What we treat
Anxiety counselling
An emotional response characterised by excessive worry, fear, or apprehension, often related to future events or uncertainties.
Identifying anxiety disorders involves recognising a variety of emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms. These symptoms can show themselves in different ways and may be unique from one person to another. Common signs include:
Persistent restlessness and irritability is a common occurrence. This makes it challenging to relax or concentrate on tasks which puts you in a constant sense of tension and agitation.
Sleeping patterns are thrown into disarray. When you cannot fall asleep, stay asleep, or experience a good night’s sleep regularly, it will turn into chronic fatigue which worsens other symptoms of anxiety.
Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear that can be accompanied by physical symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, and a sense of impending doom. These attacks can be overwhelming and frightening, contributing to a cycle of anxiety.
Apart from impaired cognitive functions, physical symptoms, such as muscle tension, rapid heartbeat, chest tightness are also common, which can lead to discomfort and physical strain. These are similar to the symptoms of a heart condition which creates a heightened sense of fear.
Additional physical symptoms can include hot and cold flushes, dizziness, and gastrointestinal issues. These reactions mirror the body's response to anxiety and can impact your daily routine.
We’ve all felt that knot in our stomachs before a big change or when we have to speak in front of a crowd. It’s totally normal to feel anxious in those situations, and a bit of anxiety can even help us perform better, like before a job interview. But sometimes, anxiety shows up out of the blue and sticks around, even when there’s no obvious reason for it.
Anxiety is a complex experience that affects multiple aspects of our lives. It is way more than just getting the jitters before a momentous even happens. Truth be told, anxiety covers a range of disorders that can influence the way we feel. Phobias, OCD, panic attacks, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) all fall under the umbrella of anxiety.
Anxiety negatively affects how we feel physically and emotionally, chasing us into a rabbit hole of extreme worry and unease. When anxiety holds the reins, your personal life, mood, and relationships are going to rack and ruin. Anxiety disorders are more than just occasional, situation-based stress; they actually are persistent, intense feelings which play havoc with your daily functioning.
It puts you into seemingly never-ending feelings of fear and discomfort that can impair your mood and responsibilities.
Understanding the causes of anxiety is complex, as it involves a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some common triggers and causes include:
Genetic Factors: A family history of anxiety disorders can increase the likelihood of developing similar conditions. Genetic predispositions can make you more susceptible to experiencing anxiety.
Environmental Factors: Stressful life events, such as trauma, abuse, or significant life changes, can trigger or exacerbate anxiety disorders. These experiences can create a lasting impact on mental health, leading to ongoing anxiety.
Psychological Factors: Cognitive patterns, such as negative thinking or perfectionism, can contribute to the development of anxiety. Additionally, certain personality traits or past experiences may play a role in how you perceive and respond to stress.
Specific Triggers: Identifying specific triggers for anxiety is crucial for effective management. These triggers may include work-related stress, relationship issues, or other life challenges. Recognizing and understanding these triggers can help you develop strategies to cope, or reduce their impact.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of anxiety, seeking professional help is essential. A mental health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis, offer tailored treatment options, and support individuals in managing anxiety and reclaiming a fulfilling life.
Anxiety disorders are highly treatable. Various approaches, often used in combination, can help.
Therapy (counseling):
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This widely used therapeutic approach helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with anxiety. The goal is to work to replace these thoughts and behaviors with more positive ones.
Exposure therapy: Effective for both phobias and specific anxieties, exposure therapy involves gradually facing anxiety-provoking stimuli in order to remove the anxious feelings they cause.
Lifestyle changes:
Stress management: Adopting stress-reducing techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can be beneficial.
Healthy lifestyle habits: Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet contribute to overall wellbeing.
Improved knowledge:
Educating yourself about anxiety disorders is a powerful step toward understanding and managing these conditions. Our psychologists can help provide reliable, evidence-based information, resources, and ongoing support.
By working together with a Someone.health psychologist, you can develop a treatment plan which, over time, will help you regain control and improve your quality of life.
Psychologists available online
Tell us what matters to you, compare suitable appointments and keep your care details in your patient profile.
Find an appointmentIt will not always be obvious and it could be gradual. But when you start feeling better, then that means that the therapy is working.
You'll also be able to see things more clearly as you progress with your talk therapy. Healing, however, is not always so clear-cut. There will always be ups and downs. If that happens, you can talk to your psychologist about your progress and be open with what you're feeling.
Australia has regulatory bodies to ensure we maintain consistent and high standards across the psychology profession.
Yes. They are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), listed with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and individually selected and monitored by Someone.health's expert clinical team.
Appointments are available immediately
Once you have signed up and we have verified your details, you can choose a psychologist who is available immediately. Our website displays in order of the first available appointment.
Only your GP or a psychiatrist can prescribe medication.
Medication can only be prescribed by medical doctors, which includes general practitioners (GPs) and psychiatrists.
If you need the services of a psychiatrist, please visit Call To Mind, a telehealth service specialising in psychiatry.