Anxiety Counselling in WC1V

Photo of Azima Ryan, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Azima Ryan
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
London WC1V  (Online Only)
You might feel stuck in patterns that you can't seem to break free of, or have difficulty connecting with other people, or feeling true intimacy. Or you might have been putting on a 'mask' to go out to work and function in the world, but underneath are living with pain in various forms: depression, anxiety, grief or anger. If you feel motivated to make changes but don't know where to start, then psychotherapy might be right for you. With time, as you start to feel safe enough to talk in depth about the things that have been troubling you, therapy can become a very real relationship of trust and openness.
You might feel stuck in patterns that you can't seem to break free of, or have difficulty connecting with other people, or feeling true intimacy. Or you might have been putting on a 'mask' to go out to work and function in the world, but underneath are living with pain in various forms: depression, anxiety, grief or anger. If you feel motivated to make changes but don't know where to start, then psychotherapy might be right for you. With time, as you start to feel safe enough to talk in depth about the things that have been troubling you, therapy can become a very real relationship of trust and openness.
020 8103 6769 View 020 8103 6769
Photo of Nicola Kerr, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Nicola Kerr
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London WC1V
Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (DIT), which is a treatment course of 16 sessions to help identify anxiety and depression, which may be caused by relational difficulties.
You may be feeling anxious, depressed, low, or worried about certain aspects of your life. Whatever it is that is currently troubling you, if it has reached the point at which it is affecting the quality of your daily life, then therapy can be the first step to understanding some of these difficulties and challenges. I offer psychodynamic psychotherapy from a relational perspective, with two options.
Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (DIT), which is a treatment course of 16 sessions to help identify anxiety and depression, which may be caused by relational difficulties.
You may be feeling anxious, depressed, low, or worried about certain aspects of your life. Whatever it is that is currently troubling you, if it has reached the point at which it is affecting the quality of your daily life, then therapy can be the first step to understanding some of these difficulties and challenges. I offer psychodynamic psychotherapy from a relational perspective, with two options.
020 3984 7783 View 020 3984 7783
Photo of Dr Paul Kong, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Paul Kong
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
London WC1V
Co-authored the book “Effective Self-help for Anxiety” and has been involved in various publication and translation projects.
Over 20 years of rich clinical experience. Long track record of serving patients with mental health problems in public hospitals in Hong Kong and held the role of Adult Psychiatry Service Team In-charge. Skilled in assessing and treating a wide variety of psychological problems of adolescents and adults, such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, addiction problem, eating disorders, couple relationship problem, emotional and stress problems, etc. Appointed as Guest Lecturer of the University of Hong Kong and Honorary Clinical Supervisor of the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Co-authored the book “Effective Self-help for Anxiety” and has been involved in various publication and translation projects.
Over 20 years of rich clinical experience. Long track record of serving patients with mental health problems in public hospitals in Hong Kong and held the role of Adult Psychiatry Service Team In-charge. Skilled in assessing and treating a wide variety of psychological problems of adolescents and adults, such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, addiction problem, eating disorders, couple relationship problem, emotional and stress problems, etc. Appointed as Guest Lecturer of the University of Hong Kong and Honorary Clinical Supervisor of the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
020 4538 3071 View 020 4538 3071
Photo of Dr Holly Conheady, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Holly Conheady
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
London WC1V  (Online Only)
I am a Counselling Psychologist with extensive experience supporting both adults and young people with their mental health, using evidence-based methods to reduce distress and promote wellbeing. I have worked in a variety of settings in the NHS, charitable and private sectors, supporting people living with challenges around physical health, sleep, and body image, as well as bereavement and loss. Other areas of expertise include working with stress, low mood, self-criticism, and anxiety related to health, identity, sense of purpose, sexuality, social situations, and chronic worrying.
I am a Counselling Psychologist with extensive experience supporting both adults and young people with their mental health, using evidence-based methods to reduce distress and promote wellbeing. I have worked in a variety of settings in the NHS, charitable and private sectors, supporting people living with challenges around physical health, sleep, and body image, as well as bereavement and loss. Other areas of expertise include working with stress, low mood, self-criticism, and anxiety related to health, identity, sense of purpose, sexuality, social situations, and chronic worrying.
