s really happening as well as prevent and mitigate symptoms by processing and working through the issue in therapy. Other strategies that have been shown to help manage anxiety are meditation, challenging anxious thoughts, exercising, and journaling.

Symptoms of anxiety

Common symptoms of anxiety include:

  • Sense of impending danger
  • Nervousness/restlessness
  • Trouble focusing
  • Excessive sweating
  • Shaking
  • Headaches
  • Stomach issues
  • Fatigue
  • Panic attacks
  • Increased heart rate

What is the best therapy for anxiety?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be incredibly effective in treating anxiety and anxiety disorders. Other effective techniques include exposure therapy, Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and EMDR therapy.

Is anxiety therapy conducted in person or online?

Anxiety therapy is conducted both in person and online, depending on the individual’s preferences and their therapist’s availability. We suggest choosing the option that best suits your needs.

How long does anxiety therapy last?

On average, people can tend to attend 15 to 20 session of anxiety therapy (five or more months). However, this number is heavily dependent on the type of anxiety that’s being treated and its severity, with many choosing to attend anxiety therapy for a longer period of time to ensure its effectiveness long-term.

Is therapy worth it for anxiety?

Yes, it is worth going to therapy for anxiety. If you are struggling with regular anxious thoughts and feelings that are affecting your day-to-day life or you suspect that you have an anxiety disorder, you should seek expert anxiety help.

Need more help deciding?

Anxiety Counseling – Therapists and Counselors in Greenville, SC

At Thriveworks Anxiety Counseling of Greenville, we believe that the devastating effects of anxiety can be treated. You can overcome this! We are here to help. There’s never been a better time to get help for your anxiety than right now: (864) 952-4048

What Are the Symptoms of Anxiety?

Symptoms of anxiety include:

  • Feelings of dread, panic, or danger
  • Obsessions regarding certain thoughts, fears, or ideas
  • Difficulty resting or falling asleep
  • Excessive worry
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Increased sweating
  • Feeling compelled to perform certain behaviors
  • A strong avoidance of specific tasks or activities
  • Increased gastrointestinal issues
  • Muscle tension
  • Shaking or trembling

Why Thriveworks?

At Thriveworks Anxiety Counseling of Greenville, our therapists have undergone intense clinical training to help you reduce anxiety and depression, and in some cases eliminate these issues altogether. Our therapists can help you with your depression by:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to anxiety.
  • Exposure Therapy: Gradually exposes individuals to feared situations or stimuli in a controlled manner, helping to desensitize them to anxiety triggers.
  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): Utilizes mindfulness techniques to increase present-moment awareness and reduce anxiety symptoms.
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages individuals to accept difficult emotions while committing to actions aligned with personal values, promoting psychological flexibility and well-being.
  • Relaxation Techniques: Teaches individuals relaxation exercises such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery to reduce physical and emotional tension.
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focuses on emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills to manage anxiety symptoms and improve coping.

Take the first step towards healing. Call now to schedule your appointment with an anxiety counselor. (864) 952-4048

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Greenville therapists and counselors accept 26 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan | BCBS PPO

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina | BCBS

  • Carelon

  • Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance (CBHA)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

