Understanding the worry, not just managing it
Anxiety and stress
Counselling for worry that will not switch off, panic that arrives out of nowhere, stress that has stopped being useful, and the sleep it costs you. Practical where that helps, deeper where that helps more.
Anxiety is usually trying to protect you from something, and it is very bad at knowing when to stop. Counselling looks at what it is protecting you from as well as how to turn the volume down.
Early sessions are often practical: what happens in your body when the panic comes, what you do next, what makes it worse, and a few things to try that many people find steadying, such as slowing the out-breath and noticing what the worry is actually predicting. Then, when you are ready, we look at where it comes from: the job, the family, the old rule about never letting anyone down, the thing that happened that nobody talked about.
We are not a substitute for your GP. If anxiety is stopping you leaving the house, eating or sleeping for weeks, or if you are having thoughts of harming yourself, please talk to your GP as well, and use the help-now numbers on this page if things become urgent. We are happy to work alongside your GP, and with medication if you take it; we just do not prescribe or advise on it.
What it includes
- Practical ways to steady the body first
- Looking at where the worry comes from
- Work stress, health worry, social anxiety
- Panic and sleeplessness
- Alongside your GP and any medication
- Day, evening or online
What it costs
£65 a session, or £30 to £58 on the sliding scale. The first call is free. The fees page works out the sliding-scale fee from your household income, and explains cancelling and paying.
Questions about anxiety and stress
Is this cognitive behavioural therapy?
Not strictly. We use some ideas from CBT where they help, alongside other approaches. If you specifically want a CBT course, your GP can refer you to the NHS service, and we will tell you so in the first call.
Can counselling cure anxiety?
We do not promise cures. Many people find that understanding their anxiety makes it smaller and less frightening, and that it stops running their days. The free call is a chance to talk about what you hope for.
Start with a free 20-minute call.
Talk to the counsellor you would see before anything is booked or paid for. Ask anything, including whether we are the right people. The diary shows the next free call; pick it, or ring and leave a message and we reply within a working day.