Theraphy Approach
Anxiety and constant overthinking
Finding calm within the storm — compassionate,
evidence-based support for anxiety, worry, and panic
"Anxiety doesn't have to define your life. Together, we can help you understand your patterns, calm your nervous system, and reclaim a sense of ease and confidence."
— Carolyn Stevenson
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most common reasons people seek therapy — and one of the most treatable. It can show up in many ways: constant worry, racing thoughts, physical tension, panic attacks, social fear, or a persistent sense that something is wrong.
While anxiety is a natural human response to perceived threat, it becomes a problem when it’s disproportionate, persistent, or interfering with daily life. The good news is that with the right support, real and lasting change is absolutely possible.
I work with a wide range of anxiety presentations — from generalised anxiety and social anxiety to health anxiety, phobias, and panic disorder — using a warm, collaborative, and evidence-informed approach tailored to you.
Common Signs of Anxiety
Available to clients anywhere in the UK via secure, encrypted video platform. Perfect for those with busy schedules, mobility concerns, or who prefer the comfort of their own space.
- Persistent worry or dread
- Physical tension or restlessness
- Avoidance of situations
- Feeling on edge or irritable
- Fear of losing control
- Racing or intrusive thoughts
- Panic attacks or palpitations
- Difficulty sleeping
- Catastrophising or overthinking
- Difficulty concentrating
You are not alone
Anxiety affects approximately 1 in 6 people in the UK at any given time. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Types of Anxiety I Work With
Generalised Anxiety
Persistent, excessive worry about a range of everyday concerns — work, health, relationships, finances — that feels difficult to control.
Social Anxiety
Intense fear of social situations, judgment, or embarrassment that leads to avoidance and isolation, impacting relationships and work.
Panic Disorder
Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks accompanied by physical symptoms and fear of future episodes, often leading to avoidance behaviour.
Health Anxiety
Excessive preoccupation with having or developing a serious illness, often involving repeated checking, reassurance-seeking, or medical consultations.
Phobias
Intense, irrational fear of specific objects, situations, or activities that triggers avoidance and significant distress in daily life.
Performance & Work Anxiety
Fear of failure, perfectionism, or overwhelm in professional or academic settings — often linked to imposter syndrome and burnout.
My Approach to Anxiety Therapy
I draw on an integrative, evidence-based framework, weaving together the most effective therapeutic approaches for anxiety — always tailored to you as an individual, not a diagnosis.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Identifying and challenging unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours that maintain anxiety cycles.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Building psychological flexibility — learning to relate differently to anxious thoughts rather than fighting or avoiding them.
Somatic & Body-Based Approaches
Working with the nervous system through breath, body awareness, and grounding to regulate the physical experience of anxiety.
Psychodynamic Exploration
Understanding the deeper roots of anxiety — past experiences, attachment patterns, and unconscious beliefs that fuel present-day worry.
What to Expect
Therapy for anxiety is a collaborative journey. Here’s how we’ll work together from your very first contact.
Free Consultation
A 15-minute phone call to discuss your situation, answer questions, and ensure we're a good fit before committing to anything.
Initial Assessment
Your first session is a gentle exploration — understanding your history, what's been happening, and what you'd like to change.
Tailored Treatment
Together we'll create a personalised plan drawing on the most relevant therapeutic approaches for your specific anxiety presentation.
Ongoing Support
Regular sessions to track progress, build skills, and adapt the approach as you grow. We review regularly to ensure therapy is working.
50 min
Standard session length
Weekly
Recommended frequency
6–20
Typical number of sessions
What You Can Achieve
Available to clients anywhere in the UK via secure, encrypted video platform. Perfect for those with busy schedules, mobility concerns, or who prefer the comfort of their own space.
Reduced worry and rumination
Breaking free from the cycle of overthinking and catastrophising that keeps anxiety alive.
Greater calm and regulation
Learning practical tools to soothe your nervous system and return to a state of calm more quickly.
Confidence in facing feared situations
Gradually expanding your comfort zone and reclaiming activities and relationships that anxiety had stolen.
Improved sleep and physical wellbeing
As anxiety reduces, sleep often improves and physical symptoms like tension and fatigue ease.
Deeper self-understanding
Understanding the roots of your anxiety creates lasting change rather than just symptom relief.
Client Experiences
Why Work With Carolyn?
BACP Accredited Psychotherapist
Fully accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, adhering to the highest ethical standards.
Specialist Anxiety Training
Advanced training in CBT, ACT, and trauma-informed approaches specifically for anxiety disorders.
10+ Years Experience
Extensive experience working with anxiety across NHS, private practice, and charitable sector settings.
Regular Supervision & CPD
Committed to ongoing professional development and regular supervision to ensure the highest quality care.
10+
Years Experience
500+
Clients Supported
BACP
Accredited Member
Frequently Asked Questions
"Taking that first step to reach out is often the hardest part. Once you do, I'll make sure you feel supported every step of the way."
— Carolyn Stevenson
How do I know if I need therapy for anxiety?
Call or email to arrange your free consultation first. From there, we’ll schedule your initial session at a time that works for you.
How long will therapy take?
Just come as you are. Think about what you’d like to achieve, but there’s no need for formal preparation. I’ll guide you through everything.
Will I have to talk about my past?
Absolutely! Many clients use a mix of both formats depending on their schedule, weather, or how they’re feeling.
Can therapy help if I've had anxiety for years?
Brief check-ins for urgent concerns are welcome via email or phone. For ongoing support, we can discuss increasing session frequency.
Do you offer online sessions for anxiety therapy?
Brief check-ins for urgent concerns are welcome via email or phone. For ongoing support, we can discuss increasing session frequency.
Related Therapy Areas
Anxiety often connects with other areas of life. I also offer specialist support for:
Stress & Burnout
Overwhelm, exhaustion, and the pressure of modern life
Depression Counselling
Low mood, hopelessness, and loss of interest in life
Trauma Therapy
Processing difficult past experiences and their lasting impact
Relationship Therapy
Attachment anxiety and relational patterns
Ready to Find Your Calm?
You don’t have to keep living with anxiety. Take the first step today — a free, no-obligation 15-minute consultation to see if we’re a good fit.
Serving clients in Hertfordshire, North London, and across the UK online