Anxiety

Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural emotion that we all feel at times. In many situations these feelings of anxiousness can be helpful. Normal levels of anxiety can focus the mind on a problem and prepare the body for action.

For some people however, anxiety can take on a life of its own. Normal levels of anxiety can escalate, leading people to feel wound up, tense and unable to think clearly. Their breathing may become very shallow, their heart rate may escalate and they begin to panic. It is these feelings that limits people’s life and makes people unable to act as they would usually.

Fortunately, life doesn’t have to be like this. Anxiety is an emotional response to situations that can be reduced. Problematic anxiety can be eliminated from our life. With the right tools, techniques and ways of thinking, almost anyone can be taught to control their anxiety.

“With the right tools, techniques and ways of thinking, almost anyone can be taught to control their anxiety.”

Recognising Anxiety

While certain levels of anxiety are normal for people, there are certain signs that anxious feelings are becoming problematic for a person. These signs include:

a) not being able to speak in a social situation or in front of a group
b) being unable to go out in public or avoiding certain aspects of public life (such as not driving a car, avoiding areas such as shopping centres, not flying in planes)
c) modifying our plans to avoid anxious feelings (such as avoiding certain people, places or groups).

What does anxiety feel like?

The experience of excessive anxiety often manifests in highly physical ways, including leading to:
• A racing heart (or heart palpitations)
• Feelings of dizziness
• Excessive sweating
• A shortage of breath.

At times these feelings can escalate into what is known as a “panic attack”. Panic attacks are highly unpleasant events where anxiety overtakes people to such an extent that they think that they might pass out, collapse or even die.

Is anxiety treatable?

Happily, excessive feelings of anxiety are treatable. In counselling, people are able to learn simple techniques to help them manage this difficult feeling. These techniques may include the counsellor assisting the client to learn:
• Breathing techniques
• Cognitive approaches to assist people to think differently about situations
• Exercise or relaxation techniques.

While a counselling approach to anxiety may include a wide range of conversations, once these techniques are learned people commonly experience significant drops in their levels of anxiety.

“While a counselling approach to anxiety may include a wide range of conversations, once these techniques are learned people commonly experience significant drops in their levels of anxiety.”

How long does counselling for anxiety take?

As with all counselling, it is difficult to predict exactly how long it will take an individual to reduce or eliminate their anxiety. In most cases however, I find that people can significantly reduce anxious feelings in 3 to 5 counselling sessions. This is a great investment for a life free of undue worry and concern!

How severe does my anxiety need to be before I seek treatment?

Any level of anxiety can be a reason for people to seek counselling. Life is meant to be lived fully, not limited by what are often unrealistic thoughts and fears. If you experiencing anxious feelings of any level that are limiting your life, then you are likely to benefit from counselling.

I am ready to eliminate anxiety from my life. What do I need to I do?

The first step to begin counselling for anxiety is to contact me using the contact button below or to use my online booking system to book an anxiety counselling session now. You can also phone me on 021 137 0228 to ask any questions or to arrange an appointment. I look forward to talking with you!