Anxiety

We all experience stress and worry from time to time. However, when anxiety becomes persistent, excessive, and begins to interfere with areas of life such as work, school, friendships, or relationships, it may indicate the presence of an anxiety disorder.

There are several types of anxiety disorders that we treat. During the intake process, we focus on understanding the underlying context of your anxiety rather than only the symptoms. This includes exploring your early life experiences, any history of trauma or abuse, recent stressors, lifestyle factors, personal triggers, and current coping strategies.  

Our approach to treating anxiety disorders is tailored to the individual and may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR, Schema Therapy, and Exposure Therapy. 

Social Anxiety Disorder involves anxiety and avoidance in social or performance situations where an individual fears being judged, criticised, embarrassed, or humiliated by others. People may become highly self-conscious and develop safety behaviours to cope with social interactions, such as avoiding eye contact, rehearsing conversations in advance, or using alcohol to manage anxiety.

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterised by excessive and persistent worry that feels difficult to control and may relate to a wide range of areas including health, finances, work, or relationships. This ongoing worry can lead to rumination, restlessness, sleep difficulties, changes in appetite, low mood, and psychosomatic symptoms such as dizziness or stomach discomfort.

Separation Anxiety is most commonly experienced in childhood and involves excessive fear or distress related to separation from a parent or primary caregiver. Children may worry that something bad will happen to their caregiver, experience significant distress when anticipating or experiencing separation, or struggle to attend school or activities independently. Physical symptoms such as stomach aches, headaches, nausea, or difficulty sleeping may also occur around times of separation.

Health Anxiety involves persistent and excessive worry about having or developing a serious illness, despite medical reassurance. Individuals may frequently check their body for signs of illness, seek repeated medical tests or reassurance, or avoid health-related information altogether. This preoccupation can significantly increase distress and interfere with daily functioning.

Agoraphobia is characterised by anxiety and avoidance of situations where escape may feel difficult or help may not be available if panic-like symptoms occur. This may include fear of public transport, crowded places, open spaces, or being outside the home alone. Over time, individuals may increasingly restrict their activities to manage anxiety.

Panic Disorder involves recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden surges of intense fear or discomfort accompanied by physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest tightness. Ongoing fear of future panic attacks can lead to avoidance of certain situations and heightened sensitivity to bodily sensations.