Anxiety Counselling in Harpenden

Photo of Emma Dunne, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Emma Dunne
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Online Only
I'm Dr Emma Dunne, a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, with over 16 years of mental health experience. I've worked both in the NHS and privately, community and inpatient, in person and online, individual and groups... with a whole range of mental health difficulties. Specifically, I have post-doctoral specialist training in the field of complex mental health.
I'm Dr Emma Dunne, a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, with over 16 years of mental health experience. I've worked both in the NHS and privately, community and inpatient, in person and online, individual and groups... with a whole range of mental health difficulties. Specifically, I have post-doctoral specialist training in the field of complex mental health.
01582 280006 View 01582 280006
Photo of Helene Clarke, Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Helene Clarke
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
You may be depressed, anxious, stressed, angry or have relationship problems or work-related difficulties.
I am an accredited member of the BACP and have completed a rigorous five-year training. I will work alongside you to explore and understand the roots of your difficulties so that you can gain new perspectives on them. A greater understanding of yourself can give you the freedom and autonomy to make positive and lasting changes in your life.
You may be depressed, anxious, stressed, angry or have relationship problems or work-related difficulties.
I am an accredited member of the BACP and have completed a rigorous five-year training. I will work alongside you to explore and understand the roots of your difficulties so that you can gain new perspectives on them. A greater understanding of yourself can give you the freedom and autonomy to make positive and lasting changes in your life.
01582 377389 View 01582 377389
Photo of Richard Bird, Counsellor, MBACP
Richard Bird
Counsellor, MBACP
Online Only
I have availability for new clients and Supervisees, as of March 2025. My working days are mondays and tuesdays, via Zoom. During these unprecedented times, it's more important than ever to be mindful of our mental health and well-being. I guess my USP is that I have 30 years of prior experience working at Director level in Investment banking, so if you value some real world experience, we might be a good match. I also have a special interest in working with clients dealing with long term health conditions, through my own lived experience.
I have availability for new clients and Supervisees, as of March 2025. My working days are mondays and tuesdays, via Zoom. During these unprecedented times, it's more important than ever to be mindful of our mental health and well-being. I guess my USP is that I have 30 years of prior experience working at Director level in Investment banking, so if you value some real world experience, we might be a good match. I also have a special interest in working with clients dealing with long term health conditions, through my own lived experience.
01582 349713 View 01582 349713
Photo of Anna Walton, Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Anna Walton
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
I work with clients who have experienced childhood trauma, adult trauma, relationship, sexuality and gender issues, abuse, addiction, anxiety, depression, bereavement, stress, and low self-esteem.
I have 5 years training in clinical psychotherapy and my practice is informed by existential, psychodynamic and person-centered theory. The relationship between therapist and client is primary and ideally will help you to see what relationship patterns have been created with yourself and others, and how they impact your sense of self and overall wellbeing.
I work with clients who have experienced childhood trauma, adult trauma, relationship, sexuality and gender issues, abuse, addiction, anxiety, depression, bereavement, stress, and low self-esteem.
I have 5 years training in clinical psychotherapy and my practice is informed by existential, psychodynamic and person-centered theory. The relationship between therapist and client is primary and ideally will help you to see what relationship patterns have been created with yourself and others, and how they impact your sense of self and overall wellbeing.
020 3835 5906 View 020 3835 5906
Photo of Dr Omar Cummins, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Omar Cummins
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
If you’re living with trauma, anxiety, depression, or feeling disconnected from life and your potential, there is a way forward.
I help you understand and change patterns that no longer serve you, supporting you to nurture the vulnerable part of yourself with the care and compassion they deserve. When life feels overwhelming, I help you find your footing; when you’re ready for change, I help you flourish. Learn more about my approach on my website.
If you’re living with trauma, anxiety, depression, or feeling disconnected from life and your potential, there is a way forward.
I help you understand and change patterns that no longer serve you, supporting you to nurture the vulnerable part of yourself with the care and compassion they deserve. When life feels overwhelming, I help you find your footing; when you’re ready for change, I help you flourish. Learn more about my approach on my website.
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Photo of Dr Sophie Fitzgerald, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Sophie Fitzgerald
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
I work with people who experience a range of mental health difficulties including anxiety, depression, OCD, low self-esteem, eating disorders, PTSD, loss/grief, attachment and relationship difficulties
I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist, registered with The Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC). I have worked in both community and inpatient settings across different populations including older adults, adults including those with an eating disorder, children and adolescent, people with learning disabilities and people following a stroke or traumatic brain injury. ​I have gained experience of working with a range of different types of therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Systemic Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema therapy and DBT.
