COUNSELLING IN BRIGHTON AND HOVE

What Does Anxiety Feel Like?

Anxiety can show up in so many different ways. Sometimes it’s loud and impossible to ignore. Other times it’s more of a background hum – a sense that something isn’t quite right, even if you can’t explain why.

For some people, it feels like a mind that won’t switch off, running through endless what ifs and worst-case scenarios. For others, it’s a constant unease or dread that lingers, even when there’s no clear reason. Anxiety can also take a physical toll – a tight chest, shallow breathing, headaches, digestive problems or a restless body that won’t settle. Sleep may become difficult too, whether it’s lying awake unable to switch off or waking in the night with racing thoughts.

You might notice yourself avoiding situations that feel overwhelming or unpredictable, or you may feel more disconnected from yourself, from those around you or from life itself.

If any of this feels familiar, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to go through it on your own either.

How Humanistic Counselling Can Help

As a humanistic counsellor based in Brighton, I don’t use quick-fix techniques or rigid formulas. Instead, counselling is a collaborative process – a space where you can explore what’s happening for you, without judgement or pressure, and always at a pace that feels right.

Anxiety can sometimes feel like it’s simply part of who you are. But together we can begin to look beneath the surface – at the experiences, thoughts and feelings that might be feeding into it. With greater awareness often comes more choice, and the chance to respond differently rather than feeling stuck in the same cycle.

Counselling can help you:

Notice and understand patterns that may no longer be helpful.

Explore the feelings that lie underneath anxious thoughts.

Find ways of working with anxiety instead of constantly fighting it.

Reconnect with your own sense of agency – the part of you that can choose, respond, and take action.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Humanistic counselling makes space for your unique experience, whether you want to better manage specific symptoms, understand yourself more deeply or simply have somewhere you don’t have to pretend you’re okay.

In-Person Counselling in Brighton & Online Sessions

I offer counselling for anxiety in Brighton & Hove, as well as online counselling for anxiety, so you can choose what works best for you. In-person sessions give you a space away from home to reflect and explore. Online sessions can be a good option if you’re more comfortable in familiar surroundings, or if you’re based elsewhere in the UK but still drawn to a humanistic approach.

Wherever you are, the invitation is the same – a safe, supportive space to be yourself, where we can work together on what’s going on for you.

Taking the First Step

If you’re living with anxiety and would like to talk, I’m here to listen. You don’t need to have it all figured out or know exactly what to say – just starting the conversation can be enough.

Whether you’re in Brighton, Hove, elsewhere in the UK or further afield, you’re welcome to get in touch to book an initial session or find out more about how counselling could support you.