Show more
Self-pay costs at Greenville
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.9 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Samer has done a great job getting to know our son and providing best practices to help him. He is personable and professional. We look forward to seeing our son make progress and move in the right direction.
Read more Samer has done a great job getting to know our son and providing best practices to help him. He is personable and professional. We look forward to seeing our son make progress and move in the right direction.
Crystal Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
I had a good therapist for 3 sessions and unfortunately, she had to leave the area for family reasons. I met for the first time with my new therapist and it went well, so all is good. So far, Thriveworks has been wonderful !
Read more I had a good therapist for 3 sessions and unfortunately, she had to leave the area for family reasons. I met for the first time with my new therapist and it went well, so all is good. So far, Thriveworks has been wonderful !
Roger Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Kathy Hope is certainly committed to following Jesus Christ and is grounded in her beliefs and knowledge of the Bible. She offers wise counsel based on these beliefs, but is nonjudgmental and attentive to listening to others with compassion, understanding and care. She is thoughtful and wise in her counsel. She can be counted on to be trustworthy and ethical.
Read more Kathy Hope is certainly committed to following Jesus Christ and is grounded in her beliefs and knowledge of the Bible. She offers wise counsel based on these beliefs, but is nonjudgmental and attentive to listening to others with compassion, understanding and care. She is thoughtful and wise in her counsel. She can be counted on to be trustworthy and ethical.
Greenville Jul 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Kathleen Horn was so understanding and non-judgmental. She was really nice to work with and had a way of making me look at and think about things differently. She worked with me on coping skills and changing my thoughts so I could change behaviors and feel better. She helped me through a tough time and now I feel a lot less depressed and anxious. I would go to her again. Thank you for all of your help!
Read more Kathleen Horn was so understanding and non-judgmental. She was really nice to work with and had a way of making me look at and think about things differently. She worked with me on coping skills and changing my thoughts so I could change behaviors and feel better. She helped me through a tough time and now I feel a lot less depressed and anxious. I would go to her again. Thank you for all of your help!
Greenville Jan 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
LaKimberly Dowdell was an excellent counselor. She was a great listener, while at the same time knowing precisely the right moment to provide her expert knowledge. She is very personable and caring, yet knows what to say to support the change you are seeking. I highly recommend her.
Read more LaKimberly Dowdell was an excellent counselor. She was a great listener, while at the same time knowing precisely the right moment to provide her expert knowledge. She is very personable and caring, yet knows what to say to support the change you are seeking. I highly recommend her.
Greenville Jan 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
The only reason why my Family stopped going to see Ms. Dowdell is because I had to change jobs and at the time my schedule would not allow us to continue services. She made sure my Family had a great transition to another Provider and that we had continuity of care. Now that my schedule has a little more flexibility, I am very thankful to be able to continue services with Ms. Dowdell who still remembers my Family’s history like we were just in her office yesterday (over 1 year ago)! She listens intently and never puts you down, and helps you understand your emotions and what issues and problems you may be going through in a way that you can understand but clearly. Personally, I deal with a lot of stress and being pulled in a lot of directions, and would when I felt as though my words did not make sense coming out of my mouth, she would know how to piece together what I was saying and not make me feel bad for being too vulnerable and made my therapy sessions a safe space to learn and grow from them. I am forever grateful for how she is helping my Family accept what we need to accept, change what we need to change, and heal from the root of our wounds; wounds I did not know were there. I highly recommend her.
Read more The only reason why my Family stopped going to see Ms. Dowdell is because I had to change jobs and at the time my schedule would not allow us to continue services. She made sure my Family had a great transition to another Provider and that we had continuity of care. Now that my schedule has a little more flexibility, I am very thankful to be able to continue services with Ms. Dowdell who still remembers my Family’s history like we were just in her office yesterday (over 1 year ago)! She listens intently and never puts you down, and helps you understand your emotions and what issues and problems you may be going through in a way that you can understand but clearly. Personally, I deal with a lot of stress and being pulled in a lot of directions, and would when I felt as though my words did not make sense coming out of my mouth, she would know how to piece together what I was saying and not make me feel bad for being too vulnerable and made my therapy sessions a safe space to learn and grow from them. I am forever grateful for how she is helping my Family accept what we need to accept, change what we need to change, and heal from the root of our wounds; wounds I did not know were there. I highly recommend her.
Greenville Aug 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Emily was the first therapist I had ever gone to after thinking for a long time it would be good for me. I was stuck in a rut and repeating patterns and using coping skills that were no longer helpful to me. She helped me work through many of my personal issues, some which had been stewing since childhood. She always knew when to push and when to back off if a certain issue was too sensitive at that time. She is honest yet kind. I was sad to see her move out of Chicago but I will forever be grateful for the tools she helped me to develop for dealing with the sh**show that life can be sometimes. She helped me get back into alignment with who I really am as a person. I would highly recommend her for anyone who is struggling or even just looking for a little more balance in their lives.
Read more Emily was the first therapist I had ever gone to after thinking for a long time it would be good for me. I was stuck in a rut and repeating patterns and using coping skills that were no longer helpful to me. She helped me work through many of my personal issues, some which had been stewing since childhood. She always knew when to push and when to back off if a certain issue was too sensitive at that time. She is honest yet kind. I was sad to see her move out of Chicago but I will forever be grateful for the tools she helped me to develop for dealing with the sh**show that life can be sometimes. She helped me get back into alignment with who I really am as a person. I would highly recommend her for anyone who is struggling or even just looking for a little more balance in their lives.
Greenville Aug 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Emily has been an amazing help in my life for the past couple of years. She helped me see my worth when I couldn't see it myself. She helped me with my grief after losing my father. She helped me overcome my addictions with drugs and alcohol. She taught me to be kind to myself and that everyday is not gonna be an amazing day and that's okay. She helped me accept that I don't have to know the outcomes to big life changes that it's best to go with the flow, wear life like a loose garment. Emily is such and amazing counselor and I am forever grateful for everything she helped me see. Emily cares tremendously and I know deep in my heart she is gonna continue being the sunshine in many more client lives. Emily has made a huge impact on my life and I don't think I will ever find a counselor as down to earth as she is. Chicago misses you already!!! :) :) :)
Read more Emily has been an amazing help in my life for the past couple of years. She helped me see my worth when I couldn't see it myself. She helped me with my grief after losing my father. She helped me overcome my addictions with drugs and alcohol. She taught me to be kind to myself and that everyday is not gonna be an amazing day and that's okay. She helped me accept that I don't have to know the outcomes to big life changes that it's best to go with the flow, wear life like a loose garment. Emily is such and amazing counselor and I am forever grateful for everything she helped me see. Emily cares tremendously and I know deep in my heart she is gonna continue being the sunshine in many more client lives. Emily has made a huge impact on my life and I don't think I will ever find a counselor as down to earth as she is. Chicago misses you already!!! :) :) :)
Greenville Aug 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Greenville is located on Pointe Circle Circle off Pelham Road, near the La Quinta Inn. We are located in the back corner of the building complex, and currently share the building with Chumney & Associates and STORY Web Design, among other businesses. Next door you will find Tom James Clothing Company.

Phone number

(864) 301-6458

Languages spoken by SC providers

  • Arabic
  • English
  • Spanish
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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