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Anxiety Therapy in St Albans, Hertford & Online

​​Anxiety serves as the overarching term encompassing various specific anxiety disorders, including:

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  • Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

  • Panic Disorder

  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Social Phobia/Social Anxiety

  • Specific Phobia

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Anxiety is a common experience that we all encounter. In moderate amounts and appropriate circumstances, some level of anxiety can actually serve a beneficial purpose. For instance, feeling anxious about an upcoming presentation can potentially motivate us to adequately prepare and perform well. However, certain individuals face heightened levels of anxiety that can be debilitating, significantly impacting their daily lives. Moreover, many individuals grappling with anxiety often confront additional mental health issues, such as depression, alongside their anxiety. 

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As an anxiety therapist in St Albans and Hertford,

I am here to assist you in overcoming your anxiety-

related challenges. I utilise therapeutic approaches, such

as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which have

demonstrated effectiveness in addressing anxiety.

Through therapy, you can conquer your difficulties and

embark on a more gratifying and fulfilling life.

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What are the Signs of Anxiety?

Encountering elevated levels of anxiety is a prevalent issue that can emerge during childhood or adulthood. It manifests as an excessive concern encompassing various aspects of life, including finances, relationships, health, work, and school. Although occasional worries are a normal part of life, individuals with heightened anxiety, such as those with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), may perceive their worries as distressing, persistent, and seemingly uncontrollable. Those with high anxiety levels often experience distinct periods of rumination that can last from a few minutes to several hours.

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High levels of anxiety often encompass some of the following experiences:

  • Feeling inundated with overwhelming emotions

  • Experiencing a constant sense of being on edge

  • Restlessness and an inability to find peace

  • Struggling with concentration and focus

  • Encountering challenges in decision-making processes

  • Experiencing irritability and heightened reactivity

  • Strongly disliking uncertainty and an aversion to ambiguity

  • A pervasive sense of lacking control over one's circumstances

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Individuals frequently encounter discomforting physical symptoms linked to their anxiety, including:

  • Nausea

  • Altered appetite, either decreased or increased

  • Headaches

  • Fatigue

  • Muscular aches and pains

  • Heightened heart rate or palpitations

  • Rapid, shallow breathing

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Elevated levels of anxiety can have a profound impact on an individual's sleep. They may encounter challenges when it comes to falling asleep, staying asleep, and experiencing restorative rest.

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Individuals grappling with anxiety-related concerns often attempt to alleviate their worries through excessive planning, being excessively organised, avoiding situations that trigger worry, and seeking reassurance from loved ones regarding their safety and well-being. This behaviour stems from an inclination to overestimate the likelihood of worst-case scenarios occurring. Moreover, individuals with anxiety may also experience an amplified sense of responsibility, leading them to believe that they would be predominantly at fault if something negative were to happen, further fueling their worries.

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Anxiety Vicious Cycle

Individuals often hold the belief that excessive worrying carries certain benefits, and they find internal justification in continuing this pattern due to the perceived costs of not doing so. Consequently, letting go of worries and reducing preventive measures can prove challenging for them. In addition to positive beliefs about worrying, some individuals may also harbor negative beliefs about their own worrying tendencies. They may experience apprehension that their worries are spiraling out of control, that their level of worrying is detrimental, that they might lose their sanity due to excessive worrying, and that their worries will dominate and manipulate them. Paradoxically, these negative beliefs only serve to further elevate anxiety levels.

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What Causes Anxiety?

The development of an anxiety disorder is not attributed to a singular cause; rather, there exists a variety of factors that can increase the likelihood of an individual experiencing significant anxiety challenges. These factors encompass:

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  • Adverse experiences during childhood

  • Elevated levels of stress

  • Having relatives with high levels of anxiety

  • Substance abuse

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When Should I Get Help For Anxiety?

I am here to support individuals who encounter anxiety ranging from mild to severe levels. If you find yourself feeling anxious, grappling with difficulties in managing it, and noticing its impact on various aspects of your life, seeking counselling for anxiety can be beneficial. It provides an opportunity to delve into your anxiety, explore its underlying causes, and discover effective strategies for managing and alleviating it.

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Does Counselling for Anxiety Work?

I have provided therapy to numerous individuals who face challenges with anxiety, aiding them in developing improved management strategies and minimising its impact on their daily lives. Drawing upon proven therapy approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I work in an integrative manner, incorporating my knowledge and experience of diverse therapy models. This allows me to tailor the treatment to your specific needs, utilising the most appropriate approaches, be it CBT for anxiety or other therapeutic models, to foster positive outcomes.

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Anxiety Counselling: What Does It Involve?

During therapy, we may focus on exploring the advantages and disadvantages of engaging in excessive worrying. Together, we can work on challenging your thoughts and experimenting with letting them go instead of getting entangled in them. A crucial aspect of therapy often involves helping you to embrace the reality that complete certainty and control are unattainable, encouraging you to release the constant pursuit of them. We will examine the behaviors driven by your worries, recognising how they contribute to your anxiety, and consider making adjustments to them. For instance, it can be valuable to confront our worries and confront our fears, even though it may initially appear daunting. With the guidance and support of your therapist, you can identify the necessary changes to make and gradually implement them in a manageable manner.

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The Benefits of Therapy For Anxiety?

Anxiety therapy empowers you to enhance your management skills and regain control over anxiety's influence. As therapy progresses, individuals often notice a reduction in both psychological and physical anxiety symptoms, resulting in diminished impact on their daily lives. Through therapy for anxiety, you can reclaim the steering wheel of your life and navigate towards the direction you desire, free from the constraints imposed by the anxiety monster.

