Anxiety Counselling

Anxiety counselling is a form of talking therapy

Diana Parkinson can help you to talk openly about your feelings and process negative thoughts. Working through any problems you might be struggling with together in a non-judgmental way.

What is anxiety counselling?

Anxiety counselling is a type of psychological treatment aimed at reducing symptoms of anxiety and improving overall well-being. It is important to establish whether the feelings of anxiety are caused emotionally or physically. If the counsellor feels you may have a physical health problem they will suggest you get checked out by your GP. If we have a health problem it may well affect how we think and feel. Emotional anxiety is very common and most of us will experience those feelings at some time in our life. Because the feelings of anxiety can be frightening we don’t tend to talk about them, try to push them away, but find the symptoms can get worse. Make sure you feel your counsellor provides a safe place for you to begin your recovery and control of your own emotional health. Your counsellor will help you explore and understand your feelings and reactions as well as helping you overcome your anxiety, so you become confident and feel in control of you. Very often you only need around a dozen sessions.

What are the benefits of anxiety counselling?

Counselling can be more effective for treating anxiety than medication. Talking to a therapist can help you gain a better understanding of your anxiety, including the triggers that cause it, and how you react to it. Armed with this information, you’ll be able to make meaningful changes to your life with long-lasting benefits and continued improvement in mental health.

What causes anxiety disorder?

There is rarely a single reason for an individual to develop anxiety. It’s usually a combination of contributing factors leading to it. These may include:

Brain development

Imbalances in brain chemistry, such as low levels of certain neurotransmitters, can contribute to anxiety.

Family genetics

Anxiety often runs in families, and you might be more prone if your close relatives suffer from it. 

Environmental factors

Prolonged and intense stress can lead to an increased risk of developing an anxiety disorder, as can traumatic events, such as abuse, the loss of a loved one, or financial problems.

What are common symptoms of anxiety?

Physical symptoms of anxiety are:

• Panic attack – breathlessness, heart racing, sweating
• Stomach aches and vomiting

Psychological symptoms of anxiety include:

• Unable to relax or sit still
• Feeling worried, stressed, or panicked
• Struggling to focus
• Being easily irritated
• Having negative thoughts

Are there different types of anxiety disorders?

Yes, there are several different types of anxiety disorders. Each one has its own symptoms and characteristics. Some of the most common types include:

• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
  Excessive, unrealistic worry and fear about everyday events and situations.

• Panic Disorder
  Recurring and regular panic attacks, often for no apparent reason.

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  Frequent obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.

• Phobias
  Excessive and persistent fear of a situation or object.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  Anxiety caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events.

• Having negative thoughts

Frequently asked anxiety counselling questions

Q. Does counselling help anxiety?

A. Talking to someone can help you to understand and manage your anxiety. It’s not a magic wand, but it could be the first step to living a more comfortable life. Learning techniques to deal with your anxiety can be invaluable.

Q. How does counselling help anxiety?

A. Counselling provides a supportive and safe environment where individuals can talk about their thoughts and feelings. It’s also an opportunity to learn coping skills and practise exercises to help alleviate anxiety. Hypnotherapy is one of the best treatments for anxiety. All my clients have recordings that are soothing, calming and confidence building as well as full of positive suggestions to listen to every day, making therapy so much more effective.

Q. How many counselling sessions for anxiety?

A. Usually between 6 – 12. There’s no one size fits all solution for dealing with anxiety. The healing process is different for each patient. If you don’t feel that you’re making progress, it could be time to seek alternative therapy.

Q. When should I seek counselling for anxiety?

A. Occasional anxiety is completely normal and everyone is likely to experience it at some time in their day-to-day lives. When anxiety starts to make life difficult, it’s time to seek help.

Q. Can counselling make anxiety worse?

A. Counselling can sometimes temporarily increase anxiety, especially if you are discussing and exploring distressing and difficult issues. Your counsellor should be trained to deal with this. 

Get expert support on anxiety counselling with Diana Parkinson

Check out some counselling sites online, ideally contact those you feel would be right for you and arrange a ‘phone call to discuss why you are seeking counselling. Speaking to the counsellor prior to making an appointment helps give you a good idea as to whether you’ll feel comfortable with that counsellor.

Further information and support on bereavement

You can find further information and support about:

• Anxiety UK
• Mind
• Rethink Mental Illness