Performance Anxiety Support
Strategies to manage panic during presentations, performances, and high-stakes moments.
Last Updated: October 28, 2025 | Expert Reviewed: Jesse Cynamon, RP (CRPO #10979)
Work with a CRPO-registered psychotherapist who understands high-performing professionals, students, and parents navigating constant worry and burnout.
Structured ACT + CBT program focused on panic, worry, and performance anxiety—with progress check-ins every 4 sessions.
Detailed receipts for Manulife, Sun Life, Canada Life, Greenshield, and other Ontario insurers.
Early morning, lunch, and evening appointments built around commutes, hybrid work, and family routines.
Secure Jane video sessions accessible from Toronto to Thunder Bay—no travel, no waitlists, no parking stress.
Build a toolkit that complements your anxiety work with targeted resources for Ontario clients.
Anxiety therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals understand and manage anxiety symptoms through evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), typically showing improvement within 8-12 weeks of consistent treatment with a registered psychotherapist.
Therapy costs in Ontario typically range from $120-200 per session for registered psychotherapists. Many extended health benefits cover psychotherapy services. At Next Step Therapy, sessions are $175 per 50-minute session with detailed insurance receipts provided for reimbursement. Learn more about OHIP coverage, insurance benefits, and free therapy options in Ontario.
Your first therapy session involves a comprehensive assessment of your anxiety symptoms, triggers, and goals lasting 50 minutes. The therapist will discuss your history, current challenges, and develop an initial treatment plan while answering your questions about the therapeutic process.
That familiar Sunday evening feeling—the one where your chest tightens as you mentally rehearse Monday's challenges. The racing thoughts that turn a simple decision into an exhausting analysis of every possible outcome. The way your brain treats everyday situations like emergency broadcasts, flooding you with "what if" scenarios that feel impossible to turn off. For those working remotely, the boundary between work and personal life can blur, intensifying anxiety and making it harder to find relief.
If this resonates, you're experiencing something incredibly common yet deeply personal. Anxiety affects millions of people across Ontario, from Toronto's fast-paced financial districts to Northern Ontario's tight-knit communities. Whether you're a professional juggling demanding responsibilities, a student navigating academic pressures, or someone simply trying to find peace in an overwhelming world—you're not alone in this struggle.
The exhaustion of constant vigilance. The frustration of knowing your worries are often unrealistic yet feeling unable to stop them. The way anxiety can make you feel like you're watching your life through a filter of fear and uncertainty. These experiences are valid, and they deserve professional attention. Many people also experience depression alongside anxiety, making comprehensive support even more important.
I understand that reaching out for support can feel vulnerable, especially when anxiety has convinced you that you should be able to handle everything on your own. But here's what I've learned from working with hundreds of Ontarians dealing with anxiety: seeking help isn't a sign of weakness—it's often the first step toward reclaiming your peace of mind.
I'm Jesse Cynamon, a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO #10979). I specialize in helping people throughout Ontario develop a healthier relationship with anxiety using evidence-based approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Anxiety often affects some of the most capable, thoughtful people—individuals who care deeply about their responsibilities and relationships. What makes this work meaningful to me is witnessing the profound relief that comes when someone learns they don't need to eliminate anxiety to live well; they just need to change their relationship with it.
Virtual therapy isn't a compromise—for many people dealing with anxiety, it's actually ideal. You can access professional support from your own safe space, without the additional stress of travel, parking, or sitting in unfamiliar waiting rooms. Many Burlington residents find online therapy particularly convenient for avoiding commute stress. If you're exploring online options, see our comprehensive guide to online therapy in Ontario for details on how virtual sessions work. This can be especially helpful when anxiety makes leaving home feel overwhelming.
Anxiety therapy isn't about me telling you what to do or analyzing your childhood for months. It's about building a collaborative partnership where you develop practical skills for managing anxiety while working toward the life you want to live. This approach is particularly effective for addressing professional stress and workplace challenges.
We start by understanding your specific experience of anxiety—how it shows up, what triggers it, and how it's currently affecting your daily life. Rather than diving into your entire life history, we focus on what's happening now and what you want to change. This assessment helps us create a clear direction for our work together.
Each session includes practical elements you can apply immediately. You're not just talking about anxiety—you're building a comprehensive set of skills for managing it in real-world situations. These might include:
One of the most important aspects of our work involves reconnecting with what truly matters to you. Anxiety often makes us focus on avoiding discomfort rather than pursuing meaningful goals. We'll help you identify your core values and take steps toward important objectives, even when anxiety tries to hold you back.
When anxiety has led to avoidance of certain situations, we work together to gradually and safely help you re-engage with what you've been avoiding. This process is always at your pace and focuses on building genuine confidence through experience rather than forced confrontation.
