Life in beautiful St. Petersburg, FL, often feels vibrant and full of sunshine, but for many, constant worry, unease, or fear can dim even the brightest days. If anxiety is affecting your ability to relax, focus, or enjoy life, therapy can help you find balance again. At Leslie Psychology, Dr. Sara Leslie provides compassionate, evidence-based anxiety therapy designed to help you regain control, develop confidence, and move forward with a greater sense of peace.
Whether your anxiety stems from work stress, personal relationships, or health concerns, therapy offers a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings. With nearly two decades of experience helping adults throughout Florida, Dr. Leslie offers both short-term counseling and long-term psychotherapy, in-person and via telehealth, tailored to your needs. Her gentle yet goal-oriented approach helps clients build insight, resilience, and lasting emotional well-being.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural human response to stress, but when worry or fear becomes overwhelming or constant, it can interfere with your ability to function. You may feel tense, restless, or “on edge” much of the time. You might struggle to concentrate, experience physical symptoms such as headaches or rapid heartbeat, or find yourself avoiding certain situations altogether.
While everyone feels anxious occasionally, chronic anxiety can make everyday life feel exhausting. Understanding your anxiety is the first step toward healing, and therapy can help you identify its causes, triggers, and patterns so you can begin to feel more grounded and at ease.
What Are the Types of Anxiety?
Anxiety can take many different forms, and recognizing the type you’re experiencing can help you better understand your symptoms and find the right treatment. Some of the most common types include:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Persistent and excessive worry about everyday situations such as work, relationships, or health, even when there’s little reason for concern.
- Panic Disorder. Sudden and intense episodes of fear or panic accompanied by physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, or shortness of breath.
- Social Anxiety Disorder. Intense fear of social situations or being judged by others, often leading to avoidance of gatherings or public speaking.
- Extreme fear of specific objects or situations, such as flying, heights, or confined spaces.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Repetitive, intrusive thoughts or urges (obsessions) and behaviors performed to reduce anxiety (compulsions).
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Anxiety that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, often involving flashbacks, hypervigilance, or emotional numbness.
Every individual’s experience with anxiety is unique. Dr. Leslie tailors therapy to the specific challenges you face, helping you learn to manage symptoms and restore a sense of calm and control.
How Do I Know if I Need an Anxiety Therapist?
You may benefit from working with an anxiety therapist if you experience:
- Persistent worry that feels hard to control
- Racing thoughts or constant “what if” scenarios
- Physical symptoms such as tension, fatigue, or shortness of breath
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Avoiding social situations, work tasks, or daily responsibilities
- A sense that your anxiety is keeping you from living fully
If these experiences sound familiar, you don’t have to face them alone. Counseling for anxiety provides a supportive and structured way to understand what’s happening beneath the surface and learn practical tools for managing anxiety more effectively.
Can Anxiety Cause Other Mental Health Challenges?
Yes. Ongoing anxiety can affect not only your emotional well-being but also your physical health and relationships. Left untreated, it can contribute to depression, chronic stress, insomnia, and physical symptoms like muscle pain or digestive issues. It can also make it harder to focus, connect with others, or enjoy activities you once loved.
Because the mind and body are deeply connected, Dr. Leslie believes in addressing anxiety holistically, looking at both your mental and physical health to create a personalized treatment plan that supports your whole self.
What Happens During Anxiety Therapy?
Anxiety therapy is a collaborative process where you and Dr. Leslie work together to explore what’s driving your symptoms and develop healthy coping strategies. You’ll learn how to recognize patterns of anxious thinking, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and practice new ways to respond to stress.
Dr. Leslie uses a compassionate, client-centered approach that allows you to move at your own pace. You’ll gain insight into your emotions and learn how to manage anxiety in a sustainable, empowering way. Whether you prefer short-term therapy focused on specific goals or longer-term support for deeper emotional growth, your sessions will be designed around your individual needs.
My Qualifications as an Anxiety Therapist
Dr. Sara Leslie is a licensed psychologist (License #PY 8251) with over 17 years of clinical experience helping adults throughout Florida. She earned her Doctorate and Master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology from the Florida School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University in Tampa and completed her postdoctoral work at the University of South Florida’s Center for Counseling, Health, & Wellness in St. Petersburg.
Her extensive background includes experience in both psychological testing and psychotherapy. Dr. Leslie’s philosophy emphasizes the mind-body connection and the importance of understanding the whole person, not just the symptoms. Her clients appreciate her warm, genuine presence and her ability to make even the first session feel safe and supportive.
Start Your Journey With Anxiety Therapy Today
Taking the first step toward healing is often the hardest, but you’ve already begun by seeking support. You deserve to feel calm, confident, and in control of your life again.
Dr. Sara Leslie would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey to peace and well-being. Reach out today to schedule your first appointment and begin finding freedom from anxiety.