Why Choose The Anxiety & OCD Therapy Center?
At the Anxiety & OCD Therapy Center, we offer solutions to your challenges, bringing a wealth of experience and clinical knowledge to find relief and peace for you or your child.
NINA RIFKIND, LCSW, ACS
Founder of The Anxiety & OCD Therapy Center
As a therapist, I have a deep, personal understanding of the challenges that anxiety can present. My own journey began in childhood, when social anxiety was a constant companion, and it intensified after a traumatic event left me struggling with panic attacks, agoraphobia, rumination and chronic self-doubt. Through my experiences, I’ve not only learned how to navigate these overwhelming emotions but also discovered the resilience and strength that lies within us all. I dedicate my practice to helping others find their path to healing, with compassion and the insight that comes from having walked that road myself.
I received a BA in Psychology from Vassar College and spent a year in the Master’s Program in Psychology at the New School for Social Research in Manhattan, before earning my Masters in Clinical Social Work. I am a Clinical Fellow for Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), a past member of the Professional Education Committee, and a member of their OCD Special Interest Group, consulting with the country’s leading experts, and contributor to their website. While working for non-profit organizations, I began a private practice in 1997. As Coordinator of the Anxiety Treatment Center at a local hospital, I acquired extensive training and experience helping people regain their lives with effective coping skills for Anxiety Disorders, OCD and phobias. Along the way, I trained clinicians throughout the hospital system and educated the public about effective treatment.
As an active member of the ADAA and the International OCD Foundation, I’ve attended national and international conferences and specialized workshops, gaining skills from leading experts in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and the proper assessment and treatment of Anxiety Disorders, OCD, OCD-Related Disorders, Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors and Phobias.
Because this expertise was not available to me back then, it means even more to be able to bring my unique perspective and extensive training to both my clients and the practice team members.. Our mission is to help our clients gain the skills they need to navigate difficult interactions, overcome avoidant behavior and rumination, to build satisfying lives and achieve the goals they dream of for themselves.
ERICA RASMUSSEN, LSW
Clinical Associate
Erica has worked with adults and adolescents for several years in inpatient and outpatient therapeutic settings. She has training and experience with OCD and panic, incorporating Exposure and Response Prevention to help clients confront fears incrementally and gradually using mindfulness to tolerate distress, breathe fully through discomfort and gain the confidence to take on challenging situations. She has worked in dual-diagnosis programs, catering to both mental health and substance abuse. Her background leading psycho-educational groups on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), helps her provide clients with valuable skills to become aware of negative patterns of thinking and behavior, and work toward meaningful change.
She is skilled in helping clients develop essential tools to manage intense emotions and learn to self-soothe, using creative therapies, such as journaling, music-based meditation and guided imagery to access deeper thoughts and emotions. Erica has a particular interest in addressing trauma, which is stored throughout the body. These alternative techniques provide a gentler path to processing emotionally charged content from physical, mental or sexual abuse and can facilitate deep healing from chronic anxiety disorders and OCD.
Erica has a BA in Psychology and Masters in Clinical Social Work from Rutgers University. She is committed to providing the best possible care to her clients, utilizing her experience and her passion for continuous learning and growth.
ERICA RASMUSSEN, LSW
Clinical Associate
Erica has worked with adults and adolescents for several years in inpatient and outpatient therapeutic settings. She has training and experience with OCD and panic, incorporating Exposure and Response Prevention to help clients confront fears incrementally and gradually using mindfulness to tolerate distress, breathe fully through discomfort and gain the confidence to take on challenging situations. She has worked in dual-diagnosis programs, catering to both mental health and substance abuse. Her background leading psycho-educational groups on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), helps her provide clients with valuable skills to become aware of negative patterns of thinking and behavior, and work toward meaningful change.
She is skilled in helping clients develop essential tools to manage intense emotions and learn to self-soothe, using creative therapies, such as journaling, music-based meditation and guided imagery to access deeper thoughts and emotions. Erica has a particular interest in addressing trauma, which is stored throughout the body. These alternative techniques provide a gentler path to processing emotionally charged content from physical, mental or sexual abuse and can facilitate deep healing from chronic anxiety disorders and OCD.
Erica has a BA in Psychology and Masters in Clinical Social Work from Rutgers University. She is committed to providing the best possible care to her clients, utilizing her experience and her passion for continuous learning and growth.