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Photo of Karin Pappenheim, DCounsPsych, BPC, Psychotherapist
Karin Pappenheim
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, BPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London WC1V
People come to therapy for lots of different reasons. You might be feeling anxious, depressed, stressed or unhappy, stuck or lost in life or in your relationships. Under pressure at work, not sure where your life is going? Maybe you feel as if the same patterns seem to keep repeating and causing hurt in your personal life and relationships, or you may have a crisis or specific problem you need to resolve or traumatic past experiences, such as abuse, bullying or bereavement. Everyone is different so whatever your own personal reasons for seeking therapy, I offer a safe and confidential place to talk and to achieve positive changes.
People come to therapy for lots of different reasons. You might be feeling anxious, depressed, stressed or unhappy, stuck or lost in life or in your relationships. Under pressure at work, not sure where your life is going? Maybe you feel as if the same patterns seem to keep repeating and causing hurt in your personal life and relationships, or you may have a crisis or specific problem you need to resolve or traumatic past experiences, such as abuse, bullying or bereavement. Everyone is different so whatever your own personal reasons for seeking therapy, I offer a safe and confidential place to talk and to achieve positive changes.
020 3319 6349 View 020 3319 6349
Photo of Dragana Savcic-Sanders, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dragana Savcic-Sanders
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
London WC1V  (Online Only)
I am a registered psychologist and EMDR therapist with over 20 years of experience of helping adults in the NHS psychological services and private practice. I can help with burn out, anxiety-related disorders, depression, the effects of childhood adverse experiences, abuse including domestic abuse, complex trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or difficulty in relationships, both with ourselves and others. I can help with complex bereavement including dealing with the effects of someone's suicide, eating disorders, coping with illness, personality disorder, anger; self-esteem issues and many others difficulties and challenges.
I am a registered psychologist and EMDR therapist with over 20 years of experience of helping adults in the NHS psychological services and private practice. I can help with burn out, anxiety-related disorders, depression, the effects of childhood adverse experiences, abuse including domestic abuse, complex trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or difficulty in relationships, both with ourselves and others. I can help with complex bereavement including dealing with the effects of someone's suicide, eating disorders, coping with illness, personality disorder, anger; self-esteem issues and many others difficulties and challenges.
020 3870 3675 View 020 3870 3675
Photo of Marek Sarnecki, MSc, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Marek Sarnecki
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London WC1V
I provide a non-judgmental and empathic environment for sharing your concerns, fears, feelings and thoughts.
My name is Marek and I am a Psychotherapist and a Sex and Relationship Therapist who works in a private practice and in a higher education institution in London. I believe therapy helps people to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships to become free of old patterns, or simply find ways to process pain or memories that have kept them feeling stuck. I strongly believe that we simply repeat what we don't repair. I have a heart and a passion for the work I do in creating effective change. My clinical experience includes working for: NHS, a community counselling services, and a suicidal respite centre.
I provide a non-judgmental and empathic environment for sharing your concerns, fears, feelings and thoughts.
My name is Marek and I am a Psychotherapist and a Sex and Relationship Therapist who works in a private practice and in a higher education institution in London. I believe therapy helps people to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships to become free of old patterns, or simply find ways to process pain or memories that have kept them feeling stuck. I strongly believe that we simply repeat what we don't repair. I have a heart and a passion for the work I do in creating effective change. My clinical experience includes working for: NHS, a community counselling services, and a suicidal respite centre.
020 3962 2243 View 020 3962 2243
Photo of Emely Ostberg Msc (Counsl. Psychol)., MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Emely Ostberg Msc (Counsl. Psychol).
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
London WC1V
My goal in therapy is to help you to train your mind so that you become the boss of it, rather than it being hijacked by unhelpful mind states such as rumination, worry, anxiety, hopelessness, stress etc.
