Anxiety can feel like a mind that keeps looking ahead for what might go wrong, even when you would like to switch off. You may find yourself replaying conversations, preparing for every possibility or feeling tense without knowing exactly why. Sometimes the pressure comes from external demands: work, relationships, caring for others, or too many things needing your attention at once.

Worry is a familiar response to uncertainty. It becomes harder to live with when it is persistent, difficult to step away from, or starts shaping what you feel able to do. Thinking something through can be useful; but going over the same possibilities again and again may leave you feeling no closer to an answer. In therapy, we can explore both the pressures you are facing and how you respond to them, making room for practical changes and a different relationship with worry.

How anxiety and overwhelming feelings can show up:

• Worry that moves from one concern to another and is hard to put aside.

• Replaying interactions or anticipating what other people might think.

• Feeling restless, on edge or unable to settle.

• Muscle tension, a racing heart, shakiness or an unsettled stomach.

• Difficulty falling asleep because your mind stays busy.

• Struggling to concentrate or make decisions when everything feels urgent.

• Avoiding situations because of how anxious you expect to feel.

• Feeling overloaded, irritable or depleted by everyday demands

You may recognise some of these experiences without having an anxiety disorder. What matters is how they are affecting you and whether you would like support. Physical symptoms can also have other causes, so a GP can help assess new or concerning changes.

To learn more, see Healthdirect's page about anxiety. It may also be useful to read about Panic attacks and panic disorder (this is something I can also help you with).

What an initial session focused on anxiety looks like:

Our first session together may look different for each person. Generally we will explore how you’ve been feeling, understand when these feelings come up and feel unmanageable, how you’ve coped for so long and what supports you have around you. I’ll be likely to share with you why anxiety occurs and find ways for you to better understand your relationship with it. We’ll then work on a way to manage anxiety that fits you and your circumstances best.