Anxiety at Work: How Exposure Therapy Helps You Handle Feedback, Conflict, and High-Pressure Moments

Julia Koroleva
Dec 24, 2025
2 min read

Workplace anxiety is common—especially in fast-paced environments like New York City. Many professionals find themselves feeling overwhelmed during feedback sessions, difficult conversations, team meetings, or high-pressure tasks. These reactions are normal, and they can be addressed effectively with structured support.

At New Horizons Therapy NY, we provide online exposure therapy to help clients gradually build confidence in situations that trigger workplace-related anxiety. Exposure therapy is a well-established, evidence-based treatment within cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that helps reduce avoidance and increase tolerance for anxiety-provoking situations.

Understanding Workplace Anxiety in NYC

Workplace anxiety can show up in many ways, including:

Feeling nervous or overwhelmed when receiving feedback
Avoiding difficult conversations or conflict
Worrying extensively before meetings or presentations
Hesitating to speak up or share opinions
Experiencing physical symptoms such as tension, racing heart, or restlessness

These patterns often persist because avoidance temporarily relieves anxiety—reinforcing the fear over time. Exposure therapy helps interrupt that cycle.

How Exposure Therapy Addresses Workplace Challenges

Exposure therapy involves gradually and intentionally facing situations that trigger anxiety. The process is done collaboratively with your therapist, at a pace that feels manageable and supportive.

1. Becoming More Comfortable Receiving Feedback

For some, feedback can trigger fear of criticism, judgment, or underperformance. Through exposure therapy, clients may practice:

Reviewing hypothetical or neutral feedback
Role-playing supervisor conversations
Discussing past experiences in a controlled, supportive way

This helps reduce sensitivity to feedback over time and increases emotional tolerance.

2. Approaching Conflict More Confidently

Conflict is a natural part of professional environments, but for many, it feels intimidating. In exposure therapy, conflict-related work may include:

Practicing assertive communication
Role-playing difficult conversations
Gradually addressing situations that feel uncomfortable

These exercises help clients become more prepared and less avoidant.

3. Navigating High-Pressure Moments More Effectively

Some professionals experience increased anxiety during presentations, meetings, or situations requiring quick decisions. Exposure therapy can help by:

Practicing simulated performance situations
Preparing for meetings or presentations in session
Discussing internal sensations and responses

This helps build familiarity and reduces the intensity of anxious reactions over time.

Why Exposure Therapy Is Helpful

Exposure therapy works by helping individuals:

Reduce avoidance behaviors
Become more comfortable with uncertainty and discomfort
Increase confidence in challenging situations
Learn new behavioral and emotional responses

Many clients find that, with time and practice, situations that once felt overwhelming become more manageable.

Why Professionals Choose New Horizons Therapy NY

At New Horizons Therapy NY, we understand the demands professionals face throughout New York. Our therapists provide:

Online exposure therapy tailored to workplace challenges
Individualized treatment plans based on your unique triggers and goals
Supportive, collaborative sessions focused on gradual progress
Flexible virtual appointments to accommodate busy schedules

Whether your anxiety shows up in meetings, communication, performance expectations, or everyday workplace interactions, therapy can help you navigate these moments with greater confidence and emotional resilience.

Take the First Step Toward Feeling More Confident at Work

Workplace anxiety can interfere with your day-to-day well-being, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. With structured exposure therapy and consistent support, you can learn to approach challenging situations with more stability and confidence.