Spiral Up Therapy
Asian and South Asian Therapists
What Is Anxiety? ✨
Anxiety is a natural human response to stress, uncertainty, or potential danger. At times, it can even be protective, helping us prepare for challenges or stay alert. But when anxiety becomes overwhelming or constant, it can interfere with daily life. Instead of motivating you, it may leave you feeling restless, exhausted, or disconnected from yourself and others.
Anxiety can affect both the mind and body. You might notice racing thoughts, difficulty sleeping, a sense of dread, or physical symptoms like headaches, chest tightness, or stomach issues. It can make even ordinary decisions feel daunting and relationships more difficult to navigate.
Currently accepting clients in California, New Jersey, Idaho and South Carolina.
People experience anxiety differently, but some common signs include:
Constant worry about the future or things you can’t control
Difficulty concentrating or feeling present
Racing thoughts that are hard to “turn off”
Feeling restless, on edge, or easily overwhelmed
Trouble falling or staying asleep
Physical symptoms such as tension, rapid heartbeat, or nausea
Avoiding situations that feel stressful or uncertain
Anxiety and Stress Management
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Persistent and excessive worry about everyday situations can make it hard to relax or focus. Generalized anxiety often feels like being “on edge” most of the time and may cause physical symptoms like restlessness, muscle tension, or sleep difficulties.
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Panic attacks are sudden waves of intense fear or discomfort that can feel overwhelming. They may come with physical sensations such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Even though they can be frightening, they’re treatable with therapy and coping strategies that help you regain a sense of safety and control.
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Social anxiety involves fear of judgment, embarrassment, or rejection in social settings. Over time, this can lead to isolation or avoidance. Therapy can help build confidence, self-compassion, and tools to engage more comfortably with others.
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Chronic stress at work can affect both mental and physical health. Addressing it through therapy can help you identify boundaries, manage pressure, and create a healthier relationship with work.
In South Asian and AAPI communities, anxiety can show up in ways that are often misunderstood or minimized. Cultural and family expectations may shape how anxiety is experienced and expressed. For many, mental health conversations have not been openly discussed at home, which can make it harder to seek help.
Common Concerns Around Anxiety in the Asian & South Asian Community
Academic and career pressure:
The expectation to succeed can create ongoing stress, perfectionism, or fear of failure.
Somatic symptoms:
Anxiety may be expressed through the body—such as fatigue, digestive issues, or pain—especially when emotional struggles feel harder to voice.
Family and cultural obligations:
Balancing your own needs with family expectations can feel overwhelming. Anxiety may show up as guilt, people-pleasing, or constant pressure to “do the right thing.”
Immigration and identity stressors:
Navigating life between cultures, facing racism or discrimination, and managing immigration stress can intensify feelings of worry and disconnection.
Stigma around mental health:
Talking about anxiety may feel like a sign of weakness or dishonor, leading people to suffer in silence.
Meet the Team
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Manali Deolalkar
Licensed Therapist
Individual Therapy - 210$/session
Couples Therapy - 230$/session
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Melanie Lei
Associate Therapist
Individual Therapy - 175$/session
Couples Therapy - 225$/session
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Meghna Das
Associate Therapist
Individual Therapy - 150$/session
Couples Therapy - 175$/session
What Sets Us Apart
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
South Asian Therapy
Immigrant Therapy
Inclusive Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
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Anxiety can show up as constant worry, racing thoughts, restlessness, irritability, muscle tension, or trouble sleeping. Some people also experience physical symptoms like racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, or stomach discomfort.
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If anxiety is affecting your daily life, relationships, sleep, or ability to focus, therapy can help. You don’t have to wait until things feel “bad enough”. Seeking support early can make a big difference.
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Evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based techniques are highly effective. Many therapists also integrate relational and emotion-focused approaches to support long-term healing.
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Many people begin noticing shifts within a few weeks to a few months, depending on the frequency of sessions and their specific concerns. Progress looks different for everyone, and therapy is paced to match your comfort and goals.
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Your first session is a space to share what’s been going on and what you’d like support with. Your therapist will ask some background questions, discuss your goals, and collaborate with you on a plan for moving forward.
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Yes. Everything shared in therapy is kept private, except in rare situations where safety is a concern or required by law. Your therapist will review confidentiality policies during your first session.
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Look for someone you feel comfortable and understood with. It can help to read their bio, note their experience with your concerns, and schedule a consultation to see if the fit feels right.
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Therapists often use a blend of techniques tailored to you. CBT to challenge unhelpful thoughts, mindfulness to ground you in the present, and ACT or somatic work to help you relate to anxiety with compassion rather than fear.
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Practicing breathing or grounding exercises, journaling thoughts, maintaining a consistent routine, and staying connected with supportive people can help. Your therapist can also guide you in creating personalized coping tools to use between sessions.
You Belong Here 🌟
Whether you’re the first in your family to seek therapy, or you’ve been on this journey for a while, we’re here to walk alongside you. Think of us as a mix of thought partners, compassionate guides, and cheerleaders—here to help you rewrite the story you want to live. Your culture, your struggles, and your dreams all matter—and we’re honored to hold space for them.