Anxiety & Stress Counselling

Living with anxiety and stress can be overwhelming, affecting every aspect of your life, from personal relationships to work performance and overall well-being. At Equinox Counselling, located in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, we understand the challenges that anxiety and stress can bring. Our aim is to provide compassionate, professional support to help you manage these feelings and regain control over your life.

​

Our counselling services for anxiety and stress are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. We utilize a range of evidence-based techniques to help clients understand the root causes of their anxiety and develop effective coping strategies.

​

Understanding Anxiety: Common Symptoms

While feeling anxious is a natural response to certain situations, experiencing anxiety on a long-term basis can be intense and debilitating. Anxiety affects everyone differently, but there are common symptoms that many people experience, including:

​

• Rapid and/or irregular heartbeat: A racing heart is a common symptom of anxiety, often triggered by the body's "fight or flight" response.

• Fast breathing: Hyperventilation or rapid breathing can occur when anxiety levels spike.

• Sweating: Excessive sweating, particularly in stressful situations, is another common physical manifestation of anxiety.

• Nausea: Feelings of nausea or stomach discomfort can accompany anxiety.

• Dizziness: Lightheadedness or dizziness is often reported by those experiencing severe anxiety.

• Trouble sleeping: Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns are common in those who suffer from anxiety.

• Feeling irritable: Heightened irritability can result from ongoing anxiety and stress.

• Lack of concentration: Difficulty focusing or maintaining attention can be a cognitive symptom of anxiety.

• Panic attacks: Sudden, intense bursts of fear or panic, often accompanied by physical symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath.

​

Some individuals may know what triggers their anxiety, such as certain situations or stressors, but this is not always the case. After experiencing a traumatic event, for example, anxiety may persist without an identifiable reason. Not knowing the cause can further intensify feelings of distress—if we don't know the trigger, how can we overcome it? This is where professional support can make a significant difference.

​

Our Counselling Techniques for Anxiety and Stress

At Equinox Counselling, we offer a range of therapeutic approaches to help clients manage anxiety and stress effectively:

​

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is highly effective for treating anxiety and stress. It focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns that contribute to anxious feelings. Through CBT, clients learn to replace these thoughts with more positive, balanced perspectives. Techniques include cognitive restructuring and exposure exercises, helping clients gradually confront and reduce anxiety.

​

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR):
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) helps clients manage stress by promoting awareness of the present moment. Through meditation, breathing exercises, and body scanning, clients learn to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment, reducing the intensity of anxiety and allowing for more measured responses to stress.

​

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) teaches clients to accept their anxious thoughts and feelings rather than resist them. By focusing on what they can control and aligning their actions with their values, clients learn to live more fully even in the presence of anxiety. ACT techniques include mindfulness, cognitive defusion (distancing from thoughts), and committing to valued actions, building resilience over time.

​

Exposure Therapy:
Exposure Therapy is effective for clients dealing with phobias or specific fears. This approach involves gradually exposing clients to anxiety-inducing situations in a controlled environment, helping reduce fear and build confidence over time.

​

Relaxation Techniques and Stress Management:
We offer a variety of relaxation techniques designed to manage stress effectively. These include progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and deep breathing exercises, all aimed at reducing physical tension and calming the mind. These techniques can be integrated into daily routines to help clients manage stress and prevent it from escalating into anxiety.

​

Developing Skills for Managing Anxiety and Stress

At Equinox Counselling, we are committed to empowering our clients with the tools they need to manage their anxiety and stress effectively. Our approach focuses on developing practical skills that can be applied in everyday life, ensuring long-term resilience and well-being.

​

Key skills we focus on include:

​

• Emotional Regulation: Learning how to regulate emotions is crucial for managing anxiety and stress. We work with clients to help them understand their emotional triggers and develop strategies to respond more calmly and effectively.

• Problem-Solving Techniques: Anxiety and stress can often feel overwhelming, making it difficult to address the underlying issues. We help clients develop problem-solving skills that enable them to tackle stressors proactively, reducing feelings of helplessness and increasing confidence.

• Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Developing healthy coping mechanisms is vital for managing anxiety and stress in a constructive way. We guide clients in identifying their current coping strategies and replacing any unhelpful habits with more beneficial ones, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

​

Why Choose Equinox Counselling for Anxiety and Stress?

Choosing Equinox Counselling means choosing a practice that is dedicated to your mental health and well-being. Our experienced counsellor, Rebecca Pepper, provides a safe, confidential, and supportive environment where you can explore your feelings, understand your anxiety and stress triggers, and develop effective coping strategies.

​

If you are struggling with anxiety or stress and are looking for professional support, we are here to help. Contact Equinox Counselling today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a calmer, more balanced life. You can reach us at equinoxcounsellingweston@gmail.com or call us at 07850 006745.