Anxiety can often feel like an unpredictable storm waiting to happen; this unpredictability contributes to the sense of future fear because of never knowing when it will strike. 

Anxiety is very prevalent in UK society with 6 in 100 people being diagnosed with GAD (general anxiety disorder) every week.  Over 8 million people in the UK experience an anxiety disorder at any one time, yet only 50% of people with generalised anxiety disorder seek treatment. 

What causes Anxiety?

Research has not established a clear genetic cause for anxiety; the most that can be said is that if a close family member has or has suffered from diagnosed anxiety then you may be more predisposed to suffering from anxiety yourself.  However, that is complicated by the fact that anxiety can also  be a learnt behaviour from a caregiver or someone who is close to you.   

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) have been shown to be linked to childhood and adult anxiety. Abuse, neglect, or any traumatic event in early life (e.g., illness or being bullied at school) can all result in anxiety. 

Anxiety can be triggered by significant changes in our life, like the death of someone close, divorce, redundancy.  Often these stressors carry with them an element of uncertainty and anxiety is commonly associated with a fear of the unknown, or fear of being able to control a situation which is why some people describe it as the fear of “not being able to escape” (either figuratively, or literally).  Equally, anxiety can also be caused by accumulative life stressors which have built up over time; these can include financial worries, health and accommodation worries. 

Recently coronavirus has both triggered and caused anxiety in some people.  Feelings of isolation and the unknown, as well as conflicting and confusing information around the virus and not being able to visit loved ones caused significant distress and anxiety for some, in addition to the health fear surrounding the disease itself. 

Anxiety and the Medical Approach

Often a trip to the GP is used to rule out some of the possible causes of anxiety, and the GP may well recommend seeking psychological interventions (even when medication is prescribed).  GP’s use a stepped approach to treating anxiety, with the least intrusive intervention being employed first.  For low level general anxiety then it is often a case of ‘watch and wait’ (monitoring symptoms, alongside psychoeducation).  If there are no signs of improvement then the next step would be a psychological intervention and then, generally, it is only after this stage that medication would be considered.  Your GP will discuss with you the possible side effects of any medication with careful monitoring for any adverse reactions. Often medication will be prescribed on a short term basis as it cannot ‘cure’ anxiety but aims to alleviate the symptoms. 

CBT and Counselling for Anxiety

CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) has been shown to be an effective treatment for general anxiety disorder and social anxiety.  The aim is to help individuals identify and modify intrusive and negative thoughts, and maladaptive behaviour patterns. 

Counselling can also be crucial in treating anxiety, or supporting other forms of intervention. It offers a safe, supportive environment where individuals can explore their feelings and thoughts confidentially. 

How I Use CBT and Counselling for Anxiety

In my practice I always use a holistic approach to interventions; that means not just focussing on the issue itself, but considering the person as a whole, which includes mental, physical and spiritual well-being.  As an integrative therapist with specialist training in CBT, the ‘tools in the toolbox’ are all options at our disposal for whatever is most appropriate to your unique set of events and experiences. 

I also use mindfulness and relaxation techniques to encourage the feeling of moving focus away from the past and the future, and staying in the present.  This can help combat some of the immediate consequences of feeling anxious or having a panic attack. 

I also find in my practice that psychoeducation can really help people to manage their anxiety.  Knowing more about the triggers and coping mechanisms around anxiety can help to alleviate it and empower the client. 

Ultimately, no matter the interventions, in counselling for anxiety, I work with you to create the right conditions to help facilitate change.  These conditions include seeing the world from your framework (empathy), no judgement (unconditional positive regard) and authenticity (congruence).  Collectively these conditions help to create a strong professional, ’therapeutic relationship’ which contributes to creating the best positive outcomes. 

You Are Not Alone

Anxiety can take many forms and has a variety of triggers.  With each person experiencing depression in a unique way, the treatment plan needs to be unique to each individual.  As an integrative counsellor, I am committed to providing personalised therapy for anxiety, combining counselling, interpersonal therapy, and other tailored approaches to meet the unique needs of each client. 

If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, it is important to seek help. Effective support, including CBT and counselling for anxiety, is available and can lead to significant improvements in your mental wellbeing and overall quality of life. 

You are not alone; there is hope, and recovery is possible. Click here [hyperlink to simple form] to contact The MindClinic for a free, initial consultation to discuss specific CBT and Counselling interventions for anxiety which are tailored to your personal circumstances and help you improve your mental health .