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Anxiety-Related Difficulties

Anxiety can show up in many forms – constant worry that won’t switch off, racing thoughts, panic symptoms, a tight chest, or a need to check and re-check for certainty. You might recognise yourself in general anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive–compulsive patterns, health anxiety, or social anxiety. It can make everyday decisions feel high-stakes, pull you towards avoidance or perfectionism, and strain relationships when misunderstandings or reassurance-seeking creep in.

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I’m a qualified and accredited therapist with over 15 years’ clinical experience in NHS Talking Therapies services and private practice, specialising in high-intensity CBT and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) for anxiety and related difficulties.

 

Working together

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With a warm, non-judgemental approach, we’ll work together to understand what’s fuelling your anxiety and how it’s affecting your life and relationships. We’ll gently map your triggers, soften unhelpful thinking loops, and build practical tools – grounding strategies, calmer routines, and clearer communication – so you can face what matters with more steadiness. Step by step, you can regain a greater sense of choice, ease, and connection.
 

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Is this you?​

  • A sense of dread in the background, or sudden surges of panic
     

  • “Looping” thoughts you can’t dismiss; needing reassurance to feel safe
     

  • Avoiding situations, or over-preparing to the point of exhaustion
     

  • Trouble switching off at night; irritability or tension in relationships
     

  • Health worries, social fears, or specific triggers (driving, work, travel)

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How anxiety keeps itself going​

We’ll map your own cycle:

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Trigger → Thoughts (“I’m not safe”) → Body (heart racing) → Urges (escape/seek certainty) →

Short-term relief → Stronger anxiety next time


Seeing this clearly lets us target the parts that are changeable—thought habits, safety behaviours, and how you respond to body sensations.

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How I help​

  • Psychoeducation in two minutes: quick, visual map of your anxiety cycle so it makes sense

  • Grounding & breathing that actually helps: brief skills to steady the body during spikes

  • Thought work without arguing with yourself: spotting common thinking traps and testing them gently

  • Behavioural experiments: small, safe steps that reduce avoidance and rebuild confidence

  • Worry scheduling & “enough” plans: contain rumination and perfectionism so you get your evening back

  • Relapse-prevention plan: what to do when old patterns try to sneak back

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What sessions look like​

  • Session 1–2: clear picture of your anxiety patterns and your goals

  • Between sessions: simple experiments (no heavy homework) that fit your week

  • Online via Microsoft Teams

  • Pace: collaborative and kind; we adjust as you regain headspace

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Tools we may build together

  • A 2-minute grounding routine for spikes (breath + body + focus)

  • A worry container: when, where, and how to handle worry efficiently

  • A safety-behaviour audit: gentle swaps that break the reassurance cycle

  • A sleep wind-down you’ll actually use

  • A confidence ladder: graded steps back into the things anxiety stole

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FAQs

Will I have to do scary exposures?

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Exposure can be an important part of anxiety work.  However, there will be no surprises-we plan graded steps together, at a pace that feels manageable.

 

How many sessions will I need?

 

Some people notice change in 6–8 sessions; others prefer longer. We review regularly.

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Do I need medication?

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Some find a combined approach helpful. I don’t prescribe, but can liaise with your GP if you wish.

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Next steps

  • Send me a message with a line about what you’re dealing with and when you’re free.

  • I’ll reply within 24 hours with a couple of times for a brief, no-obligation chat.

  • If it feels right, we’ll set up your first session and start building tools you can use straight away.

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