Therapy for Anxiety
Fear and anxiety aren’t just “in your head.” They are a physical strain on the body. You get a racing heart, a tight chest, shortness of breath, nausea, shaky hands, and hot or cold flushes. In moments like this, it can feel as if your body has turned against you, like some part of you is at war with the rest.
We all have a threat detection system that is there to keep us safe. Your body is trying to protect you, but it can become too sensitive, reacting to things that aren’t truly dangerous.
Anxiety is uncomfortable, not harmful
One thing I want you to know is that anxiety, even when intense, is not dangerous. A panic surge can feel unbearable, but it won’t damage your body or your mind.
While it is happening, you might feel trapped with the fear or like it’s somehow more real than real life. This is because the brain is not separate from the body, so our thoughts and imagination will often conform to what our body is feeling, even when we try to resist.
But remember that the fear rises, peaks, and always eventually comes back down.
Anxiety in therapy
In counselling, we start by mapping what sets off your anxiety and how you feel it in your body. Then we introduce skills like breath work and grounding as we gradually work on facing the deeper causes. Over time, this re-trains your threat detection, resulting in fewer and fewer false alarms.
The goal is peace
If you’ve been stuck in cycles of fear, shame, or self-criticism, therapy is a proven method of relief and recovery.
When your body stops expecting danger around every corner, anxiety has less power over you. That’s when you can get back to living a steady and productive life.
Ready to talk?
I offer appointments in Penrith, or tele-health Australia-wide. After hour appointments available. No GP referral required.
The first step is to book a free 10 minute phone chat.