Anxiety Counselling

Anxiety is a very common condition and everyone will experience the symptoms at some point in their lives, particularly if there’s a cause such as going for a job interview, having medical tests carried out or an upcoming exam.

However, when anxiety starts to take control, it can quickly spiral, with symptoms manifesting on a more constant level and having an impact on your everyday life.

Generalised anxiety disorder can cause both physical and psychological symptoms. These do vary from person to person but you may experience feelings of restlessness or worry, dizziness, heart palpitations, muscle tension, insomnia, difficulty concentrating and so on.

What causes anxiety?

Everyone has a natural and innate flight or fight response, which kicks in when we perceive ourselves as being in danger. This is an automatic response and we can’t control it, with hormones like adrenaline released to make us more alert. Once the threat has dissipated, different chemical responses are then triggered that help us to relax and calm down.

However, with anxiety, these chemical responses aren’t released and the anxious feelings persist, which is where talking to a counsellor can prove particularly beneficial. 

Talking through your feelings and identifying the root causes can help you understand what it is that’s causing your anxiety, helping you to find coping mechanisms to get it under control.

How can counselling help with anxiety?

Counselling is a type of talking therapy where you are able to process negative thoughts and discuss how you’re feeling in a safe environment, free from judgement. It has been proven to be highly effective in helping people cope with difficult life events, resolving any negative emotions such as anger, denial, guilt or shame.

During your therapy session, you will be given the space you need to work through your thoughts and feelings, giving you the opportunity to look at your life from a different perspective in the company of someone who respects you and your opinions.

Typically, counselling sessions take place on a one-to-one basis in person, although they can also be conducted within groups if appropriate. Online sessions are also available for those who need them and these can be just as effective as face-to-face meetings with your therapist.

Counselling for anxiety can help improve your self-awareness so you can identify what triggers your anxious feelings and how you can manage them more effectively. There are also various strategies and techniques you can employ such as mindfulness or cognitive behavioural therapy exercises that can help you reduce or overcome your anxiety.

To find out more about the counselling services I provide, get in touch with me today to see how I can help.