I work with people who experience a range of mental health difficulties including anxiety, depression, OCD, low self-esteem, eating disorders, PTSD, loss/grief, attachment and relationship difficulties
I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist, registered with The Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC). I have worked in both community and inpatient settings across different populations including older adults, adults including those with an eating disorder, children and adolescent, people with learning disabilities and people following a stroke or traumatic brain injury. ​I have gained experience of working with a range of different types of therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Systemic Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema therapy and DBT.
01582 377903 View 01582 377903
Photo of Marina Bardosova - Marina Counselling and Psychotherapy, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Marina Counselling and Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
As a BACP accredited Psychotherapist and University lecturer with over 10 years of experience, I offer a safe, professional and productive therapeutic space for my clients for CBT, EMDR, counselling and psychotherapy. I have worked within the NHS, schools, support centres for young people and women, and have experience supporting clients with various issues. Embarking on the journey of talking therapy can indeed feel daunting. Please rest assured that I am here to support you with a kind, empathetic approach. Also, with a Masters in Psychotherapy and a Ba (Hons) in teaching, I bring a dynamic and refreshing approach to therapy.
As a BACP accredited Psychotherapist and University lecturer with over 10 years of experience, I offer a safe, professional and productive therapeutic space for my clients for CBT, EMDR, counselling and psychotherapy. I have worked within the NHS, schools, support centres for young people and women, and have experience supporting clients with various issues. Embarking on the journey of talking therapy can indeed feel daunting. Please rest assured that I am here to support you with a kind, empathetic approach. Also, with a Masters in Psychotherapy and a Ba (Hons) in teaching, I bring a dynamic and refreshing approach to therapy.
01727 326468 View 01727 326468
Photo of Karen Rowlands, Counsellor, BACP
Karen Rowlands
Counsellor, BACP
Are you feeling anxious, sad or struggling to cope?
Many people suffer for years with problems that keep recurring without understanding why or knowing how they can heal from past or present wounds. I would like to work with you to explore what is going on for you, to help you make sense of your thoughts and feelings and to facilitate you in developing a greater understanding of yourself.
Are you feeling anxious, sad or struggling to cope?
Many people suffer for years with problems that keep recurring without understanding why or knowing how they can heal from past or present wounds. I would like to work with you to explore what is going on for you, to help you make sense of your thoughts and feelings and to facilitate you in developing a greater understanding of yourself.
01727 638166 View 01727 638166
Photo of Rebecca Hunt, Counsellor, MBACP
Rebecca Hunt
Counsellor, MBACP
I work with a range of issues including bereavement, grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, low self esteem and relationship difficulties.
I am an experienced, empathic psychodynamic therapist, caring passionately about what I do. I take a relational approach with my clients whilst thinking psychodynamically, allowing clients to talk through life experiences and emotional distress. This will help to unravel some of your difficult emotions, anxieties and distress. I believe that a greater understanding of yourself is the path to lasting and positive changes for the future. I will work collaboratively with you to make sense of feelings that may feel painful or confusing.
I work with a range of issues including bereavement, grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, low self esteem and relationship difficulties.
I am an experienced, empathic psychodynamic therapist, caring passionately about what I do. I take a relational approach with my clients whilst thinking psychodynamically, allowing clients to talk through life experiences and emotional distress. This will help to unravel some of your difficult emotions, anxieties and distress. I believe that a greater understanding of yourself is the path to lasting and positive changes for the future. I will work collaboratively with you to make sense of feelings that may feel painful or confusing.
01582 377260 View 01582 377260
Photo of Effie Molyva, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Effie Molyva
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I am a BABCP accredited CBT therapist with extensive experience supporting clients with anxiety and depression both in the NHS as well as privately.
but can also be a challenging time for many parents who may experience worry, anxiety or symptoms of post-natal depression while going through this major transition in their lives. Many people may feel daunted by the process of seeking support for their difficulties, because therapy involves sharing difficult emotions with the aim of challenging sometimes
I am a BABCP accredited CBT therapist with extensive experience supporting clients with anxiety and depression both in the NHS as well as privately.
but can also be a challenging time for many parents who may experience worry, anxiety or symptoms of post-natal depression while going through this major transition in their lives. Many people may feel daunted by the process of seeking support for their difficulties, because therapy involves sharing difficult emotions with the aim of challenging sometimes
01727 638249 View 01727 638249
Photo of Dee Critoph, Psychotherapist, BPC
Dee Critoph
Psychotherapist, BPC
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
It's completely natural to feel apprehensive and anxious when seeking therapy; it can be daunting, yet it is the first step.
