Anxiety Counselling Melbourne
Living with anxiety can feel overwhelming—racing thoughts, tight chest, sleepless nights, and constant “what ifs.” Effective anxiety therapy can help you understand your triggers and the 'why' behind it, to develop practical coping strategies, and reclaim a sense of feeling settled.
Common Signs of Anxiety
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Constant worry or overthinking
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Racing heart, tight chest, shortness of breath (panic attacks)
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Trouble sleeping or relaxing
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Avoiding social situations or work tasks (social anxiety)
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Panic attacks or sudden surges of fear
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Stomach ache, feeling nauseous
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Unable to focus
How Counselling can help:
Working with a counsellor to support you with anxiety, can help you explore the underlying factors as to why the anxiety is there in the first place. Sometimes this will be obvious and you may be able to point to very specific triggers, and other times it may not be so obvious with the feelings seemingly appearing out of no-where.
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In general, we experience anxiety because we perceive that we are ill equipped to deal with something. A counsellor will support you to identify these patterns and can work with you on unpacking some of these perceptions.
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A counsellor can also provide strategies to support you to not only minimise the feelings of anxiety when they are happening, but over time, can also help restore a presence and a confidence that can resolve the anxiety and prevent it being such a prominent force in your daily life.
Our Approach
We use a combination of different approaches to support our clients with anxiety - such as, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Narrative Therapy & Mindfulness. Using somatic techniques is also an important part of the way we work to support the connection and integration of the body and the mind. When a person establishes and builds a connection and relationship with their body - when it feels settled and at ease and when it doesn't - they will have a foundation from which to work with. This is empowering and is what creates lasting change when it comes to dealing with anxiety. Our approach is trauma-informed, person-centred & evidence based and to ensure our clients are getting the personalised support they need for their unique situation.
Types of Anxiety We Can Support With:
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Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
If you experience constant worry that feels hard to control, even when nothing is “wrong,” you may be living with Generalised Anxiety Disorder. Counselling helps identify unhelpful thought patterns, reduce overthinking, and build practical coping skills so daily life feels less overwhelming.
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Panic Attacks & Panic Disorder
Panic attacks can feel sudden and frightening - racing heart, chest tightness, or a sense of impending danger. A counsellor can explore what triggers these sensations, learn grounding techniques, and develop a plan to reduce the frequency and intensity of panic episodes.
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Social Anxiety
Social situations can feel intimidating when you worry about judgment or embarrassment. Therapy provides a safe space to build confidence, practice strategies for social interactions, and gradually face feared situations at a pace that feels manageable.
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Health Anxiety
Health anxiety involves persistent fears about illness or physical symptoms, often leading to frequent checking or medical visits. Counselling supports you to challenge anxious thoughts, reduce reassurance-seeking, and regain trust in your body.
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Stress & Adjustment Difficulties
Major life changes - new job, relocation, relationship shifts - can trigger anxiety and stress. Sessions focus on strengthening your coping skills, processing emotions, and finding balance during times of transition.
A space for healing & personal development.
Opportunity for growth & enriching relationships.
Personalised support & plan to meet your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety Counselling:
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Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. You can book directly online or by phone, whether you’re seeking individual, couples, or family counselling. If you’re also seeing a GP or psychiatrist, you’re welcome to share that information so we can coordinate care if needed.
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How many sessions will I need?
Everyone’s experience of anxiety is different. Some people feel relief after just a few sessions focused on practical coping strategies, while others choose longer-term support to explore deeper patterns and maintain progress. We will review your goals regularly so the length of therapy matches your needs.
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Is online counselling effective for anxiety?
Yes. Research shows that video or phone sessions can be just as effective as in-person therapy. Online counselling is private, secure, and ideal if you prefer the comfort of your own space or live outside Melbourne.
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What can I expect in the first session?
The first appointment is a relaxed conversation where we talk about what’s troubling you, your history with anxiety, and your goals for counselling. We’ll create a personalised plan so you leave with a clear sense of next steps.
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Is counselling confidential?
Yes. Everything you share is confidential and protected under Australian privacy laws and professional ethics. The only exceptions are rare situations where there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, or when disclosure is required by law.
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Can counselling help with physical symptoms of anxiety?
Absolutely. Anxiety often shows up in the body—racing heart, tight chest, headaches, or stomach issues. We work on calming both mind and body using evidence-based techniques such as breathing exercises, grounding practices, and cognitive strategies.
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What if I’m in crisis between sessions?
Counselling is not a crisis service. If you ever feel unsafe or at risk, please call Lifeline (13 11 14), 000, or your local emergency service for immediate support.
Areas of support for Counselling include:
Feelings of anxiety
Lack of purpose / meaning in life
Grief / Loss
Lack of self-worth
Low confidence
Relationship support
Fatigue and exhaustion
Trauma & distress
Dealing with conflict
Body Image concerns
Self-development
Parenting
Life events
Communication & Expression
