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Gavin HamnettMS, LMHC
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The mind that won't clock out

Therapy for adults in New York whose thoughts keep running long after the day is done.

Request a free consultation
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Who This Is For

When people tell me "I can't turn my brain off," they usually mean something specific. The thoughts keep going at night, in the shower, at dinner with friends. Planning, replaying, rehearsing. The honest answer to why is that a busy mind is usually a mind trying to keep you safe. Somewhere along the way it learned that if it stopped watching, something would go wrong.

Sometimes stress has piled up and your system hasn't had a chance to come down. Sometimes it is anxiety. For some people ADHD plays a part, and for others the racing thoughts sit on top of a feeling they would rather not have. Often it is a mix. Telling yourself to relax rarely works, because the part of you doing the thinking doesn't trust that it is safe to stop.

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What It Can Look Like

  • Lying awake

    Rehearsing tomorrow's conversations, or replaying today's, long after the lights go out.

  • Never quite present

    Sitting with people you love and only half hearing them.

  • Lists on lists

    Planning that never feels finished, however much you prepare.

  • Numbing the noise

    Reaching for wine, work, or a screen just to get some quiet.

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How I Work With a Racing Mind

Trying to think your way out of overthinking usually adds more thoughts. So we come at it from another angle. With Hakomi, a mindful and body centered approach, we slow down and notice what happens in your body as the thoughts speed up: a tight chest, a held breath, a restless leg. Paying attention there can settle things in a way arguing with your thoughts can't.

We also get curious about what the busy mind is protecting you from. Psychodynamic work helps us find the older belief underneath, perhaps that you have to stay one step ahead, or that resting means falling behind. My hope is that as the belief loosens, your mind doesn't have to work so hard.

More about my approach
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What Sessions Look Like

  1. A free first call

    20 minutes on the phone. You can tell me what your mind does at 2 a.m.

  2. Sessions at your pace

    55 minutes, weekly or every two weeks, in Rhinebeck, Hudson, or by telehealth in New York.

  3. Noticing in real time

    Part of each session goes to catching the thoughts as they speed up and feeling what sits underneath.

What Can Shift

You won't end up with an empty mind, and you wouldn't want one. What I hope for is a mind that can rest when it is time to rest, and a sense of Self that doesn't depend on staying ahead of everything.

Rates in Brief

Sessions are $160 for 55 minutes. The first step is a complimentary 20 minute phone consultation.

Rates
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Questions People Ask

Is this anxiety or ADHD?

It can be either, both, or something else. I offer individual therapy for adults. If you are wondering about ADHD, ask on the consultation call about assessment needs and whether this practice is a fit.

Will you teach me techniques to stop thinking?

We may find small things that help, but the main work is understanding why your mind feels it can't stop.

Can I do this by telehealth?

Yes, anywhere in New York State. Some people find it easier to slow down in their own home.

Related Pages

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Anxiety and Stress

Therapy for adults in Rhinebeck, Hudson, and across New York who are tired of running on alarm.

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A woman sits beside a garden pond watching the water.

Mindfulness in Therapy

Mindfulness based therapy in New York for people who already sit and notice, and want to go deeper.

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A woman organizes a desk tray beside a blank notebook.

Is It ADHD or Anxiety?

For adults in New York trying to make sense of a racing, distracted mind.

Read more
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Start With a Free Consultation

Send me a short message and I'll set up a free 20 minute phone call.

Request a free consultation (845) 532-8336