Stress & Anxiety Counselling
Anxiety and stress are challenging to live with and can impact day to day life, and at times you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed without a path out, but help is available. We understand what it can feel like to be navigating the world with stress and anxiety, so we use evidence based practice, research and lived experience to support you through equipping yourself with tools to navigate anxiety and stress in manageable ways.
The team at Invictus Health provide a counselling service dedicated to helping you manage your anxiety and stress, and offer a safe and supportive environment to help you manage your symptoms and improve your mental well-being.
Support for General Anxiety
Although there are many types and varying presentations of anxiety, there are also symptoms for generalised anxiety, including but not limited to; disproportionate fear, anxiety, avoidance and the behavioural disturbances as a result of symptoms. Generalised anxiety can occur with or without panic attacks. Panic attacks may have a variety of triggers and, for the person experiencing a panic attack, can be scary and feel as though they are dying. Physical symptoms include, but are not limited too; intense discomfort, chest palpitations, sweating, trembling, sensations of shortness of breath. When experiencing a panic attack it’s important to remember that the physical symptoms will pass.
Symptoms of generalised anxiety include, but are not limited to:
- Fear, potentially disproportionate fear
- Excessive worry and avoidance
- Restlessness, fatigue and changes in sleep patterns
- Irritability
- Difficulties concentrating
- Significant distress and social/occupational impairment
- Panic attacks
- Behavioural disturbances as a result of aforementioned symptoms
Why go with Invictus Health for Anxiety Counselling
There is no one size fits all approach to anxiety, and there are many different presentations of anxiety. We use a person-centred and holistic approach to mental well-being, and our team will use collaborative and tailored therapies to help you make meaningful and sustainable changes. They will support you in regaining control.
Our counsellors will help you by using various approaches, include:
- Talk therapy
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
Navigating Social Anxiety
Social anxiety, or social phobia is more common than other types of anxiety and can have significant and damaging impacts on a person’s day to day life. It can present as someone feeling anxious about being in social situations and lead to avoidance of those social situations.
Research conducted for CBT and exposure therapy has shown that an effective tool, as scary as it is, is to face the cause of the anxiety instead of continuing avoidant behaviour. If you know someone with social anxiety and would like to help someone work through it, we do not recommend doing so without the support of a counsellor.
Counselling for PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop following exposure to a traumatic event. Trauma-inducing experiences vary widely and include situations such as; physical or sexual assault, military combat, natural disasters, accidents, or the sudden loss of a loved one. PTSD can significantly impact a person’s daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
Common symptoms include excessive stress and anxious feelings, intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, intense emotional distress, avoidance of triggers, and heightened arousal.
Treating OCD
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, also known as OCD are obsessions and/or compulsions that cause distress and functioning impairments in a person’s day to day life. OCD is commonly misunderstood in lay populations as someone who is ‘particular’, but OCD can be completely debilitating for the person experiencing it.
Obsessions may present as; recurrent intrusive thoughts, urgency and images that cause anxiety and/or distress. Compulsions may present as; behaviours that are repeated to reduce anxiety and/or distress or are repeated to prevent an unwanted situation or event from happening.
Why should I get Anxiety therapy?
Anxiety counselling can help you identify the underlying causes of your anxiety or stress, develop new ways of thinking, and improve your communication skills. Our skilled and compassionate team provides a safe environment for exploring feelings, experiences, underlying causes, developing coping strategies, and achieving lasting relief from anxiety.
There are many benefits of counselling for anxiety and stress. Counselling can help you:
- Learn new coping strategies to manage your symptoms
- Identify and change negative thought patterns
- Improve communication and interpersonal skills
- Gain insight into the underlying causes of your anxiety or stress
- Develop a greater sense of self-awareness and self-acceptance
- Improve your overall wellbeing and quality of life
Invictus Counsellors are committed to helping you manage your anxiety and stress. Our counselling services are designed to meet your individual needs, and our counsellors are trained to provide evidence-based treatments to help you achieve your goals and move towards improved mental health.
What is stress management?
Stress management counselling helps us create a toolbox to effectively cope with, and reduce the impact of stress on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This can be achieved by using techniques and strategies to recognise triggers, understanding physiological and psychological responses to stress, and implementing practices to mitigate its negative effects.
Stress management practice can help people develop healthy coping mechanisms and enhance their resilience in the face of challenging situations. It enables people to regain a sense of control over their stress levels and improve their overall quality of life.
Stress management techniques may include:
- Relaxation exercises
- Mindfulness practices
- Regular physical activity
- Time management
- Seeking social support
- Making lifestyle changes to prioritise self-care
Stress management can help reduce anxiety, improve mood and emotional well-being, enhance concentration and productivity, promote better sleep, strengthen the immune system, and lower the risk of stress-related health problems such as cardiovascular disorders, chronic pain, and mental health conditions. Overall, stress management empowers people to proactively address stressors, navigate life’s challenges with greater ease, and cultivate a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.
Why book with us for stress management?
Book stress management sessions with Invictus Health to take charge of your well-being. Investing in stress management is an investment in your health and quality of life. At Invictus Health, our environment will provide you with a safe space to explore your stressors, learn practical tools, and gain a deeper understanding of yourself. Take the first step towards a calmer, more balanced life.
Don’t be afraid to reach out
Counselling is an effective way to manage anxiety and stress. Our counsellors will provide you with coping strategies to help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
We understand that taking the first step can be challenging and scary but once you’ve taken that one, but you don’t have to face anxiety and stress alone, we’ll help you walk the rest of the way.
Reach out to us today and let us support you in finding the peace and resilience you deserve.