Growth Thru Change
Anxiety Therapy in Philadelphia
Anxiety therapy in Center City, Philadelphia. Virtual anxiety therapy sessions are available across Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Our expert anxiety therapists in Philadelphia are here to help you live happily in the present.

Feel & live in the present

Build genuine connections

Create resilience & emotional stability
It shouldn’t be so hard to live in the present.
When you are anxious, living in the present feels impossible—fear of judgment or rejection holds you back, leaving you stuck in self-doubt and unable to move forward. Trapped by past experiences, you’re bound by anxious patterns, overwhelmed and unable to let go. It’s exhausting to be constantly in your head, longing for peace you can’t seem to find.
At Growth thru Change, we provide anxiety therapy so you can break free from the grip of anxiety, empowering you to embrace authenticity, let go of the past, and thrive in the present.
I want my mind to feel quiet.
The constant noise in your mind leaves you feeling exhausted and unable to focus, as if you’re always on edge. Most days, it’s hard to tell whether you’re dealing with normal stress or anxiety. What you do know is that all you want is a moment of peace, but the chatter never stops, making it difficult to find clarity or rest.
At Growth thru Change, we offer anxiety therapy so you can break free from the grip of anxiety, so you can find the peace and clarity you need.
Anxiety Therapy in Philadelphia
Anxiety Therapy Can Help You:
- Recognize excitement without mistaking it for anxiety
- Breathe easily throughout the day
- Quiet the inner critic that never seems to stop
- Fall asleep and stay asleep more peacefully
- Avoid impulsive decisions and actions you later regret
- Build a deeper connection with yourself and others
- Experience anxiety without letting it take control
- Move through the world without constantly feeling on guard
- Live fully instead of merely coping
anxiety Therapy in Philadelphia
What Is Anxiety Therapy?
At Growth thru Change, our work is rooted in psychodynamic theory, exploring the deeper patterns and unconscious processes that shape thoughts, emotions, and relationships. This foundation allows us to guide clients toward lasting insight and meaningful transformation. While psychodynamic therapy is at the heart of our approach, we see immense value in integrating evidence-based treatments and innovative modalities, including EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). By combining these approaches, we help clients not only understand the origins of their struggles but also develop practical strategies for healing and growth.
The goal is to identify the root causes of your anxiety, challenge negative thought patterns, and develop coping strategies that help you regain control of your life. At Growth thru Change, we believe that with the right support, anxiety therapy can empower you to reduce stress, build resilience, and improve overall mental well-being.
Anxiety Therapy Is Helpful In Treating:
- Attachment anxiety
- Existential anxiety, or death anxiety
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Mixed Anxiety-Depressive Disorder
- Pregnancy and Postpartum anxiety
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Relationship anxiety
- Scrupulosity
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Work-related anxiety
Anxiety Therapy in Philadelphia
Types Of Therapies Used For Anxiety Treatment in Philadelphia
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy helps treat anxiety by exploring unconscious thought patterns and behaviors, allowing you to make connections between past and present experiences. Through profound self-discovery, you will gain awareness of underlying patterns and triggers, helping you to understand what your anxiety is trying to communicate and how to respond more effectively.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT teaches skills for emotion regulation, mindfulness practices, and distress tolerance techniques to help you manage overwhelming feelings associated with anxiety. It also focuses on enhancing interpersonal effectiveness, enabling you to navigate anxiety-inducing situations with greater confidence and resilience.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR treats anxiety by processing past traumatic experiences and working through anxiety-triggering memories. This helps reduce the impact of past events on present behavior, allowing you to heal and respond to anxiety with greater resilience.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
KAP combines traditional psychotherapy with ketamine medicine to help treat anxiety, particularly in cases where conventional treatments haven’t provided adequate relief. This innovative approach works by helping to quiet the overactive mind while creating opportunities for new perspectives on anxiety-producing thoughts and patterns. The treatment can help individuals step outside their usual anxiety responses and access a more peaceful state of mind, leading to lasting changes in how they process and respond to anxiety triggers. This treatment is offered through our sister organization, The Ko-Op, where trained clinicians provide safe, supervised sessions tailored to individual needs.
Get Started Today With Anxiety Therapy in Philadelphia
Helping you grow through change so you can live confidently, with less anxiety. Visit us for anxiety therapy in Philadelphia or online in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Dr. Sophia Brandstetter
PsyD, LCSW
Founder & Clinical Director
about Us | Therapy in Philadelphia
Why Work With
Growth thru Change
“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” - E.E. Cummings,
Change is hard. Doing it on your own is even harder. Our mission is to get to the root of the problem that is keeping you from creating a change that allows you to live fully as you.
We provide expert support to help you heal and grow and give you the tools you need to move forward with confidence and a belief in yourself that will carry you through your days.
Our diverse team of expert clinicians offers personalized care backed by extensive experience. We prioritize ongoing professional growth to ensure our therapists provide evidence-based support tailored to your needs.
Specializing in DBT, EMDR, and psychodynamic therapy, we help clients regain confidence, improve relationships, and approach life’s challenges with resilience and clarity.
We support your growth, through change.
Supporting your mental health journey with expert care.

