Anxiety and Overthinking 

When your thoughts won't switch off and anxiety starts to take over

Anxiety can affect every part of your life. You may find yourself constantly worrying about what might happen, replaying conversations in your mind or imagining the worst-case scenario.

Perhaps you wake up already feeling anxious, with a racing mind, a tight chest, a racing heart or a feeling that something isn't quite right. You may struggle to relax because your mind is constantly thinking, analysing and trying to prepare for what could go wrong.

Sometimes anxiety can become so overwhelming that it affects your ability to work, socialise, leave the house or enjoy the things you used to enjoy.

You don't have to continue feeling controlled by anxiety.

When overthinking becomes exhausting

Overthinking can feel like being unable to switch your brain off.

You might repeatedly go over conversations and wonder whether you said the wrong thing. You may worry about decisions you've made, constantly question yourself or spend hours thinking about what might happen in the future.

Sometimes the more we try to find certainty or reassurance, the more anxious we become.

Counselling can provide a safe space to understand your patterns of thinking and explore what may be underneath them. We can work together to develop healthier ways of responding to anxious thoughts, rather than allowing them to take over your day.

Using a person-centred approach alongside mindful cognitive therapies, I can help you develop practical coping strategies that can be used in everyday life.

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Social Anxiety

Social anxiety can make everyday situations feel incredibly difficult.

You may worry about being judged, embarrassed or rejected by other people. You might feel anxious before meeting someone, attending a social event, speaking in a group or even making a phone call.

You may find yourself thinking:

“What if I say something stupid?”

“What if everyone notices how anxious I am?”

“What if they don't like me?”

“What if I embarrass myself?”

These thoughts can lead to avoiding situations altogether. While avoidance can provide short-term relief, it can sometimes make anxiety feel even stronger over time.

Together, we can explore the thoughts, feelings and behaviours that keep social anxiety going and gradually build your confidence in situations that currently feel difficult.

Anxiety and Panic

For some people, anxiety can develop into panic attacks or intense periods of fear.

You may experience:

• A racing or pounding heart

• Sweating or feeling hot

• Shaking or trembling

• A tight chest or difficulty catching your breath

• Feeling dizzy or light-headed

• Feeling sick or unsettled

• A sense that something terrible is going to happen

• Feeling overwhelmed or unable to escape

Although these sensations can feel frightening, understanding what is happening within your body can be an important part of learning to manage anxiety.

We can explore techniques such as breathing, mindfulness and grounding to help you respond to anxiety and bring your attention back to the present moment.

How counselling can help

There isn't a single solution to anxiety, and therapy should be tailored to you.

My approach combines Person-Centred Counselling with Mindful Cognitive Therapies, creating a supportive space where you can talk openly without judgement while developing practical tools to manage anxiety and overthinking.

Together, we can explore:

• What may be contributing to your anxiety

• Patterns of overthinking and worry

• Negative or unhelpful thought patterns

• Avoidance and reassurance-seeking behaviours

• Social anxiety and fear of judgement

• Confidence and self-belief

• Physical symptoms of anxiety and panic

• Mindfulness, breathing and grounding techniques

• Practical strategies for managing anxiety in everyday situations

The aim isn't to make sure you never experience anxiety again. Anxiety is a normal human emotion. Instead, counselling can help you understand it, respond to it differently and prevent it from controlling your life.

You don't have to face anxiety alone

If anxiety, overthinking or social anxiety is affecting your relationships, work or everyday life, counselling can give you the opportunity to step back from the constant cycle of worry and understand what is happening.

You don't have to have everything figured out before you come to therapy.

We can start exactly where you are and work together, at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

If you're ready to take the first step, get in touch to arrange an initial conversation.