Are you living with higher levels of anxiety than those around you would’ve guessed? Pouring over moves you make, wishing you said or did things differently? Are you worrying at nighttime, despite all your best efforts not to? When our internal alarm system gets activated and the button to turn it off seems to have gone missing, it has a way of taking over every area of our life. I'm guessing that if you're reading this you've probably tried many ways to control the way you're feeling. It can be a frustrating experience not to gain control over it, perhaps especially so, if you’re used to succeed in other areas of your life.
My goal in therapy is to help you to train your mind so that you become the boss of it, rather than it being hijacked by unhelpful mind states such as rumination, worry, anxiety, hopelessness, stress etc.
Are you living with higher levels of anxiety than those around you would’ve guessed? Pouring over moves you make, wishing you said or did things differently? Are you worrying at nighttime, despite all your best efforts not to? When our internal alarm system gets activated and the button to turn it off seems to have gone missing, it has a way of taking over every area of our life. I'm guessing that if you're reading this you've probably tried many ways to control the way you're feeling. It can be a frustrating experience not to gain control over it, perhaps especially so, if you’re used to succeed in other areas of your life.
020 8138 8843 View 020 8138 8843
Photo of Shirin Biria, MSc, BPC, Psychotherapist
Shirin Biria
Psychotherapist, MSc, BPC
Verified Verified
London WC1V
I offer in-depth talking therapy to adults and young adults who have a variety of concerns including stress, anxiety, unsatisfactory relationships, depressive states. My therapeutic approach can also enhance the lives of people who experience a loss of meaning in their lives, or feel they are alienated from their potentials or those who are seeking a greater sense of fulfilment in life. My academic and clinical training affiliations are with the University College London, the WPF Therapy, and the University of Manchester. I am a member of the Association for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy in the NHS.
I offer in-depth talking therapy to adults and young adults who have a variety of concerns including stress, anxiety, unsatisfactory relationships, depressive states. My therapeutic approach can also enhance the lives of people who experience a loss of meaning in their lives, or feel they are alienated from their potentials or those who are seeking a greater sense of fulfilment in life. My academic and clinical training affiliations are with the University College London, the WPF Therapy, and the University of Manchester. I am a member of the Association for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy in the NHS.
07379 916367 View 07379 916367
Photo of Eleanor Bigden - CBT and EMDR for healing, growth and confidence, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
CBT and EMDR for healing, growth and confidence
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
London WC1V
I can offer you the most helpful strategies, insights, tools and skills that I've fine-tuned from 24 years of helping people overcome major hurdles and fears, heal from traumatic experiences, resolve conflict, rapidly change habits and mindsets, successfully meet their needs, and live with greater courage, calm, creative adaptation and strength.
As an Accredited EMDR and CBT Therapist, my specialism is helping people rapidly build confidence, resilience, self esteem, skills, strengths and new strategies. I’m passionate about helping people overcome trauma, anxiety, OCD, stress, anger, struggles with relationships, communication, doubt, authenticity, identity, transitions, emotional regulation and wellbeing. My style is practical and encouraging, warm and down to earth. My evidence based approach is firmly rooted in what truly works to help people find lasting freedom. My emphasis is helping you make the changes that’ll make the biggest positive differences to your life.
I can offer you the most helpful strategies, insights, tools and skills that I've fine-tuned from 24 years of helping people overcome major hurdles and fears, heal from traumatic experiences, resolve conflict, rapidly change habits and mindsets, successfully meet their needs, and live with greater courage, calm, creative adaptation and strength.
As an Accredited EMDR and CBT Therapist, my specialism is helping people rapidly build confidence, resilience, self esteem, skills, strengths and new strategies. I’m passionate about helping people overcome trauma, anxiety, OCD, stress, anger, struggles with relationships, communication, doubt, authenticity, identity, transitions, emotional regulation and wellbeing. My style is practical and encouraging, warm and down to earth. My evidence based approach is firmly rooted in what truly works to help people find lasting freedom. My emphasis is helping you make the changes that’ll make the biggest positive differences to your life.
020 3823 6384 View 020 3823 6384
Photo of Tennur Katgi, MSc, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Tennur Katgi
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
London WC1V
I can offer you a tailored recovery plan to meet your needs and help you to regain the control of your life from trauma, PTSD and high anxiety.