Client-centered care
We tailor our therapeutic approach to meet your specific needs & we create a space where you’ll feel understood & empowered.

Empowerment through insight
We help you understand your thoughts, emotions, & behaviors, giving you the framework to create meaningful, lasting change.

Holistic healing
We address psychological, social, emotional, & relational factors, supporting holistic healing and helping you live life on your terms.
Anxiety THERAPists IN Philadelphia
Match With An Anxiety Therapist
Our team of skilled therapists will work with you to support your anxiety treatment needs. Visit our therapist page to learn more about each team member. In-person anxiety therapy in Center City, Philadelphia with online appointments across Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Our Approach | Therapy in Center City, Philadelphia
How Therapy At Growth thru Change Works
1. Start Where You Are
We meet you where you’re at, without judgment. This is about understanding what’s going on in your life and what’s bringing you here so you can begin to take that first step, at your own pace.
2. Understand the Patterns
Together, we’ll examine what’s beneath the surface—whether it’s long-standing struggles or recent challenges.
3. Dig Deeper Together
Therapy isn’t just about addressing surface-level issues; it’s about understanding the root cause. We will work with you to get to the heart of what’s been holding you back.
4. Move Forward with Support
As you apply new tools and perspectives, we’re here for continued support and real talk, celebrating your progress along the way and adapting as your needs evolve.
5. Create Lasting Change
We focus on making meaningful progress that feels authentic to you. Therapy isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about building the tools and resilience to navigate life’s complexities in a sustainable and realistic way.
anxiety THERAPY IN Philadelphia
Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety Therapy
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived danger, often involving feelings of worry, fear, or nervousness. While it can be helpful in certain situations, such as alerting us to potential threats, anxiety becomes a problem when it is persistent, excessive, or interferes with daily life. Chronic anxiety can lead to physical symptoms, emotional strain, and difficulty managing everyday tasks.
How do I know if I have anxiety or if I'm just experiencing normal stress?
Stress is a normal response to challenging situations. However, anxiety becomes a concern when it persists beyond specific stressors. You may be experiencing anxiety if you find yourself unable to get through a day without constant worry. Additionally, you may feel tense and unable to relax most of the time. If you frequently seek reassurance from others, your worry could be interfering with daily activities. Persistent fear about future events and anxiety that feels disproportionate to the situations you face are also common signs of anxiety.
Does therapy really work for anxiety?
Yes, therapy is an effective treatment for anxiety. Through therapy, you can uncover the root causes of your anxiety and understand how it developed as a protective mechanism. It helps you become aware of the unconscious patterns that drive your anxiety and teaches you to respond to triggers thoughtfully rather than reactively. Therapy also supports you in developing deeper self-understanding and creating lasting change through insight. By addressing the underlying causes of your anxiety, therapy helps you break free from repetitive anxious behaviors, offering long-term relief rather than just managing symptoms.
Why can't I just "get over" my anxiety?
Anxiety isn’t something you can simply “get over” because it often has deep roots in past experiences that shaped your responses to stress, protective mechanisms that once helped you cope, unconscious patterns developed over time, and early life experiences that impact current behaviors. Trying to ignore or fight anxiety often makes it stronger. While staying busy or seeking external solutions may provide temporary relief, lasting change requires understanding and working through the internal causes of your anxiety.
How long will it take to see improvements in my anxiety?
The journey through anxiety therapy is unique for each person and depends on the depth of past experiences explored, your commitment to the process, your willingness to examine underlying issues, and your individual circumstances. Rather than seeking quick fixes, therapy focuses on long-term, sustainable change. Our goal is to empower you to heal and flourish, with each step bringing you closer to lasting relief.
