When seeking counselling for therapy, it can bring up all sorts of questions from hourly costs to how to find the right counsellor for you.
Therapy for anxiety is one of the most effective treatment options and it can go a long way in reducing symptoms over the long term. While medical treatment for anxiety is effective, when coupled with anxiety therapy, you’ll find that you benefit immensely.
Whether you are seeking anxiety counselling in Surrey or you just want to learn more about what to expect from an anxiety counsellor, we encourage you to read on.
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues in the UK. In the UK alone, over 70 million workdays are lost annually due to mental illness. This includes stress, depression, and anxiety. Without proper care and treatment in place for those that suffer anxiety; the UK’s workforce is at very high risk.
The UK alone recorded 8.2 million anxiety cases in 2013, and anxiety is twice as likely in women as it is in men.
Anxiety is the most common mental health problems in Western countries and the statistics show that more and more people are being diagnosed with general anxiety disorders, social anxiety disorders, OCD, and panic disorder.
So, what can be done to help those that are suffering and to ensure that figures don’t continue on their upward trend?
Despite the existence of many types of anxiety disorders, research suggests that most are caused by similar processes. In those who suffer from anxiety disorders, emotions tend to overwhelm them easily, and they also are more likely to have a particularly negative reaction to unpleasant feelings and circumstances.
Though counselling is by no means an instant cure, therapy and counselling for anxiety are proven to be extremely helpful, especially in the case of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Those that attend this type of counselling and therapy learn how their thinking contributes to anxiety symptoms by participating in cognitive therapy. When in a position to better understand thought patterns caused by anxiety, symptoms can be controlled and eventually reduced.
In the behavioural component, patients learn techniques to reduce unwanted behaviours and feelings related to their anxiety. In particular, ways in which to deal with situations that provoke their anxiety symptoms.
For example, this could be public speaking or spending time on a flight. Whatever the situation, CBT can greatly help with learning that oftentimes the feared outcomes we imagine are highly unlikely. Psychologists, such as myself, help patients manage their anxiety by identifying and modifying
the factors causing the symptoms.
Psychotherapy and counselling is a largely collaborative process. It includes the two parties working together to effectively identify concerns and develop solid skills that can be applied to coping with anxiety.
New skills are learnt and practised during therapy or counselling and then used outside of sessions in the real world. Many people find the idea of counselling or therapy to be overwhelming, especially if they have no previous experience.
For this reason, a good counsellor or therapist will never push you into confronting anxiety-inducing situations. Rather, the process is paced for your own comfort alongside continuous reassurance that the space is safe and a place in which you can discuss your thoughts and emotions as you wish.
If you’re looking for an anxiety counsellor or therapist in Surrey, Dr Jo Gee can help. No matter your current struggle, there is support available.
Anxiety disorders are very treatable, so it is important to remember that. In most cases, patients who suffer from anxiety are able to reduce or eliminate symptoms after several (or fewer) months of psychotherapy, and many notice improvement even in the short term.
Psychologists are highly trained and will tailor a treatment plan to address your unique needs. To arrange a free consultation with our team, contact us today.