I understand that when you're ready to address anxiety, waiting weeks for an appointment can feel impossible. That's why I prioritize accessibility and responsiveness in my practice.
Most extended health plans throughout Ontario cover Registered Psychotherapist services. I provide detailed receipts for easy reimbursement, and many clients find that their entire session fee is covered by their benefits.
Our virtual sessions use a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform that's simple to access from any device with internet and a camera. Technical support is available, and we'll do a brief technology check during your first session to ensure everything works smoothly.
Many clients notice improvements in their anxiety symptoms within the first few sessions, with significant progress typically seen within 8-12 weeks of consistent work. We'll regularly check in about your progress and adjust our approach as needed to ensure you're getting the support that works best for you.
Ready to start building a different relationship with anxiety?
Book Your Free Consultation TodayWhen you're dealing with anxiety, the last thing you need is additional stress getting to appointments. Virtual therapy removes logistical barriers while providing all the benefits of professional therapeutic support—often with advantages that in-person sessions can't match.
No worrying about traffic on the 401, finding parking in downtown cores, or navigating unfamiliar areas during Toronto's rush hour. Whether you're in a bustling city like Ottawa or a smaller community like North Bay, you can access professional support from wherever you feel most comfortable.
Ontario weather, work schedules, or family emergencies won't disrupt your therapy routine. Whether there's a snowstorm in Sudbury or a transit strike in Toronto, you can maintain consistent progress toward your mental health goals.
No risk of running into colleagues or acquaintances in waiting rooms. Receive therapy in your own safe space, which can actually enhance the therapeutic process by allowing you to practice new skills in the environment where you'll be using them most.
One unique advantage of virtual therapy is the ability to practice what you learn directly in your real environment. After learning a grounding technique, you can immediately try it in your actual living space. This bridges the gap between therapy sessions and daily life.
Multiple peer-reviewed studies demonstrate that virtual therapy is as effective as in-person sessions for anxiety and depression. Many clients actually prefer the convenience and reduced barriers to access, leading to better attendance and engagement with treatment.
Whether you live in downtown Toronto, rural Eastern Ontario, or anywhere in between, you have access to specialized anxiety support. This is particularly valuable for communities where mental health resources may be limited or where travel to major centers isn't practical.
I use therapeutic approaches that have strong research support for anxiety disorders, primarily Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) integrated with elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). These aren't abstract concepts—they're practical frameworks for building a healthier relationship with anxiety.
ACT helps you develop psychological flexibility—the ability to stay present with difficult experiences while still taking action toward what matters to you. Instead of fighting anxiety, you learn to acknowledge it without letting it control your choices.
CBT strategies help you identify and modify patterns of thinking that contribute to anxiety while developing practical coping skills for managing symptoms in real-time.
While CBT helps you work with anxious thoughts and behaviors, ACT adds the crucial element of living meaningfully alongside whatever mental experiences arise. This dual approach is particularly effective for people who are tired of fighting their anxiety and ready to learn how to live well despite it.
Every person's experience with anxiety is unique, influenced by their personality, life circumstances, cultural background, and personal goals. I adapt these evidence-based approaches to fit your specific situation rather than applying a one-size-fits-all treatment protocol.
Most clients notice improvements within 8-12 weeks of consistent work, though this varies based on individual circumstances and anxiety severity. Some clients see initial relief within 3-4 sessions, while others may need longer-term support for complex anxiety patterns.
Your first session involves a comprehensive assessment of your anxiety symptoms, triggers, and goals. We'll discuss your history, current challenges, and develop an initial treatment plan using evidence-based approaches like CBT or ACT.
Research shows virtual therapy is equally effective for anxiety treatment. Many clients prefer the comfort and convenience of their own space, which can actually reduce anxiety about attending sessions.
Session fees are $175 per 50-minute session. Many extended health benefits throughout Ontario cover registered psychotherapist services. I provide detailed receipts for easy reimbursement with your insurance provider.
CBT focuses on changing thought patterns and behaviors that maintain anxiety, while ACT emphasizes accepting anxious feelings while pursuing meaningful activities. Both are evidence-based approaches that can be effective for different individuals.
Yes, anxiety therapy is highly effective for panic attacks. We'll work on understanding your panic triggers, developing immediate coping strategies, and gradually reducing the frequency and intensity of panic episodes through exposure and acceptance techniques.
No referral is needed to see a registered psychotherapist in Ontario. You can book directly for anxiety therapy. However, some insurance plans may require a referral for coverage, so check with your provider.
This is a common concern. Starting with a free 15-minute consultation can help ease this anxiety. We can discuss your concerns at your own pace, and there's no pressure to commit to ongoing therapy until you feel ready.
If anxiety is interfering with your work, relationships, sleep, or daily activities, therapy can help. Signs include constant worry, avoidance of situations, physical symptoms like tension or rapid heartbeat, or feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks.
