Working with anxiety

What Does Anxiety Feel Like?

Anxiety can show up in different ways. Sometimes it feels intense and hard to ignore. Other times it’s more of a background sense that something isn’t quite right, even if you can’t explain why.

For some people, it’s a mind that won’t switch off, moving through constant “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios. For others, it’s a lingering sense of unease or dread, even when there’s no clear reason for it. Anxiety can also affect you physically — tension in the body, shallow breathing, headaches, digestive issues or a restless feeling that doesn’t settle. Sleep can 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 feeling more disconnected from yourself, from others or from what’s going on around you.

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

How Counselling Can Help with Anxiety

I offer counselling for anxiety in Brighton, working in a way that is collaborative and responsive to you. There are no quick fixes or rigid approaches. Instead, counselling offers a space to talk things through, make sense of what’s going on and begin to understand what may be contributing to how you are feeling.

Anxiety can sometimes feel like part of who you are. But together, we can begin to look beneath the surface — at the thoughts, feelings and experiences that may be shaping it. As this becomes clearer, it can open up more choice in how you respond, rather than feeling caught in the same cycle.

Counselling can help you:

Notice patterns that may be contributing to anxiety

Explore the feelings that sit beneath anxious thoughts

Find ways of responding that feel more manageable

Reconnect with a sense of agency — the part of you that can choose and respond

There isn’t a single way this process needs to look. This is about your experience — whether you want to better manage anxiety, understand yourself more deeply or simply have somewhere you don’t feel under pressure.

In-Person Counselling in Brighton & Online Sessions

I offer counselling for anxiety in Brighton & Hove, as well as online counselling, so you can choose what works best for you. In-person sessions provide a space away from everyday life where you can reflect more freely. Online sessions can be helpful if you feel more comfortable in familiar surroundings, or if you’re based elsewhere in the UK.

Wherever you are, the aim is the same — a calm, supportive space where you can talk things through and make sense of what’s going on.

Taking the First Step

If anxiety is affecting your day-to-day life and you would like to talk, you’re welcome to get in touch. You don’t need to have everything figured out or know exactly what to say — we can begin with whatever feels most present for you.

Whether you’re in Brighton, Hove or elsewhere, you’re welcome to arrange an initial session or a free 15-minute call to find out more.