Understanding Your Anxiety
Anxiety can feel like carrying a heavy weight that never lifts. Your mind races with worry, your body feels tense, and even small tasks can feel overwhelming. Perhaps you avoid situations that trigger your anxiety, or you find yourself constantly preparing for the worst.
You might experience:
- Persistent worrying you can’t switch off
- Panic attacks or physical symptoms (racing heart, breathlessness, dizziness)
- Social anxiety or fear of judgment
- Health anxiety or obsessive thoughts
- Generalised anxiety that colours everything
- Difficulty sleeping or constant restlessness
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone – and there is support available.
I’m Kate Baillie, a BACP accredited counsellor offering anxiety counselling both online throughout the UK and in-person in Bedford, Bedfordshire.
How Counselling Can Help with Anxiety
Anxiety counselling provides a safe, confidential space to:
Understand Your Anxiety
We’ll explore what’s driving your anxiety – whether it’s rooted in past experiences, current stressors, relationship patterns, or ways of thinking that have developed over time.
Learn Coping Strategies
Together we’ll discover techniques that work for you, which might include breathwork, grounding exercises, mindfulness, or somatic approaches that help regulate your nervous system.
Process Underlying Issues
Often anxiety is connected to deeper feelings – fear of rejection, past trauma, unexpressed emotions, or life transitions. Counselling gives you space to gently explore these.
Build Self-Compassion
Many people with anxiety are incredibly hard on themselves. We’ll work on developing a kinder, more understanding relationship with yourself.
Find Your Way Forward
My role isn’t to “fix” you – because you’re not broken. It’s to walk alongside you as you discover what works, what helps, and what you need to feel more at peace.
My Approach to Anxiety Counselling
I use an integrative, person-centred approach tailored to you. This means I draw from different therapeutic models depending on what’s most helpful:
- Somatic work – connecting with body sensations and your nervous system
- Attachment theory – understanding how early relationships shape current anxiety
- Polyvagal theory – working with your nervous system’s response to threat
- Parts work – exploring different aspects of yourself that might be in conflict
- Mindfulness and breathwork – practical tools you can use day-to-day
Most importantly, I provide a warm, non-judgmental space where you can be yourself without pressure or expectation.
Online Anxiety Counselling Across the UK
I offer secure video counselling sessions via Zoom, available to anyone in the UK including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Online therapy can be particularly helpful for anxiety as you can access support from the comfort of your own home.
In-Person Anxiety Counselling in Bedford
If you prefer face-to-face sessions, I offer in-person counselling in Bedford, Bedfordshire. My therapy room is a calm, private space easily accessible from surrounding areas including Luton, Milton Keynes, St Albans, Northampton, and Cambridge.
Common Questions About Anxiety Counselling
How long will it take to feel better?
Everyone’s different. Some people notice shifts within a few sessions, while others find longer-term work more helpful. We’ll work at your pace.
What if I have a panic attack during a session?
That’s completely okay and we’ll work through it together. Many people find having support during a panic attack can be incredibly helpful and reduce the fear around them.
Do you only work with anxiety?
No – often anxiety exists alongside other difficulties like depression, trauma, or relationship issues. I work with the whole of you, not just one symptom.
I’m not sure if my anxiety is “bad enough” for counselling.
If it’s affecting your life, it’s worth talking about. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from support.
What to Expect in Your First Session
Free Consultation (15-20 mins)
We’ll have an informal chat about what’s brought you here, answer any questions, and see if we feel like a good fit.
First Session (50 mins)
We’ll explore what’s happening for you, what you’d like from counselling, and begin to build a therapeutic relationship where you feel safe and heard.
Ongoing Sessions
We’ll meet weekly (or at intervals that suit you) to work through your anxiety at your own pace.
Take the First Step
Reaching out when you’re anxious takes courage – and you’ve already shown that by being here. If you’re ready to explore how counselling might help, I’d be glad to hear from you.
Contact me to arrange your free 15-minute consultation, or email/call with any questions.
Kate Baillie Counselling 