Is Working Well Without Stress Possible?
Work is one of the most common sources of stress for Americans, particularly New Yorkers. Even if you love what you do, the pressure of consistently performing at a high level and putting in long hours can leave you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, perhaps even exhausted.
In our culture, much of our sense of self-worth is deeply tied to our work. We take pride in a work well done. On the other side of the coin, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to perform well and to be perceived as such by our bosses and our colleagues. High pressure work environment makes matters worse when the stress of others is palpable and elevates our own stress level. When left unmanaged, work stress can become chronic.
Effects of Chronic Stress
Chronic, out-of-control stress can put your long-term health at risk.
Work stress therapy can help you alleviate work-related stress, anxiety and nervousness. Stress can cause real physical issues, which are often difficult to reverse. Therapy for stress gives you the tools you need to protect your current and future health and wellbeing.
What Causes Work-Related Stress?
Chronic, out-of-control stress can put your long-term health at risk.
Persistent, frequent headaches
Upset stomach
Chest pains
Insomnia
Exhaustion and fatigue
Muscle aches
Anxiety
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling unmotivated
Loss of confidence
Loss of interest in usual pleasures
Over- or under-eating
Alcohol and substance abuse
What Causes Work-Related Stress?
A range of situations can contribute to work-related stress. Some people are overworked because they’ve been given unrealistic goals and deadlines, are expected to put in long hours, or lack support from their managers or colleagues.
If you are an executive or CEO, stress may be a part of your day-to-day you have to live with and learn to thrive in.
For others, unclear expectations or finding themselves in roles they aren't prepared for or never wanted are a source of ongoing anxiety. Your personality might clash with your supervisor’s or a co-worker, or you may be experiencing bullying, discrimination, or exclusion from cliques. Many people suffer from "imposter syndrome" or other forms of insecurity that make even routine tasks feel high-stakes.
The key to learning how to cope with such stress is identifying its root cause. A skilled work stress therapist can help you explore the possible sources of your work stress and find the right coping strategies for your situation.
Coping Techniques to Reduce Work-Related Stress
During work stress therapy, we’ll teach you skills and strategies for managing your stress. Depending on your situation and needs, your therapist will use techniques such as:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
This form of talk therapy helps you to identify negative thoughts and behavior patterns that trigger stress and replace them with healthier, positive ones that bring confidence and a sense of control.
With increased confidence and healthier thought patterns, you’ll be able to deal with stressful situations more effectively.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
A type of therapy focusing on paying attention to the present moment, accepting thoughts and emotions as they are, and allowing them to exist without judgment.
As you focus on the present, you’ll learn to accept your thoughts and emotions non-judgmentally and be fully absorbed in the task at end without distractions.
Somatic or Body-Oriented Therapy
If you have a specific UnitedHealthcare insurance plan, select it from the available options. This ensures that you find therapists within your network and covered by your insurance.
Breathwork and Visualization tools
As part of work stress therapy, you will learn to use your breath to slow your heart rate, which is an immediate method for escaping intense stress and calming your systems.
You will also learn visualization exercises which channel the charged emotions of stress into energy to propel you forward.
Stress Management Therapy
While some curveballs are to be expected, the intensity of our work stress can be managed and lowered to the point where work is fulfilling and engaging.
Stress Management Therapy focuses on skill building and incorporating tools to increase one's wellbeing and avoid chronic stress and burnout.
Top-rated Work Stress Therapists in New York
Choosing the right psychotherapist can be an overwhelming challenge, which is why we strive to make it as easy as possible to find top-rated anxiety therapists in New York. No matter how intense your anxiety, Manhattan Mental Health Counseling has many anxiety therapists available to help.
Our New York work stress therapists can be found on the Meet the Team page. Note that our stress therapists also provide online therapy, so you can get the help you need from the comfort of your home.
Klara Choi, MHC-LP
Klara uses a compassionate, eclectic approach rooted in psychoanalytic, behavioral, and cognitive therapies to guide individuals through trauma, work stress and emotional challenges, empowering them to heal, grow, and create a balanced, values-driven life.
Stephanie Maldonado, LMHC
Stephanie Maldonado uses a compassionate, transformative approach rooted in CBT and CPT to guide clients through depression, anxiety, work stress and PTSD, empowering them to break free from negative patterns and embrace a future of healing and resilience.
Patricia Castillo, MHC-LP
Patricia uses a strength-based, positive psychology approach to guide clients through PTSD, anxiety, work stress, depression, and grief, empowering them to uncover their core values, build resilience, and maximize their potential for personal fulfillment and well-being.
Get Started Today
We’d love to hear from you! After you submit the form, you'll receive an email with a link to book a screening call at your convenience. We're excited to help you on your journey!
Find Work Stress Therapists
Filter our therapists by the type of therapy you need.