Would you like a Space to Speak Freely and Explore whatever is on 'Your Mind'? As an experienced and registered Psychotherapist and Certified ADHD Clinical Services Professional, I have worked with a diverse range of people struggling with a wide range of challenges. I would work to try to help you get to know and understand youself better - perhaps your feelings, moods, behaviour, motivations as well as your relationship with yourself and others. I feel I am most effective when helping others to speak freely, listen to themselves with curiosity, and discover their own inner truths through the therapeutic process.
It's completely natural to feel apprehensive and anxious when seeking therapy; it can be daunting, yet it is the first step.
Would you like a Space to Speak Freely and Explore whatever is on 'Your Mind'? As an experienced and registered Psychotherapist and Certified ADHD Clinical Services Professional, I have worked with a diverse range of people struggling with a wide range of challenges. I would work to try to help you get to know and understand youself better - perhaps your feelings, moods, behaviour, motivations as well as your relationship with yourself and others. I feel I am most effective when helping others to speak freely, listen to themselves with curiosity, and discover their own inner truths through the therapeutic process.
020 4538 5494 View 020 4538 5494
Photo of Nicki Raffo, Counsellor, MBACP
Nicki Raffo
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
You may be struggling with feelings of sadness, anxiety, stress, anger or loss.
I offer counselling for both adults and young people, and I am also a Relate-trained couples therapist. I provide a safe, confidential space and will work with you to unravel past events and relationships that have impacted your life, and help you find the resources within yourself to move forward in a positive way.
You may be struggling with feelings of sadness, anxiety, stress, anger or loss.
I offer counselling for both adults and young people, and I am also a Relate-trained couples therapist. I provide a safe, confidential space and will work with you to unravel past events and relationships that have impacted your life, and help you find the resources within yourself to move forward in a positive way.
01727 223772 View 01727 223772
Photo of Harriet Doward - Harriet Doward Counselling, Counsellor, MBACP
Harriet Doward Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I offer sessions online and in person and have experience helping with anxiety, depression, self-harm, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, anger, post-natal depression, addiction, trauma, and bereavement amongst others.
I offer a safe space for you to explore unfinished business from the past and to help you discover where you are stuck in the present. We will look at how you are behaving, if it's an appropriate response and how you could react instead.
I offer sessions online and in person and have experience helping with anxiety, depression, self-harm, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, anger, post-natal depression, addiction, trauma, and bereavement amongst others.
I offer a safe space for you to explore unfinished business from the past and to help you discover where you are stuck in the present. We will look at how you are behaving, if it's an appropriate response and how you could react instead.
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Photo of Alison Ryan, Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Alison Ryan
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, miserable or unable to live the life you want?
I work with people who have a wide range of adjustment issues in life, whether it be anxiety, trauma, depression, relationship difficulties, chronic illness or self esteem issues. I also work with people with acquired brain injury.
Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, miserable or unable to live the life you want?
I work with people who have a wide range of adjustment issues in life, whether it be anxiety, trauma, depression, relationship difficulties, chronic illness or self esteem issues. I also work with people with acquired brain injury.
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Photo of Sue Adams, Counsellor, MBACP
Sue Adams
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
So whether you are at a crisis point or struggling with anxiety, depression or a bereavement I am here to help.
There is no "one size fits all" approach to therapy, instead we work together and I learn your personal journey. My modality is Psychodynamic and my roots lie in linking past experiences to present difficulties that may have started in your younger years but are often an accumulation of unprocessed events and experiences that have been carried on with you.
So whether you are at a crisis point or struggling with anxiety, depression or a bereavement I am here to help.
There is no "one size fits all" approach to therapy, instead we work together and I learn your personal journey. My modality is Psychodynamic and my roots lie in linking past experiences to present difficulties that may have started in your younger years but are often an accumulation of unprocessed events and experiences that have been carried on with you.
