Can Counselling Help Anxiety?

Anxiety is like having a little worrier on your shoulder, always whispering worst-case scenarios. One technique I love using with clients is guided relaxation—a fancy term for gently telling that worrier, “I hear you, but it's actually ok.” If we can imagine a little worrier sitting on our shoulder, then surely we can imagine a powerful warrior sitting on the other shoulder. Challenging those negative thoughts and giving more power to the warrior than the worrier, is a great start. Based in Newcastle, NSW, and NDIS approved, I work with many neurodivergent and neurotypical clients alike to help them calm that inner worrier and start living life with a bit more ease and confidence. Anxiety doesn’t have to win, and you don’t have to go it alone. Below are 5 tips to get you started with managing your anxiety with counselling.

5 Steps to Reduce Anxiety with Counselling

1. Breathe Deeply and Slowly

   Slow, deep breathing signals the body to relax, helping reduce heart rate and tension. Try inhaling for 4 counts, holding for 4, and exhaling for 4. It’s simple, but effective.

2. Practice Grounding Techniques

   Grounding helps pull you back into the present when your mind races. Try the "5-4-3-2-1" technique: list 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, and 1 you can taste.

3. Use Positive Visualization

   Visualisation can be a great tool to calm the mind. Picture a place where you feel safe and at peace, like a favourite park or the beach. Imagine the sights, sounds, and smells until you feel your body relax.

4. Take Breaks and Move

   Short breaks and movement can refresh your mind and body. Step outside, stretch, or take a walk to reset your system, which often helps with managing anxious thoughts.

5. Challenge Negative Thoughts

   Anxious thoughts can spiral. Notice these thoughts, challenge their truth, and replace them with more balanced views. Remind yourself that thoughts are just thoughts—they don’t have to define your reality.

   
   
   
   

   

   Woman with anxiety in need of counselling