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“It is 5 a.m. All the worse things come stalking in and stand icily about the bed looking worse and worse and worse.” 

Fleur Adcock

COUNSELLING FOR ANXIETY

WHAT IS ANXIETY?

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The thing about anxiety is that it is different for everyone. If you asked five different people how they experience it, they may each tell you something different. Some may feel anxiety as a sensation in the body; a knot of fear, sickness, a feeling of pressure in the chest. Others may experience it as a sense of being overwhelmed or confused. While others may have panic attacks or feel tearful, or may be bothered by constant worrying or intrusive thoughts. Some people may not even be aware that what they’re feeling is anxiety, because it’s become a part of their everyday life. It’s often when things come to a head or it gets too much that they realise that something is not quite right, and they seek help. 

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COMMON SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY
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There are many symptoms of anxiety. The following are just a few. You may or may not experience some of these. 

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  • An overwhelming feeling of fear 

  • A feeling of sickness or churning in the stomach

  • A feeling of dread or doom 

  • Being light-headed or dizzy 

  • Feeling restless and finding it hard to sit still 

  • Pounding or irregular heartbeat 

  • Experiencing panic attacks 

  • Disturbed sleep 

  • Difficulty relaxing or concentrating 

  • Feeling that your mind won’t be quiet 

  • Disturbing or intrusive thoughts 

  • Ruminating or mulling over things 

  • Feeling as though you can’t stop worrying 

  • Seeking constant reassurance from others 

  • Feeling dissociated from the world or people around you 

  • Feeling numb 

  • Feeling tearful 

 

(Note: If you’re experiencing dizziness or irregular heartbeat it is important to speak to your GP to rule out any underlying physical causes.) 

Of course, many of those symptoms are natural mind and body responses. In isolation and short bursts they may be harmless and a normal response to things going on around you. But when they are persistent, distressing, or are having a negative impact on your life in some way, then that may be the time to ask for help.  

 

Counselling for anxiety provides a space to talk about the things that are bothering you and work out a way forward. My approach is to look at what you’re experiencing and to explore possible root causes. I use a combination of Transactional Analysis (TA) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These modalities help to reframe anxiety. We will work on committed actions and behaviour changes, and ultimately move towards a fulfilled and meaningful life based on your core values. This is different to goal setting. It’s about cultivating a deep understanding of who you are and the things that matter to you, and using this as a basis of living a life that has meaning to you. 

 

CORONAVIRUS
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I follow the government's guidelines and adhere to strict safety measures to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).​

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To book your initial free 20-min session contact Jenny on 07398 651 333 or email jenny@jennyhudsoncounselling.com.

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