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If you would like therapy for anxiety in St Albans, Hertford or online please email me at contact@hertstherapypractice.com or complete the webform below.

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Helpful resources for learning more about anxiety and its management:

https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/anxiety.htm

https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself/Anxiety

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/anxiety-and-panic-attacks/#.Xgc84kf7TIU

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg113

A person struggling with anxiety difficulties

Contact

St Albans Rooms             

21 Victoria Street             

St Albans                       

AL1 3JJ                           

England   

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And

 

Hertford Well-Being    

5A Great Northern Works

Hartham Lane

Hertford

SG14 1QW

England

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07825910485

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  • How much does therapy cost?
    I provide therapy on a self funded basis and can also see individuals with insurance cover. The rate for self funded sessions is £110 per 50 minutes session. For more information, please see the following page: Fees
  • How do I know if I need therapy?
    Knowing when to seek therapy is an important step in prioritising your mental health. While everyone’s journey is unique, certain signs and experiences suggest that professional support may be beneficial. Therapy can help if you are: 1. Feeling Overwhelmed by Stress or Emotions If you’re constantly anxious, sad, or irritable, and these emotions feel unmanageable, mental health support can provide tools to regain control and balance in your life. 2. Experiencing Persistent Negative Thoughts Repetitive worries, self-doubt, or feelings of hopelessness may signal deeper issues that a therapist can help address. 3. Struggling with Relationships Conflicts, communication challenges, or feelings of disconnection in personal or professional relationships may benefit from exploring patterns and building healthier interactions. 4. Facing Major Life Transitions Significant changes, like a breakup, job loss, or becoming a parent, can be emotionally taxing. Therapy offers a safe space to process these adjustments. 5. Dealing with Physical Symptoms of Stress If headaches, fatigue, or sleep problems persist without a clear medical cause, they might be linked to emotional distress, which therapy can help alleviate. 6. Feeling Stuck or Unfulfilled A sense of emptiness, lack of purpose, or difficulty achieving goals can often stem from unresolved personal challenges. Therapy can guide you toward clarity and growth. 7. Turning to Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms Over-relying on alcohol, food, or avoidance behaviors to cope with stress or emotions could indicate the need for healthier strategies. What Therapy Can Offer You Therapy provides a non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts and feelings, identify patterns, and develop skills to cope with life’s challenges. Whether you’re dealing with a specific issue or simply seeking personal growth, therapy can help you move forward with confidence.
  • What happens in the first therapy session?
    The first therapy session is a welcoming space designed to help you feel comfortable and supported as you take this important step toward improving your mental health. Here’s what you can expect: 1. Exploring Your Concerns I will ask about what has brought you to therapy. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, or something else, this is your chance to share your thoughts and feelings in a safe environment. 2. Learning About Your Background To better understand your situation, I will ask about your personal history, lifestyle, work, and relationships. This helps create a fuller picture of who you are and what you’re experiencing. 3. Goals We will explore your goals for therapy and we will discuss how therapy will be tailored to your needs. 4. Building a Connection The first session is a chance to see how you feel about my style and approach. I am warm and down to earth which can help create a strong therapeutic relationship, which is essential for successful outcomes. There’s no need to prepare extensively—just come as you are. It’s normal to feel a little nervous, but I am there to support you every step of the way.
  • What types of therapy do you offer?
    I provide evidence-based psychological therapies tailored to your individual needs, including: 1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) CBT is a structured, goal-oriented approach that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It’s highly effective for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. 2. Schema Therapy Schema Therapy helps you explore and heal deep-rooted patterns developed in childhood that may affect your relationships and emotional well-being. It’s ideal for addressing long-standing challenges such as low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, and unhealthy relationship dynamics. 3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) ACT helps you develop psychological flexibility by accepting difficult emotions, clarifying your values, and committing to meaningful action. It’s particularly helpful for managing anxiety, chronic stress, and life transitions. Each therapy type is designed to address different challenges, and we’ll work together to determine the approach that best suits you. Whether you’re seeking help for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or personal growth, the tailored therapy I offer can provide the tools you need to thrive.
  • How many sessions will I need?
    The duration of therapy depends on your individual needs, goals, and the type of mental health difficulties you’re facing. Here’s a general guide to help you understand what to expect: 1. Short-Term Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Typically lasts between 6 to 20 sessions for issues like anxiety, depression, or stress. It’s goal-oriented and focused on providing practical tools for change. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): May range from 8 to 16 sessions, depending on the complexity of your goals and challenges. 2. Medium to Long-Term Therapy Schema Therapy: Often requires a longer commitment, especially for deep-rooted patterns or longstanding difficulties like low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, or chronic relationship issues. Therapy can last 6 months to 2 years, depending on individual progress. 3. Tailored Approach Therapy duration is always personalised. Some people feel significant improvement within a few months, while others benefit from ongoing sessions to work through complex challenges or maintain mental health over time. I will regularly review your progress and goals with you, ensuring that therapy is aligned with your needs. Whether you’re seeking help for anxiety, depression or personal growth, therapy is designed to provide support at a pace that feels right for you.
  • What specific regulations or qualifications do you have?
    I am a fully qualified Counselling Psychologist where I am trained to a Doctoral level. I am registered with the recognised body of the HCPC. I adhere to strict ethical standards, prioritise ongoing professional development, and maintain valid insurance coverage. I ensure I deliver ethical, effective, and personalised mental health care tailored to your needs.
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