For Anxiety

Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety: How I Help Clients Regain Calm and Confidence

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is more than just feeling nervous — it’s when fear, worry, or apprehension become excessive or persistent. It often shows up when we perceive danger or threat, even in situations that aren’t actually dangerous. While some anxiety is natural and even useful — helping us stay alert or avoid harm — it becomes problematic when it’s constant and overwhelming.

From a clinical perspective, anxiety disorders are usually present when anxiety occurs on more days than not, and continues for months at a time.

Anxiety is closely linked to our panic response — an ancient survival mechanism designed to protect us from threats. Our brains haven’t changed much since prehistoric times, so while our modern fears have shifted from wild animals to things like emails, public speaking, or a boss’s opinion, our physiological responses remain the same. When our body senses danger, it prepares to:

  • Fight
  • Flight
  • Freeze
  • Friend
  • Flop

The problem is, you can’t fight an email or run away from a meeting — so these reactions, while natural, can become unhelpful in daily life.

Common signs of anxiety include:

  • Overthinking or racing thoughts
  • Feeling tense or on edge
  • Stomach cramps or loss of appetite
  • Irritability or short temper
  • Avoiding certain situations
  • Sleep difficulties

If you’d like an indication of your own anxiety levels, you can complete the GAD-7 survey — a standardised assessment tool available in the Resources section of this site.

My Approach: Managing Anxiety with CBT and Grounding Techniques

The Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) model is highly effective for treating anxiety. We all face challenging situations, but it’s often our thoughts about those situations that have the greatest impact on how we feel and behave.

Our thoughts influence our emotions, which in turn affect our actions — and these behaviours shape our outcomes. The problem is that our thinking patterns often become automatic and unhelpful over time. Through CBT, we work together to challenge and replace these thoughts, helping you change how you feel and improving how you respond to life’s challenges.

In moments of acute anxiety or panic, I also teach grounding techniques (see the Resources tab). These focus on breathing, body sensations, or simple mental exercises that help bring you back to the present moment and reduce the intensity of anxious feelings.

Because anxiety shows up differently for everyone, I tailor my approach to your specific circumstances — helping you address the unique fears or triggers that are holding you back.

Breaking the Cycle of Avoidance

One of the biggest challenges people face with anxiety is avoidance. Our brains don’t like discomfort, so they push us to avoid whatever makes us anxious. For example, if you fear public speaking, cancelling a talk might bring short-term relief — but next time, the anxiety will likely be even stronger.

Avoidance creates a powerful cycle: it reduces anxiety in the moment but reinforces the fear long-term. The key to breaking this cycle is to face fears gradually and safely. Instead of jumping straight into a large event, we might start with a small group, building confidence step by step and creating positive new experiences.

Challenging unhelpful thoughts about these situations also plays a major role in reducing anxiety and restoring a sense of control.

A Collaborative and Supportive Process

I see therapy as a collaborative partnership. My role is to provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly. I bring professional knowledge and structured methods, while you bring your lived experience and insight — together, we create meaningful change.

The CBT tools and frameworks I use have a proven track record of helping people overcome anxiety and regain calm, balance, and confidence.

You don’t have to go through anxiety alone — support and healing are absolutely possible.

Take the First Step Toward Feeling Calmer

If anxiety is affecting your daily life, relationships, or wellbeing, reaching out for help can make all the difference. With the right tools, understanding, and support, you can learn to manage anxiety and start feeling more in control again.

Ready to take the next step?
Book a confidential appointment or explore the Resources section to learn more about how CBT and grounding techniques can help you manage anxiety.