Anxiety

Finding calm amidst the storm

Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most common reasons people seek therapy, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood experiences. If you are living with anxiety, you may feel as though your mind never truly rests. There is a constant hum of worry beneath the surface — a tightness in your chest, a restlessness that follows you through the day, and a sense that something is about to go wrong even when everything around you seems fine.

Perhaps you find yourself replaying conversations in your head, second-guessing decisions, or avoiding situations that once felt manageable. You may lie awake at night with racing thoughts, or feel a sudden wave of panic that seems to come from nowhere. These experiences can leave you feeling exhausted, isolated, and frustrated with yourself.

It is important for you to know that anxiety is not a sign of weakness or a personal failing. It is often the mind and body's way of responding to experiences — past and present — that have felt overwhelming or unsafe. Beneath the worry, there are often deeper feelings and unresolved experiences that have not yet had the space to be heard and understood. You do not have to face this alone, and you do not have to keep pushing through in silence.

How Psychotherapy Can Help

In our work together, we will do more than simply manage the symptoms of anxiety. Through psychodynamic psychotherapy, we will gently explore the roots of your anxiety — the early experiences, relational patterns, and unconscious feelings that may be fuelling your distress. This is not about analysing you from a distance; it is about creating a genuine, collaborative relationship in which you feel safe enough to explore what lies beneath the surface.

The therapeutic relationship itself becomes a place of healing. Within it, you can begin to recognise patterns that have kept you stuck, give voice to feelings that have been silenced, and develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your emotional world. As we work together over time, many people find that their anxiety begins to ease — not because they have learned to suppress it, but because they have addressed the underlying pain that gave rise to it.

“the relationship is the therapy”

This collaborative process is grounded in the belief that lasting change comes not from techniques alone, but from being truly heard and understood within a caring therapeutic relationship. Together, we will work at a pace that feels right for you, building the trust and safety that are essential to meaningful growth.

You Might Benefit from Therapy If…

  • You experience persistent worry or dread that feels difficult to control, even when there is no immediate cause
  • You notice physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shallow breathing, muscle tension, or difficulty sleeping
  • You find yourself avoiding social situations, work challenges, or everyday activities because of fear or overwhelm
  • You often feel on edge, irritable, or emotionally exhausted without a clear reason
  • You struggle with perfectionism or a constant need to be in control in order to feel safe
  • You have experienced sudden episodes of intense panic or fear that seem to come from nowhere
  • You feel that anxiety is holding you back from living the life you want and from being fully present with the people you care about

Taking the First Step

Reaching out for help can feel daunting, especially when anxiety makes everything feel uncertain. But choosing to seek support is one of the most courageous steps you can take. I am here to offer you a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space where we can begin this journey together.