Counselling for Anxiety 

Anxiety can feel overwhelming and exhausting, affecting how we think, feel, and connect with others. Anxiety counselling offers a safe and supportive space to talk about your worries, understand what might be contributing to them, and explore new ways to cope. Together, we look at practical strategies to ease physical symptoms, manage racing thoughts, and help you feel calmer and more in control. Counselling is always shaped around what feels most helpful and manageable for you.
 
 
psychologist melbourne

Martina Luongo
Psychologist in Camberwell

Martina is a compassionate psychologist in Camberwell, offering counselling for adults experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and life transitions. She creates a safe space for clients to feel heard and understood, tailoring therapy to their unique needs. Sessions are available in-person or via online therapy across Australia.

book a free 15 minute consultation via:

Email 0422 981 416

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    Understanding Anxiety

    Anxiety is a natural and common emotional response experienced by individuals in various situations. It is a feeling of unease, nervousness, or fear that arises due to perceived threats, uncertainties, or stressors in life. While mild anxiety can be a normal and even helpful reaction, excessive or chronic anxiety can become a mental health concern.

    When faced with a perceived threat or danger, the body’s natural “fight or flight” response is triggered, releasing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These physiological changes prepare the individual to respond to the threat by either confronting it or escaping from it. However, in cases of anxiety disorders, this response becomes exaggerated and can be triggered by situations that are not actually dangerous.

    Symptoms

    Stress can manifest in various physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms. While the specific symptoms can vary from person to person, some common signs of stress include:

    • Increased heart rate or palpitations
    • Sweating or clammy hands
    • Trembling or shaking
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • Dizziness or lightheadedness
    • Muscle tension or aches
    • Fatigue or feeling easily tired
    • Stomach discomfort or gastrointestinal issues
    • Headaches or migraines
    • Sleep disturbances, such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
    • Excessive worrying or an inability to control worrying
    • Feeling restless or on edge
    • Irritability or easily becoming agitated
    • Feeling overwhelmed or a sense of impending doom
    • Difficulty concentrating or experiencing mind going blank
    • Catastrophic thinking or expecting the worst to happen
    • Heightened sensitivity to stimuli (hypervigilance)
    • Feelings of tension or nervousness
    • A sense of detachment from reality (depersonalization or derealization)
    • Avoidance of triggering situations or events
    • Seeking reassurance from others excessively
    • Procrastination or difficulty making decisions
    • Changes in appetite, either overeating or loss of appetite
    • Restlessness or difficulty sitting still
    • Nail-biting, fidgeting, or other nervous habits
    • Compulsive behaviors or rituals to alleviate anxiety
    • Social withdrawal or isolating oneself from others
    • Difficulty in initiating or completing tasks due to anxiety

    It’s normal to feel anxious at times, but when anxiety starts to feel overwhelming or makes daily life harder, it might be helpful to talk with someone who understands. Anxiety is treatable, and counselling can offer support, practical tools, and new ways of coping. If you’re finding anxiety is getting in the way of how you want to live, reaching out for help can be the first step to feeling better.