Anxiety Therapy
in Naperville.
Evidence-based treatment to break free from worry, fear, and panic
At Ascend Therapy in Naperville, we specialize in proven, structured approaches that go beyond generic coping skills—helping you understand, confront, and overcome anxiety for good.
What is Anxiety Therapy?
Anxiety is more than just excessive worry—it's a full-body experience that hijacks your nervous system. At Ascend Therapy in Naperville, our evidence-based anxiety treatment includes:
- Cognitive Restructuring: Unlearning the thought patterns that trigger panic and worry.
- Somatic Processing: Calming the physical symptoms like racing heart and chest tightness.
- Exposure Therapy: Safely retraining your brain to handle uncertainty without avoidance.
- Mindfulness: Developing the ability to observe anxious thoughts without being controlled by them.
Your Brain on Anxiety
When anxiety takes hold, your amygdala—the brain's alarm system—fires constantly, even when there's no real danger. This creates a cycle: anxious thoughts trigger physical symptoms, which reinforce the belief that something is wrong, which generates more anxious thoughts.
Our therapists help you interrupt this cycle at every point. Through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), you learn to challenge distorted thinking. Through exposure, you teach your brain that the feared outcomes don't actually occur. Through acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), you develop psychological flexibility.
Sound Familiar?
You might be a good fit if...
- You lie awake at night with racing thoughts you can't turn off
- You constantly seek reassurance but the relief never lasts
- You avoid situations, places, or conversations because of "what if"
- Physical symptoms (chest tightness, nausea, dizziness) accompany your worry
- You've tried to "just relax" but it never works
- You're high-functioning on the outside but exhausted on the inside
- You're ready to learn skills that actually work—not just talk about feelings
Specializations
Anxiety conditions we treat.
Anxiety manifests differently for everyone. We specialize in treating the full spectrum of anxiety disorders.
Our Approach
Evidence-based treatment methods.
We don't just talk about anxiety—we give you the tools to dismantle it.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
Identify and challenge the thought patterns that fuel your anxiety. Learn to distinguish between realistic concerns and anxiety-driven distortions.
ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy)
Stop fighting your anxious thoughts and learn to take meaningful action despite them. Build psychological flexibility.
Exposure Therapy
Gradually face feared situations in a controlled way, teaching your brain that you can handle uncertainty and discomfort.
Mindfulness
Develop present-moment awareness to break the cycle of anticipatory anxiety and rumination.
Treatment Process
What to expect in treatment.
Assessment
We'll map out your specific anxiety patterns, triggers, and goals in your first sessions.
Psychoeducation
Understand how anxiety works in your brain and body—knowledge is power.
Skill Building
Learn and practice specific techniques tailored to your type of anxiety.
Gradual Exposure
Face fears at your own pace, building confidence with each step.
Maintenance
Develop a relapse prevention plan so you can maintain gains long-term.
Our Therapists
Meet your anxiety specialists.
All of our therapists are trained in evidence-based anxiety treatment.
Sara Banks, LCSW
Specialties
Practice owner specializing in anxiety, OCD, and trauma using CBT, ACT, and EMDR.
Takeisha Rheams, LCPC
Specialties
Works with teens and young adults experiencing anxiety and life transitions.
Dr. Jonathan Woodin, PsyD
Specialties
Clinical psychologist using ACT and DBT for anxiety and values-based living.
Nagla Mostafa, LMFT
Specialties
15+ years experience treating anxiety within relationship and family contexts.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions.
Most clients see meaningful improvement within 12-16 sessions of CBT or ACT. However, the exact timeline depends on the severity of symptoms, type of anxiety, and how consistently you practice skills between sessions.
Exposure is a core component of effective anxiety treatment, but it's always done gradually and at your pace. You're never forced into anything. Most clients find that exposure is less scary than they anticipated and incredibly empowering.
Not all therapy is created equal. Many people with anxiety have done 'talk therapy' that didn't include the active, skills-based components that research shows are most effective. Our approach is structured, goal-oriented, and specifically designed for anxiety.
We do not prescribe medication as we are not psychiatrists. However, we can coordinate with your prescriber if you're taking or considering medication. Many clients find therapy alone is sufficient.
Yes! We offer telehealth sessions throughout Illinois. Research shows that online CBT and exposure therapy are just as effective as in-person treatment for most anxiety conditions.
Ready to Find Calm?
Anxiety is treatable. You don't have to carry this weight forever. Expert care is available right here in Naperville.