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“No one would ever have imagined my secret challenges with anxiety. On the surface, I'd appear perfectly calm and competent. On the inside, I'd feel overwhelmed and stressed out nearly all the time.”​

Counselling for Anxiety

​Anxiety isn't always easily noticeable to others. If you have hidden anxiety, it often seems like you're functioning well in your daily life, but beneath the surface, you're actually experiencing significant distress.

The thoughts that someone with hidden anxiety can have will vary depending on their specific triggers and stressors. However, some common experiences include:

  • Worrying about the future: People with hidden anxiety constantly worry about what the future holds and may struggle to find peace in the present moment.

  • Overthinking: They also overanalyze situations and scenarios, trying to anticipate every possible outcome and potential problems.

  • Fear of failure: They worry about not measuring up to their own or others' expectations and may be highly critical of themselves.

  • Need for control: They have a strong desire to control their environment and may become anxious when things are out of their control.

  • Difficulty saying no: They struggle to set boundaries and say no to requests or commitments, which can lead to feeling overwhelmed and anxious.

  • Perfectionism: They have high standards for themselves and may become anxious when they feel like they have fallen short.

These thoughts and feelings can be overwhelming, causing you to feel anxious and stressed. It's important to recognize the impact of hidden anxiety on your daily functioning and to work on coping strategies that can help you manage your symptoms.

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What can counselling do for your anxiety?

Therapy can provide you with a safe and non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts and concerns. A counsellor can help you identify patterns in your thinking and behaviour that may be contributing to your anxiety symptoms, and work with you to develop coping strategies to help you manage your anxiety.

 

There are effective, well-researched therapy approaches for treating anxiety. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns that may be fueling your anxiety, while mindfulness-based therapies can help you learn to stay present and focused in the moment, reducing feelings of overwhelm and stress. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can help you learn to accept and manage difficult emotions and develop greater psychological flexibility.

Through therapy, you'll develop a greater understanding of:

yourself, your triggers, and your coping mechanisms. 

Therapy can be a transformative experience -- one that leaves you feeling more self-aware, empowered, and in control of your thoughts and feelings.​​ Self-awareness can help you build resilience and develop more effective ways of managing stress and anxiety in your daily life.

 

You may also feel a greater sense of connection and support as you work with a professional who is committed to helping you achieve your goals.​ Remember, you are not alone, and seeking support from a counsellor can be incredibly helpful. With the help of an experienced therapist, you can learn to manage your anxiety symptoms, better balance the demands of your work, family, and social life, and improve your overall well-being.

I can show you how to get more enjoyment out of life.

To learn more, contact me today.

"The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives

by altering their attitudes of mind."

William James

SIMONE CHEN
RN PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Therapy for insightful women
in Oakville and throughout Ontario

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