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COUNSELLING SERVICES

Anxiety Counselling

Get relief from anxiety and back to feeling like yourself
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What is Anxiety?

We all feel Anxiety as part of our daily lives. Anxiety is a natural response to stressful situations and we all try to manage our anxiety in different ways. When anxiety becomes overwhelming and interferes with our daily life, or becomes difficult to control, it’s time to get help.

Anxiety disorders can have a significant negative impact on job performance, school work or personal relationships as those with anxiety look to avoid situations that trigger their anxiety.

Anxiety statistic - anxiety is highly mangeable but only 1 in 3 people seek help

Symptoms of Anxiety

Am I showing signs of anxiety?

1

Sense of Impending Danger

Those with anxiety may suffer from excessive worrying about impending danger or a feeling of doom. This can be overwhelming fear that can be debilitating

2

Restlessness

Restlessness is a common sign of anxiety more prevalent in children or teenagers. This can be described as being on edge or feeling an uncomfortable urge to move.

3

Panic Attacks

Panic attacks produce events of extreme fear, rapid heartrate, shortness of breath, sweating, chest tightness, shaking and fear of death.

4

Difficulty Sleeping

Insomnia is a common occurrence for those with anxiety. This results in difficulty falling asleep and frequently waking during the night.

5

Lack of concentration

Some studies have shown up to 90% of those with anxiety have trouble concentrating. Anxiety has also been linked to interruptions in working memory.

6

Avoiding Social situations

Those with anxiety look to avoid situations that can trigger their anxiety. This be from fear of embarrassment, humiliation or judgement.

Lets us Help you Find the Right Match

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Right Therapist, Right Plan, Real Support

Evidence‑based therapy plus the right counselling match helps you move from coping to thriving—on a schedule that sticks. 

How Can Therapy Help With Anxiety?

Anxiety disorders can have a major impact on your life. 1 in 4 of the estimated 3 million Canadians with an Anxiety Disorder reported a significant or extreme impact on their lives. Fortunately therapy can help!

Anxiety disorders are very treatable and the vast majority of people looking for help can get relief with psychotherapy or a combination of therapy and medication.

Anxiety help from therapy
Psychotherapy gives you the tools to regulate your emotions and manage your anxiety

 

Psychotherapy uses evidence based therapies such as CBT and EMDR to effectively treat symptoms of anxiety.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is designed to help you identify the negative and distorted thoughts that are based on learned patterns of unhelpful behavior. CBT helps you learn more effective ways to cope, giving you the tools to relieve you of your symptoms and get back to your normal life.

Eye Movement, Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is a therapy designed to change how you think and feel about distressing life events and is highly effective to address anxiety and negative thoughts and beliefs. EMDR can transform painful memories and feelings and reduce stress.

 

What does Anxiety feel like?

Support Starts Here

Therapy may not only uncover the underlying causes of anxiety, but can also provide the tools to manage anxiety and return to day to day life

The ultimate goal of psychotherapy is to help you understand the patterns in your behaviour that are negatively impacting your day to day life.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

anxiety quote - anxiety disorders affect nearly 30% of adults at some point in their lives

Anxiety disorders are more than just temporary feelings of fear or apprehension. For those with anxiety disorders, the anxiety does not just go away. Without treatment it can actually worsen over time, resulting in feelings of excessive fear and apprehension.

Therapy assists individuals in comprehending how past events and thought patterns contribute to their experience of anxiety, guiding them in the development of strategies to effectively manage anxiety and reintroduce a sense of normalcy into their daily lives.

Working with a counsellor can have a significant positive shift in alleviating symptoms of anxiety.  Reaching out for help is the first step on a path towards healing and returning to a sense of normalcy.

There are a number of different anxiety disorders: generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder and a number of more specific phobia related disorders (i.e. fear of flying).

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Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by persistent worry or anxious feelings. Those with GAD can have a sense of impending danger and worry excessively about common stressors such as finances, health etc.  

Panic Disorder involves repeated & sudden panic attacks. A panic attack is an event that produces extreme fear, rapid heartrate, shortness of breath, sweating, shaking and fear of death. Because symptoms are so severe some feel they may having a heart attack or go to the ER. Some change their routines to try and avoid panic attacks but with panic disorder they can happen for no reason.

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Phobias are a specific and constant fear of a specific object, situation or activity that is either not harmful or very unlikely to be harmful (i.e. fear of spiders, heights or flying). Those with phobias often acknowledge their fear is excessive but they are unable to move past them.

Social Anxiety Disorder is an intense and constant fear of being judged by others.  Social anxiety disorder (SAD) can be overwhelming and result in pulling back from social situations and impact relationships, careers, school and social life.  Learn more about What is Social Anxiety Disorder in our recent article. 

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FAQs

Therapy works best when the 'fit' is right with your therapist. That’s why we carefully match you with someone whose expertise fits your needs and preferences. Building a strong therapeutic relationship is key to creating a supportive and effective experience.

Before meeting your therapist, you’ll complete a brief intake form. Your first 50‑minute session focuses on what brings you in, your goals, relevant history, and what success would look like. We’ll explain confidentiality and co‑create a plan so you know what comes next. It’s normal to feel nervous—your therapist will guide the pace.

The frequency of sessions depends on your needs and goals. Many people start with weekly or bi-weekly appointments and adjust as they make progress. The total number of sessions is unique to you—your therapist will work with you to find the right approach.

We offer evidence-based therapies like CBT, which is often the starting point, and exposure-based techniques to help you face your fears in a safe and supportive way. Online CBT is also an option for many. Your care plan will be personalized to fit your goals and comfort level.

Most of our services are covered by extended health benefit plans. Coverage varies with every plan, so please check your specific plan or contact your provider to confirm your benefits.

Most employer benefits cover therapy with a Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW) or a Registered Psychotherapist (RP). We can direct bill to most major insurers when your plan allows it; otherwise, we email insurance‑ready receipts after your session.

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Last Reviewed Aug 5 2025 by Amy King

Amy is a Registered Social Worker with the OCSWSSW, as well as a member of the OASW. She completed her Masters Degree in Social Work at the University of Montreal and also holds an MA in political science as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language & Literature and Philosophy from Wilfrid Laurier University. Amy completed an additional post-graduate training certificate in CBT Therapy from Wilfred Laurier University and EMDR Therapy.

Not sure yet? Let’s talk it through.

If you’d like to ask questions or explore your options first, book a free 20-minute matching consult or give us a call (226-752-8857) . One of our team members will help you find the right therapist and next steps that feel comfortable for you.