Yes, therapy is one of the most effective treatments for social anxiety. We'll work on gradual exposure to social situations, challenging anxious thoughts about judgment, and building confidence in social interactions at a pace that feels manageable.
Homework typically involves practicing skills between sessions, such as mindfulness exercises, tracking anxiety triggers, or gradually facing feared situations. These assignments take 10-20 minutes and help you apply what we discuss in therapy to real life.
Most clients benefit from weekly sessions initially, especially when anxiety is significantly impacting daily life. As you develop skills and see improvement, we may reduce frequency to bi-weekly sessions.
Absolutely. Many clients seek therapy specifically for workplace anxiety and stress. We'll address both the anxiety symptoms and develop strategies for managing work pressures, setting boundaries, and improving work-life balance.
Sometimes anxiety temporarily increases when facing avoided situations or discussing difficult topics. This is normal and often indicates we're working on meaningful issues. We'll always move at a pace you can manage and adjust our approach if needed.
No special preparation is needed. It can be helpful to think about what you'd like to get out of therapy and what anxiety symptoms are most troubling. Arrive in a private, comfortable space for virtual sessions.
I understand that reaching out for therapy can feel overwhelming—especially when anxiety makes everything feel overwhelming. That's why I've designed a straightforward, low-pressure process that respects both your time and your comfort level.
Before committing to therapy, you deserve to know if we're a good fit. This brief, no-pressure conversation allows you to ask questions, share what's bringing you to therapy, and get a sense of my approach. There's no obligation, and you'll leave with a clear understanding of what anxiety therapy could look like for you.
Whether you're in Toronto's downtown core, Burlington's lakefront community, Ottawa's government district, Hamilton's diverse neighborhoods, London's university area, or any community across Ontario, professional anxiety support is available. Virtual therapy makes geographical location irrelevant—what matters is your readiness to invest in your mental health. Learn more about frequently asked questions about therapy in Ontario.
All therapy sessions are completely confidential in accordance with CRPO standards and Ontario privacy legislation. Your personal information and session content are protected, with information only shared in very limited circumstances related to safety as required by law.
You don't have to let anxiety control your life. Professional support is available when you're ready.
Start Your Journey Today| Aspect | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) | Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Identifying and changing thought patterns and behaviors that maintain anxiety | Accepting anxious thoughts and feelings while pursuing values-based actions |
| Core Philosophy | Challenge and replace unhelpful thoughts with more balanced perspectives | Build psychological flexibility to experience discomfort while moving toward meaningful life |
| Typical Duration | 12-16 sessions for most anxiety conditions | 12-20 sessions, often longer for complex patterns |
| Between-Session Work | Thought records, behavioral experiments, exposure exercises | Mindfulness practices, values clarification exercises, committed action planning |
| Best Suited For | Specific phobias, panic disorder, health anxiety, performance anxiety | Chronic anxiety, avoidance patterns, existential concerns, value conflicts |
| Evidence Base | Extensive research over 40+ years, considered gold standard for anxiety | Strong research support, particularly effective for treatment-resistant anxiety |
Both approaches are evidence-based and highly effective. Many clients benefit from elements of both CBT and ACT integrated into their treatment plan. We'll work together to determine which approach best fits your needs and goals.
Serving Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Markham, and surrounding communities. Specialized support for urban professionals dealing with commute stress, workplace anxiety, and the unique pressures of city living.
Supporting government workers, university students, and families in the National Capital Region. Understanding of unique pressures in government, academic, and bilingual environments.
Serving Hamilton, Burlington, St. Catharines, Oakville, and the broader Golden Horseshoe region. Support for diverse communities, healthcare workers, and industrial professionals.
Supporting university students, healthcare professionals, and families in London, Windsor, Kitchener-Waterloo, and surrounding areas.
No matter where you are in Ontario, professional anxiety therapy is accessible through secure virtual sessions. Learn more about virtual therapy.
Reach out via phone, email, or the contact form. This first step can feel difficult when anxiety is high—that's completely normal. There's no pressure, just a conversation about how therapy might help.
We'll have a short conversation to understand your concerns, answer your questions, and determine if we're a good fit. This is your opportunity to ask about approaches, availability, and what to expect.
Book your first 50-minute session at a time that works for your schedule. Sessions are available during business hours and some evenings, both in-person and virtually across Ontario.
Your first session involves understanding your anxiety—when it started, what triggers it, how it affects your life, and what you've tried before. Together, we'll develop a personalized treatment plan aligned with your goals.
Start building practical tools and strategies for managing anxiety. Most clients attend weekly sessions initially, with progress typically noticed within 8-12 weeks of consistent work.
Ready to take the first step toward calmer, more confident living?
Get Started Today