Is ketamine for anxiety an option if traditional therapy hasn't helped?
Anxiety Therapy in Philadelphia
Possible Outcomes You May Experience With Anxiety Therapy
With consistent use of the tools and strategies from anxiety therapy, you will gradually experience the following benefits:
- Fall asleep easily without racing thoughts
- Enjoy quiet moments without worry
- Experience life free from "what-if" scenarios
- Feel present without over-planning
- Engage in conversations without overthinking
- Experience anxiety without it controlling your actions
- Navigate challenges with resilience and confidence
- Feel equipped to handle future stressors
- Build a deeper relationship with yourself over time
Anxiety therapy helps you live fully with confidence and less worry.
A trusted name in healing journeys
Stories from Our Clients
Posted on Google claire raabTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Growth Thru Change in Philadelphia is an exceptional mental health practice that truly shines. They offer a comprehensive range of services, from individual and couples therapy to specialized support for anxiety, depression, and trauma. Their expertise extends to navigating grief and loss, strengthening relationships, building self-esteem, managing stress, and successfully transitioning through life's challenges. If you're seeking compassionate, skilled therapists in Philadelphia, Growth Thru Change is an outstanding choice."Posted on Google Andy SuttonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've known Sophia professionally for over a month now, and I can attest that she is very passionate about Growth Thru Change offering high-quality mental health care. She's determined to have her clinicians provide only the best for their clients. I highly recommend Growth Thru Change for anyone in Pennsylvania looking for help with their mental health!Posted on Google Jodi WarrenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Growth Thru Change offers a compassionate and supportive environment that made me feel comfortable from the start. With my therapist I developed a deeper understanding of myself. I’m truly grateful for the positive changes I’ve experienced since starting therapy here.Posted on Google Rina TeichTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Growth thru change has really helped me clear my mind and learn how to navigate life with better tools. I stress a lot less knowing i have someone to talk to about life’s issues who is experienced and calming. Thank you!Posted on Google Rochelle WizmurTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am so grateful for Dr. Sophia and Growth Thru Change. Dr. Sophia is very attentive, a great listener, and offers really great strategies and solutions for overcoming difficult life situations. Dr. Sophia always makes me feel calm and cared for. She treats me as she would treat her own family member. I am lucky to have found an amazing therapist like Dr. Sophia.Posted on Google Karen SmithTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Awesome practice. Talented, engaged therapists. They have all my professional respect.Posted on Google Elizabeth EarnshawTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sophia is a wonderful therapist. She is kind, compassionate, and highly ethical in the work she does. I am always confident to refer to her and her team :)Posted on Google Susan RovelloTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As a a psychotherapist myself I know what to look for when seeking help. As a recipient of services I have to say that I could not have received more professional and compassionate care. The degree of expertise and the careful attention to comfort and safety are unparalleled. I highly recommend!!
therapy in Philadelphia
Get Started With Growth thru Change in Philadelphia
If you’re ready to begin therapy at Growth thru Change, you can reach out using our contact form. If you’d prefer to skip this step and get started right away, simply click the button below to schedule a free consultation with the clinician of your choice.
To book an appointment or a free consultation with one of our therapists, click the button below.
Center City
1625 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146
East Falls
3580 W Indian Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129
Virtual therapy sessions are available across Pennsylvania and New Jersey




