Counselling for Anxiety

Anxiety Therapy in Leeds – Direct, Solution-Focused Support

What Does Anxiety Feel Like?

Anxiety doesn’t look the same for everyone — but if you’re here, something probably feels off. You might be overthinking constantly, struggling to switch off, or waking up with a tight chest and racing thoughts. It could be physical — headaches, stomach problems, tension — or internal, like a creeping sense that you can’t relax or something’s always “wrong.”

It’s more than just stress. It can take over your day, relationships, and sleep. But it can be worked with.

How I Work With Anxiety

Anxiety can feel exhausting – overthinking, physical tension, avoiding things you used to manage easily. When I work with anxiety, I combine practical tools with deeper exploration. We look not just at how to manage it, but where it comes from and why it’s showing up now.

I draw on elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), depending on what fits best for you.

CBT helps make sense of the cycle between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. We might notice patterns like catastrophising, perfectionism, or avoidance – and work on breaking the cycle with tools that challenge unhelpful thinking and build confidence in facing what you’ve been avoiding.

DBT brings in a different kind of balance – between accepting where you are right now and making changes at the same time. It’s especially helpful if you’re dealing with intense emotions, black-and-white thinking, or self-criticism. We might focus on things like emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and self-compassion.

Alongside all of this, I’ll support you to explore what’s underneath the anxiety. What early experiences shaped the way you relate to fear, control, or uncertainty? What core beliefs are running in the background? Getting to the root of it means you’re not just putting a plaster over the symptoms – you’re building long-term change.

Why Choose Me as Your Therapist?

I’m a qualified therapist based in Leeds, offering both online and in-person sessions. My clients often say they appreciate that I don’t sit back and nod — I engage, ask questions, and offer honest reflections. I work on the therapeutic relationship and building a rapport with you and don’t expect you to pretend everything’s okay.

I’ve worked with people from all backgrounds, including those who’ve had disappointing therapy experiences before. If you’re tired of feeling stuck, we can look at things in a way that feels real and doable — not overwhelming.

Online & In-Person Sessions Available

Sessions are available in-person in Leeds or online, whichever suits you best. Some people prefer the privacy and ease of remote sessions; others want the routine and grounding of face-to-face work.

Sessions last 50 minutes and usually take place weekly. We can discuss short-term or open-ended work depending on your needs.

You can read more about how I work with anxiety here.

🌱 Anxiety Counselling – FAQs

1. What happens in anxiety counselling sessions?
In anxiety counselling, we explore your triggers, thought patterns, and coping strategies. Sessions may include practical tools such as breathing techniques, grounding exercises, and cognitive behavioural approaches to help reduce symptoms and improve daily life.

2. How do I know if I need counselling for anxiety?
You might benefit from anxiety counselling if worry, panic attacks, or intrusive thoughts interfere with sleep, work, or relationships. If your mind feels constantly “on edge,” counselling can help you regain calm and control.

3. Can counselling really cure anxiety?
Counselling doesn’t offer a quick “cure,” but it provides long-term tools and insight to manage anxiety effectively. Many people experience fewer symptoms, greater resilience, and better self-understanding over time.

4. Is online anxiety therapy as effective as face-to-face sessions?
Yes — research shows online anxiety counselling is just as effective as in-person. Many clients prefer the convenience and comfort of accessing support from home.

5. How quickly will I notice a change in my anxiety?
Everyone’s journey is different. Some notice relief after a few sessions; others take longer as they unpick deeper patterns. What matters is building a toolkit that works for you, both short- and long-term.

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