Anxiety & Stress

Many people I work with describe anxiety as a constant background hum, a sense of being “switched on” even when nothing obvious is wrong. It can show up as overthinking, physical tension, difficulty relaxing, or a feeling that your mind is always preparing for something that might go wrong.

Stress can feel similar, but often comes with a sense of pressure or overload, like there is too much to hold, think about, or manage at once.

You might notice:

  • Racing or repetitive thoughts that are hard to slow down

  • Difficulty switching off, even during rest

  • Physical symptoms like tightness, fatigue, or restlessness

  • A tendency to over-prepare, overthink, or avoid situations

  • Feeling emotionally “on edge” or easily overwhelmed

For some people, anxiety is quite specific and situation-based. For others, it becomes a more general way of moving through life - always anticipating, planning, or bracing for impact.

How therapy can help

In therapy, we take time to understand how anxiety and stress are showing up for you specifically. Not just as symptoms, but as patterns that have developed over time.

This might involve exploring:

  • What your mind is trying to protect you from

  • How overthinking or worry cycles are maintained

  • The role of avoidance, control, or perfectionism in anxiety

  • How your nervous system responds to stress

Alongside this understanding, we also focus on practical strategies to help you feel more grounded and less overwhelmed in day-to-day life.

This can include building skills to:

  • Reduce mental overactivity and rumination

  • Regulate the nervous system during stress

  • Respond differently to anxious thoughts

  • Create more space between triggers and reactions

The aim is not to eliminate anxiety completely, but to help it feel less controlling, so it no longer takes up so much space in your mind or life.

Working together

Therapy is paced gently and collaboratively. We go at a speed that feels manageable, especially if you are already feeling overwhelmed.

Sessions are a space to slow things down, make sense of what’s happening internally, and begin building a different relationship with stress and anxiety.

If this resonates with you, you’re welcome to get in touch or book an appointment.