Specialties
Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most common reasons people seek psychological help. It isn't a sign of weakness, nor something you should have to "overcome" through willpower alone: it's a response of the body and mind that, when it's triggered too easily or for too long, starts to limit your life instead of protecting you.
What we mean by anxiety
Anxiety is a natural alert mechanism: it prepares us to respond to a real or perceived threat. The problem appears when this activation continues without a clear reason, is triggered by everyday situations, or becomes so intense that it interferes with work, relationships or rest.
It can show up in very different ways depending on the person: thoughts that repeat over and over, a knot in the stomach or chest, difficulty breathing calmly, muscle tension, trouble falling asleep or irritability. It's also common to constantly anticipate that something bad is going to happen, even when there's no objective sign of it.
Common causes and factors
Anxiety almost never has a single cause. It usually combines factors such as coping styles learned throughout life, sustained periods of demand or change (a new stage at work, a house move, a separation), a tendency to anticipate problems before they happen, or difficulty setting limits and saying no.
How we interpret our own physical sensations also plays a role: when the body activates and we interpret it as a sign of danger, we enter a cycle that feeds the anxiety itself.
When might it be time to seek help?
- When worry is constant and it's hard to "switch off", even during rest.
- If you notice frequent physical symptoms (tension, a racing heart, digestive discomfort) with no medical cause to explain them.
- When you avoid situations, places or decisions out of fear of feeling bad.
- If anxiety affects your sleep, your concentration, or your personal or work relationships.
How we work on anxiety in therapy
- We start by understanding together how your anxiety shows up specifically: what triggers it, when it appears and what you usually do to manage it.
- From there we work on practical tools to reduce the activation and, above all, to change your relationship with anxiety, so it stops taking up more and more space in your life.
- The work is aimed at helping you recognise the signs early and act differently, so the problem has less and less room to repeat itself.
Frequently asked questions about anxiety
Can anxiety be treated in psychological therapy?
Yes, psychological therapy is a common and recommended resource for working on anxiety. The process is adapted to each person, to how their anxiety shows up and to their specific situation.
How long will it take to notice changes?
Every process is different and depends on multiple personal factors, so it isn't possible to give a fixed timeframe. What is constant is that changes take time, are gradual, and progress better when there's an active commitment between therapist and client.
Is online therapy just as effective for anxiety?
The online format keeps the same seriousness and professional structure as in-person therapy. For many people, being able to do therapy from a familiar environment also makes working on anxiety easier.
Do I need a prior diagnosis to book an appointment?
No, it isn't necessary. You can book an appointment simply because you notice anxiety is affecting your day-to-day life; the initial assessment is part of the therapeutic process itself.
Want to work on anxiety?
Write to me and let's talk, with no obligation, about your specific situation.