My practice might be a good fit for you if you had a difficult childhood and now struggling with OCD, PTSD, complex PTSD or high levels of anxiety (social anxiety, relationship anxiety, panic attacks). If you find yourself here, it's likely because things have been difficult lately. Perhaps you struggle to see a path toward improvement. Whether you've faced adversity since childhood or have been grappling with mental health issues for some time, whether you're new to therapy or seeking a more sustainable solution, I'm here to support you on your journey toward recovery.
I can offer you a tailored recovery plan to meet your needs and help you to regain the control of your life from trauma, PTSD and high anxiety.
My practice might be a good fit for you if you had a difficult childhood and now struggling with OCD, PTSD, complex PTSD or high levels of anxiety (social anxiety, relationship anxiety, panic attacks). If you find yourself here, it's likely because things have been difficult lately. Perhaps you struggle to see a path toward improvement. Whether you've faced adversity since childhood or have been grappling with mental health issues for some time, whether you're new to therapy or seeking a more sustainable solution, I'm here to support you on your journey toward recovery.
020 8103 3872 View 020 8103 3872
Photo of Pat Capel, MHGI, Psychotherapist
Pat Capel
Psychotherapist, MHGI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London WC1V
Are you or your loved ones struggling with difficulties like depression, anxiety or trauma? Do you have difficulties getting to or staying asleep? Tricky relationships or situations at work or at home can cause stress and anxiety. For your children, the difficulties could be about school and university. I enjoy working with adults and young people who are finding life a little tricky. My 30 year career in the classroom means I understand adolescents and their difficulties. My aim is to help you identify the areas that are difficult and then to find strategies and solutions to overcome these.
Are you or your loved ones struggling with difficulties like depression, anxiety or trauma? Do you have difficulties getting to or staying asleep? Tricky relationships or situations at work or at home can cause stress and anxiety. For your children, the difficulties could be about school and university. I enjoy working with adults and young people who are finding life a little tricky. My 30 year career in the classroom means I understand adolescents and their difficulties. My aim is to help you identify the areas that are difficult and then to find strategies and solutions to overcome these.
020 3856 3817 View 020 3856 3817
Photo of Andrew Terence Martin Keefe - East London & City Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
East London & City Psychotherapist
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
London WC1V
Starting therapy can feel daunting and you may be anxious about what it will be like: many people find it helpful to talk on the phone first, to see if you feel comfortable and discuss anything which worries you, so if you would like a free phone consultation with me, please get in touch - I would be very happy to speak with you.
I help survivors of sexual abuse and violence, abusive relationships and other forms of violent trauma, whose trauma impacts on their minds, bodies, relationships and lives. I work with mind and body to help people recover as trauma is often held in the body, so its harder to put into words. I help people living with Chronic Lower Back Pain, where aggravated through depression, trauma or anxiety, through therapy & exercise as I am a Level 4 Lower Back Pain Specialist Personal Trainer as well. I am a Pilates Teacher, offering group and individual sessions for chronic lower back pain,
Starting therapy can feel daunting and you may be anxious about what it will be like: many people find it helpful to talk on the phone first, to see if you feel comfortable and discuss anything which worries you, so if you would like a free phone consultation with me, please get in touch - I would be very happy to speak with you.
I help survivors of sexual abuse and violence, abusive relationships and other forms of violent trauma, whose trauma impacts on their minds, bodies, relationships and lives. I work with mind and body to help people recover as trauma is often held in the body, so its harder to put into words. I help people living with Chronic Lower Back Pain, where aggravated through depression, trauma or anxiety, through therapy & exercise as I am a Level 4 Lower Back Pain Specialist Personal Trainer as well. I am a Pilates Teacher, offering group and individual sessions for chronic lower back pain,
020 3984 7987 x079569 View 020 3984 7987 x079569
Photo of Christina Berrios, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Christina Berrios
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London WC1V
Perhaps you're down or anxious - maybe you're unsure about your future, or just feel that you aren't living the life you were meant to lead. Whatever your needs may be, I can offer support. With an understanding that the therapist-client relationship is key for successful therapy, I provide a warm and empathic space where you can feel safe enough to tell your story. I work with my clients to process difficult feelings, to foster a better understanding of themselves and their circumstances. I can help you to reflect on your experiences, so that you can discover what leading an authentic life looks like for you.