01727 733176 View 01727 733176
Photo of Jonathan Eddie, Counsellor, MBACP
Jonathan Eddie
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
I offer both individual and couples therapy in central St Albans and online. At the heart of my approach is the safe, trusting relationship I share with my clients. While I support my clients in directing the course of their therapy, I’m not afraid to offer challenge and to guide a little, if I believe it's of therapeutic value to do so. Specialisms: Couples therapy Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder (Sex/Porn Addiction)
I offer both individual and couples therapy in central St Albans and online. At the heart of my approach is the safe, trusting relationship I share with my clients. While I support my clients in directing the course of their therapy, I’m not afraid to offer challenge and to guide a little, if I believe it's of therapeutic value to do so. Specialisms: Couples therapy Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder (Sex/Porn Addiction)
01727 649252 View 01727 649252
Photo of Max Ryz - Max Ryz , Psychotherapist, HCPC-Art Therap.
Max Ryz
Psychotherapist, HCPC-Art Therap.
Serves Area
If you are struggling with your emotions, relationships or feel stuck in unhelpful patterns, psychotherapy could help bring about meaningful change. I provide a non-judgmental space to explore underlying dynamics and emotional conflicts. Gaining a better understanding of yourself can make it possible to move away from the unhelpful patterns and can help facilitate healthy developments within your personal and professional life.
If you are struggling with your emotions, relationships or feel stuck in unhelpful patterns, psychotherapy could help bring about meaningful change. I provide a non-judgmental space to explore underlying dynamics and emotional conflicts. Gaining a better understanding of yourself can make it possible to move away from the unhelpful patterns and can help facilitate healthy developments within your personal and professional life.
01727 638977 View 01727 638977
Photo of Dr Roxanne Barrett, Psychologist, CPsychol
Dr Roxanne Barrett
Psychologist, CPsychol
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I work with adults experiencing a range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, trauma, health issues or difficulties with relationships.
Are you struggling to cope after a difficult life event? Feeling overwhelmed, stuck or struggling to move past traumatic experiences? Psychological therapy can help you find new ways to cope with life’s challenges and move forward. I am an HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist with experience working within psychological and physical health services in the NHS and private practice. I have a specific interest in working with individuals who have experienced traumatic events, in particular those associated with living with physical health conditions, as well as within women’s health, pregnancy and childbirth.
I work with adults experiencing a range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, trauma, health issues or difficulties with relationships.
Are you struggling to cope after a difficult life event? Feeling overwhelmed, stuck or struggling to move past traumatic experiences? Psychological therapy can help you find new ways to cope with life’s challenges and move forward. I am an HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist with experience working within psychological and physical health services in the NHS and private practice. I have a specific interest in working with individuals who have experienced traumatic events, in particular those associated with living with physical health conditions, as well as within women’s health, pregnancy and childbirth.
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Photo of Gay Lane, Counsellor, MBACP
Gay Lane
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am a qualified Person-Centred therapist who works with a wide range of issues including anxiety, low mood, domestic abuse, sexual identity to name but a few.
Alongside my private practice I work for an agency in Dunstable called Sorted Counselling Services. At Sorted I run a specialized project for children and young people aged 13-25 years who are at risk of becoming exploited through crime. This includes sexual exploitation, gangs, county lines, knife crime and grooming.
I am a qualified Person-Centred therapist who works with a wide range of issues including anxiety, low mood, domestic abuse, sexual identity to name but a few.
Alongside my private practice I work for an agency in Dunstable called Sorted Counselling Services. At Sorted I run a specialized project for children and young people aged 13-25 years who are at risk of becoming exploited through crime. This includes sexual exploitation, gangs, county lines, knife crime and grooming.
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Photo of Claire Cooper, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Claire Cooper
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Serves Area
Or maybe you are dealing with overwhelming feelings of anxiety or depression?
I am experienced in treating anxiety, depression, loss and bereavement, stress, low self-esteem and family issues. I also have experience in eating disorders, particularly binge eating/compulsive overeating. By providing a non-judgmental space, we can collaboratively work together towards a deeper understanding, awareness and new perspectives.
Or maybe you are dealing with overwhelming feelings of anxiety or depression?
I am experienced in treating anxiety, depression, loss and bereavement, stress, low self-esteem and family issues. I also have experience in eating disorders, particularly binge eating/compulsive overeating. By providing a non-judgmental space, we can collaboratively work together towards a deeper understanding, awareness and new perspectives.
01727 648598 View 01727 648598
Anxiety Counsellors
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.

What are the most common types of treatment 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.

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.