Treatable Anxiety Disorders

Generalised Anxiety Disorder 

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) ranks among the most common anxiety conditions, with studies indicating approximately two million people affected across the UK. While many individuals initially downplay their experience by labeling themselves as 'worriers' or hearing others say they're 'never content without something to fret about', the condition is actually persistent and frequently coexists with other issues including depression, social phobia, digestive problems, sleep disturbances and substance misuse.

 

Panic Attacks 

Physical responses like perspiration or accelerated heart rate occur when emotions are activated by anxiety or stressful circumstances. These manifestations are believed to stem from evolutionary survival mechanisms, where the autonomic nervous system (ANS) communicates with various organs, muscles and glands. Anxiety frequently produces a spectrum of bodily sensations.

 

Panic Disorder 

Panic disorder can present greater complexity than panic episodes linked to specific fears, as heightened anxiety and panic may arise without any identifiable or conscious trigger. This frequently results in avoiding environments with crowds or even expansive spaces that might provoke panic responses. Over time, this pattern can develop into additional anxiety conditions like agoraphobia (apprehension about being in locations or circumstances where panic attacks might occur).

 

Depersonalisation 

Depersonalisation involves an internal sense of disconnection, a subjective experience of being detached from one's surroundings. Commonly described as feeling 'spaced out' or existing in a dreamlike fog, perception of time may distort and events can seem to unfold in slow motion. Throughout these episodes, one's grasp of reality remains intact as this isn't a break from reality. Nevertheless, despite maintaining this awareness, depersonalisation can prove terrifying and profoundly disturbing as those experiencing it often fear it will persist indefinitely or indicate mental deterioration.

 

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder 

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) manifests through persistent intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours that create substantial distress and frequently disrupt everyday functioning. Those living with OCD experience a compelling urge to perform specific behavioural or cognitive rituals to prevent an unrealistic feared consequence or diminish anxiety levels.

 

Social Anxiety Disorder 

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) involves apprehension surrounding social contexts including encountering unfamiliar individuals, participating in gatherings, public speaking, using shared facilities, interacting with authority figures, dining publicly and expressing disagreement or opposition toward others. Studies indicate that certain individuals with social phobia maintain elevated perfectionist standards concerning their public presentation and similarly how they evaluate others' conduct. They deeply fear that others will observe their anxiety symptoms such as facial flushing, trembling or perspiration.

 

Depression 

Experiencing low moods periodically is normal, but when feelings like despair and hopelessness become entrenched and persistent, you may be facing depression or an anxiety condition. Beyond ordinary sadness following life's difficulties and disappointments, depression alters your thinking patterns, emotional state, and capacity to function daily. It can compromise your ability to work productively, learn effectively, maintain eating and sleeping patterns, and find enjoyment. Simply managing each day can feel insurmountable. Without intervention, it can escalate into a significant health concern. However, it's crucial to recognize that these feelings of powerlessness and despair are manifestations of depression—not accurate reflections of your circumstances. Professional support can offer pathways to address and resolve persistent low mood.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from regular therapy or CBT?

Traditional approaches like CBT focus on managing symptoms and changing thought patterns. This work goes deeper - we identify and resolve the subconscious root cause of your anxiety, not just teach you coping strategies. Rather than learning to live with anxiety, you'll understand why it exists and how to release it at its source. This is transformational work, not maintenance work.

 

How long does the process take?

Most clients work with me for 12 weeks, though some continue longer depending on their specific situation and goals. The initial anxiety mapping phase typically takes 2-4 sessions, followed by the deeper healing work. Unlike open-ended therapy, this is a focused process with clear stages and outcomes. You'll notice shifts early on, with deeper transformation unfolding over the full programme.

 

What if I'm too anxious to even feel my anxiety symptoms?

That's completely normal and we'll work with that. If your anxiety about the anxiety itself feels overwhelming, we begin with a preliminary phase to help you gently develop the capacity to be present with your body's sensations. This is done safely and at your pace - there's no forcing or flooding. Only once you have this foundation do we move into the mapping and healing stages.

 

Do you work with panic attacks, social anxiety, health anxiety, or just generalised anxiety?

I work with all manifestations of anxiety - panic disorder, social anxiety, health anxiety, OCD, generalised anxiety disorder and depersonalisation. Regardless of how your anxiety presents, the principle is the same: it has a subconscious root cause and follows a unique pattern. Once we understand your specific pattern and what's driving it, we can resolve it.

 

What does '1:1 online' actually mean? How do sessions work?

All sessions are conducted via secure video call (Zoom), giving you complete privacy and eliminating travel time. Sessions are usually 60 minutes and held weekly. You'll need a private space where you feel comfortable and won't be interrupted. This online format allows me to support clients throughout the UK and means you can access support from the comfort of your own home.

 

I've tried everything - therapy, medication, mindfulness. Why would this be any different?

If you've tried multiple approaches without lasting relief, it's likely because they addressed symptoms rather than the root cause. Mindfulness helps you cope; medication dampens the response; traditional therapy explores your history - but none of these necessarily resolve the subconscious wound that's generating the anxiety. This work is different because we go directly to the source, using your body's wisdom to reveal and heal what your conscious mind cannot access.

 

How do I know if I'm ready for this work?

You're ready if you're genuinely committed to resolving your anxiety rather than just managing it, you're willing to feel into uncomfortable sensations rather than avoid them, and you're open to the possibility that the 'reasons' your mind gives for your anxiety might not be the whole story. This isn't passive treatment - it requires your active participation and honest engagement. If that resonates, book a free consultation call and we'll discuss whether this is the right fit for you.

 

What happens in the first session?

The first session focuses on understanding your current experience of anxiety - when it shows up, how it manifests in your body, what you've tried before, and what you're hoping to achieve. We'll begin exploring your unique anxiety pattern and I'll explain the process in more detail. By the end of the first session, you'll already have more clarity about how your anxiety works and feel reassured that resolution is genuinely possible.

---