Perhaps you're down or anxious - maybe you're unsure about your future, or just feel that you aren't living the life you were meant to lead. Whatever your needs may be, I can offer support. With an understanding that the therapist-client relationship is key for successful therapy, I provide a warm and empathic space where you can feel safe enough to tell your story. I work with my clients to process difficult feelings, to foster a better understanding of themselves and their circumstances. I can help you to reflect on your experiences, so that you can discover what leading an authentic life looks like for you.
020 3962 1409 View 020 3962 1409
Photo of Marc Mason, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Marc Mason
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
London WC1V
Together we will work with whatever you bring to therapy. This may be an issue that is clear and well defined. You might want change in your relationship or in your work, or you may want support dealing with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem or shame, for example. But it might also be something much vaguer, it may be a general interest in exploring aspects of your life or way of relating to the world, or it might be a sense of confusion, stuckness, dissatisfaction or unfinished business.
Together we will work with whatever you bring to therapy. This may be an issue that is clear and well defined. You might want change in your relationship or in your work, or you may want support dealing with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem or shame, for example. But it might also be something much vaguer, it may be a general interest in exploring aspects of your life or way of relating to the world, or it might be a sense of confusion, stuckness, dissatisfaction or unfinished business.
020 4538 6090 View 020 4538 6090
Photo of Rachel Sher, MBACP, Counsellor
Rachel Sher
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
London WC1V
Are you feeling anxious, depressed, or struggling with low self-esteem, life pressures, work conflicts, relationship problems, or mourning a loss? We're all faced with challenges that can leave us feeling stuck and alone and unable to move forward. Every step in my journey is a commitment to fostering healing and resilience to help resolve these issues, to step into your shoes and walk with you as we work through them. I work with a diverse set of clients, each with their own unique stories and reasons for seeking therapy. They are individuals who are looking for change but fighting with the uncertainty of where and how to begin.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed, or struggling with low self-esteem, life pressures, work conflicts, relationship problems, or mourning a loss? We're all faced with challenges that can leave us feeling stuck and alone and unable to move forward. Every step in my journey is a commitment to fostering healing and resilience to help resolve these issues, to step into your shoes and walk with you as we work through them. I work with a diverse set of clients, each with their own unique stories and reasons for seeking therapy. They are individuals who are looking for change but fighting with the uncertainty of where and how to begin.
020 8103 0638 View 020 8103 0638
Photo of Julia Upton, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Julia Upton
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London WC1V
If you are feeling depressed or anxious, it can be hard to ask for help.
I offer couples a warm, supportive, confidential setting couples to talk about emotional difficulties which may be troubling them in their relationship. I offer 85 min couple slots at weekends, when couples can most often find space to work on their relationship. Having worked as a psychotherapist for more than fifteen years, I consult to men and women of all ages, with different beliefs, sexual orientations, and occupational status. I also meet two adult members of the same family who may wish to discuss their personal or working relationship. Do get in touch for a chat about your concerns and how relationship counselling can help.
If you are feeling depressed or anxious, it can be hard to ask for help.
I offer couples a warm, supportive, confidential setting couples to talk about emotional difficulties which may be troubling them in their relationship. I offer 85 min couple slots at weekends, when couples can most often find space to work on their relationship. Having worked as a psychotherapist for more than fifteen years, I consult to men and women of all ages, with different beliefs, sexual orientations, and occupational status. I also meet two adult members of the same family who may wish to discuss their personal or working relationship. Do get in touch for a chat about your concerns and how relationship counselling can help.
01748 901371 View 01748 901371
Photo of Robert Marshall, MBACP, Counsellor
Robert Marshall
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
London WC1V
Therapy can assist in a variety of ways, from being a place to express feelings and thoughts without judgment and in confidence, to exploring deeply traumatic experiences with professional support. It can be a form of personal development - an opportunity to increase your self-awareness, become more emotionally robust, learn about your life story and develop your understanding of how you came to be who you are today. Whatever brings you to therapy, I will provide a safe, professional and confidential space for you to explore, discover, grow and change.
