Anxiety Therapy Adelaide - Psychologist
The World Health Organisation notes that anxiety disorders are the world’s most common mental disorders affecting millions of people across the globe, and 14% of Australians in any one year. People with anxiety disorders often experience fear and worry that is intense, excessive and cause significant distress to them. Although highly effective treatments for anxiety disorders exist, only about 1 in 4 people in need receive help for this often debilitating condition.
Everybody feels stressed, anxious or worried sometimes – it’s part of the human condition and has a role to play in our survival. After the stressful situation passes, anxiety usually dissipates, and we relax again. When those feelings continue after they are relevant and become excessive however, anxiety can seriously undermine our sense of joy in life. It can also interfere with work, studies, relationships and health.
When the uneasy feeling of anxiety interferes with everyday life and become out of proportion to events, anxiety disorder may be the cause, meaning feelings of fear, worry and restlessness become difficult to bear, persistent, and very difficult to get rid of.
At Kensington Psychology & Well-Being, people seeking an experienced therapist for anxiety can access evidence-based care in a calm, supportive setting.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) / Social Anxiety
Anxiety can express itself in many ways, and sometimes these ways may overlap. Here are a few examples of how anxiety can manifest:
Generalised Anxiety Disorder or GAD, as the name implies, is a general sense of worry and stress about daily activities and events that is pervasive and doesn't seem to go away.
Panic Disorder happens when a person develops panicky times of intense and acutely distressing anxiety with physical symptoms such as sweating, racing heart and shortness of breath.
Social Anxiety is fear that occurs whilst being around people or in groups, often accompanied by a great fear of embarrassing oneself, being humiliated or being rejected. It can lead to social isolation and loneliness.
Phobias is an intense and irrational fear of specific objects or situations such as enclosed spaces or flying, that is highly distressing and usually cause avoidance behaviours.
Agoraphobia is avoidance of places and situations that might cause feelings of panic, entrapment, helplessness or embarrassment, which leads to being afraid to leave a space considered safe such as home, often for weeks, months or even longer. It can have a significant impact on work and socialising.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) describes uncontrollable obsessive thoughts, often with compulsive behaviours that are repetitively deployed to avoid feelings of anxiety. An example is obsessive handwashing.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may develop after experiencing or witnessing an extremely stressful or terrifying event(s). Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, intrusive thoughts about the event, avoidance and depression. It can last months, years or even decades without treatment.
Working with an experienced anxiety therapist in Kensington Park lets people explore their concerns safely and at their own pace.
Anxiety Signs and Symptoms: Insights from Therapists
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Fear and worry that is out of proportion to the trigger, and interferes with daily life
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Nervousness
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Panic or panic attacks
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Stress that starts impacting on your sleep, mood, body and relationships
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A nagging sense of disquiet, foreboding or a sense of impending doom
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Fretting and feeling that you can’t relax
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Physical symptoms like a racing heart, clammy hands or digestive issues
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Over-obsessing about relatively minor things like germs or what people think
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Waking up with racing thoughts or worry about the day
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Difficulty with concentration, memory and making decisions
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Shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, nightmares, diarrhoea and trembling.
Effective Treatment for Anxiety
Very effective treatment is available for anxiety consisting mostly of psychotherapy, sometimes combined with medication. It is usually advisable to talk to a psychologist when one experiences constant or nearly constant anxiety, and anxiety that gets in the way of daily activities like work, studies, or social life.
Some of the most effective treatments for anxiety include:
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Exposure Therapy (behaviour therapy)
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Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
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Somatic therapies such as progressive muscle relaxation, etc.
In addition, research has shown that lifestyle factors such as meditation, moderate daily exercise, avoiding caffeine and processed food, managing blood sugar levels, and having social support and friendships can all make a difference to alleviate anxiety.
Anxiety Therapy & Counselling | Adelaide Psychology Clinic
Yes, there is help! Our Psychologists are experienced in psychological solutions and will tailor-make a therapeutic solution to fit your needs and character.
At Kensington Psychology & Well-Being, we offer a variety of proven and effective techniques such as Mindfulness, Meditation, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Progressive Relaxation and EMDR. We also teach the art of relaxation and meditation, to improve mood and enhance a sense of contentment and joy.
Anxiety Therapy & Counselling | Adelaide Psychology Clinic
Yes, there is help! Our Psychologists are experienced in psychological solutions and will tailor-make a therapeutic solution to fit your needs and character.
At Kensington Psychology & Well-Being, we offer a variety of proven and effective techniques such as Mindfulness, Meditation, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy CBT and Progressive Relaxation.
We teach the art of relaxation and meditation, to improve mood and enhance a sense of contentment and joy.
Seeking support from an Adelaide anxiety and stress clinic can help you understand triggers, develop coping skills, and regain emotional balance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety Therapy
1. Can psychologists genuinely help with anxiety?
Yes. Evidence-based therapies like CBT and ACT have demonstrated high success rates in reducing anxiety symptoms and enhancing daily functioning.
2. How long does anxiety therapy typically last?
Some people see improvements within a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term therapy depending on symptom severity and personal goals.
3. Do I require a referral to see an anxiety therapist in Adelaide?
Not always. Many private psychology clinics accept direct bookings, though GP referrals might be necessary to access Medicare rebates.
4. What distinguishes stress from anxiety?
Stress is usually linked to a specific external pressure, while anxiety can continue even after the original stressor has gone.
5. When is it appropriate to seek professional anxiety treatment?
If anxiety impacts sleep, work, relationships, or physical health, consulting a qualified therapist is recommended.
Adelaide Psychologists & Therapists | Anxiety counselling & therapy
Get in touch with us
We offer a comprehensive range of services to treat and nurture the body and mind and get you back on the path to health and well-being.
If you’re ready to reach out to the Kensington Psychology & Well-Being team, you can get in touch by calling us on 08 7006 5225 or via our Online Contact Form.