Anxiety and stress
When worry takes up more room than it should, therapy can help you understand it and find steadier ground.
Everyone feels anxious sometimes. It's a natural response to pressure or uncertainty, and in small doses it keeps us alert. But for some people anxiety becomes a constant companion. It shows up before it's needed, stays long after the moment has passed, and starts to shape what you do and don't do.
If that sounds familiar, you're not alone, and you don't have to wait until things are unbearable to talk to someone.
What it can feel like
Anxiety looks different for different people. You might notice:
Worrying thoughts that loop and are hard to switch off, especially at night
A tight chest, racing heart, churning stomach or shallow breathing
Feeling on edge, irritable or easily overwhelmed
Panic attacks, or a fear of having one
Avoiding situations, people or decisions because of how they make you feel
Overthinking conversations afterwards, or rehearsing them beforehand
Struggling to rest, even when you have time to
Stress often sits alongside anxiety. Work, money, caring responsibilities or health worries can all build up until your usual ways of coping no longer keep pace.
How therapy can help
Therapy gives you space to slow down and look at what's happening, rather than just trying to push through it. With your therapist you can begin to:
Notice what tends to set anxiety off, and what keeps it going
Understand where some of your patterns of worry may have come from
Find ways to calm your body as well as your mind
Respond to anxious thoughts differently, instead of arguing with them or being carried by them
Build confidence in facing the things you've been avoiding, at a pace that feels manageable
Our therapists are integrative, which means they draw on more than one approach and shape the work around you. That might include practical techniques, work with the body, exploring the past, or simply having a place where you're listened to properly. For many people, feeling understood is where change starts.
What to expect
You start with a free 15-minute consultation with the therapist you choose. It's a chance to say a little about what's been happening, ask questions and see how it feels to talk to them. There's no obligation to go further.
If you decide to begin, sessions are usually weekly and last 50 minutes, in person at our rooms in Nottingham city centre or online. Some people come for a few months, others for longer. You can talk about how it's going at any point.
Common questions
Do I need a diagnosis or a GP referral?
No. You can contact us directly. If you're taking medication for anxiety, keep talking to your GP about it; therapy can sit alongside that.
What if I get anxious in the session itself?
That's common, and it's fine. Your therapist will go at your pace, and anxiety that shows up in the room can be useful to understand together.
Can I have therapy online?
Yes. Some people find it easier to start from home. Others prefer the separation of coming to our rooms. Several of our therapists offer both.