Therapy can assist in a variety of ways, from being a place to express feelings and thoughts without judgment and in confidence, to exploring deeply traumatic experiences with professional support. It can be a form of personal development - an opportunity to increase your self-awareness, become more emotionally robust, learn about your life story and develop your understanding of how you came to be who you are today. Whatever brings you to therapy, I will provide a safe, professional and confidential space for you to explore, discover, grow and change.
020 3893 2791 View 020 3893 2791
Photo of Dr Lisa Dvorjetz, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Lisa Dvorjetz
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
London WC1V  (Online Only)
Sometimes we struggle with things in our lives that we don't feel we can (or want to) talk to those closest to us about. Sometimes we feel lost, ashamed or want to gain more insight into something. This is where seeing a therapist can help you.
Sometimes we struggle with things in our lives that we don't feel we can (or want to) talk to those closest to us about. Sometimes we feel lost, ashamed or want to gain more insight into something. This is where seeing a therapist can help you.
020 4530 8485 View 020 4530 8485
Photo of Sonia Cerqueira, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Sonia Cerqueira
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
London WC1V
I am a French HCPC registered Psychologist and BPS Chartered Psychologist. I am BACP registered with AXAPPP, WPA, BUPA, AVIVA, Healix and VITALITY. I provide therapy in English and in French in my practices in Holborn. I see adult for short-term counselling and longer-term psychotherapy and use a range of modern approaches depending on your needs (CBT, Humanistic, EMDR, Psychodynamic). I shall provide a safe, non-judgemental space where you can bring any concerns that might be troubling you. From every day life trouble to trauma, all types of concerns are legitimate and will be heard by me during therapy.
I am a French HCPC registered Psychologist and BPS Chartered Psychologist. I am BACP registered with AXAPPP, WPA, BUPA, AVIVA, Healix and VITALITY. I provide therapy in English and in French in my practices in Holborn. I see adult for short-term counselling and longer-term psychotherapy and use a range of modern approaches depending on your needs (CBT, Humanistic, EMDR, Psychodynamic). I shall provide a safe, non-judgemental space where you can bring any concerns that might be troubling you. From every day life trouble to trauma, all types of concerns are legitimate and will be heard by me during therapy.
020 3835 3306 View 020 3835 3306
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Anxiety Counsellors

What are the most common treatments for anxiety?

Talk therapy, particularly cognitive behavioural therapy, is the most common treatment for anxiety. Studies have shown it is equally effective as medication. Other forms of therapy are popular, depending on a patient’s experience. Exposure therapy, for instance, can be useful for people dealing with fears and phobias, or who have experienced traumatic events. Dialectical Behavioural Therapy may be useful for patients who need help with emotion regulation. Anxiolytic medications, like benzodiazepines, can also help with calming a person enough to focus on the skills they’ve learned, and physical exercise has been shown to help symptoms of anxiety across the board.

How long does therapy for anxiety take to work?

The amount of time needed to alleviate symptoms depends on the severity of a person’s condition. Some therapies may take 5-20 weekly sessions to show results. Anti-depressant medications typically take two to four weeks before a benefit is felt. Anti-anxiety medications are felt typically within 20-30 minutes. Medications are best used to offer a patient a better headspace in which to work on techniques learned in therapy. Exercise, improved sleep habits, and meditation are effective, but takes weeks or months to show results.

When should I seek treatment for anxiety?

Everyone feels anxious at times, but when anxiety causes disruption to your daily life, it may be time to seek help. Such disruption can be mental, physical, or both: having fear dominate your thoughts, avoiding situations or objects that bring on feelings of anxiety, or experiencing shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or panic attacks. When these symptoms are recurrent and distressing, it may be time to talk to someone.

How effective is treatment for anxiety?

Treatment for anxiety has been shown to be moderately to highly effective, according to a large body of psychology studies and analyses. For some people, treatment using CBT or exposure therapy alone is effective. Others respond best to a combination of medication and therapy.