Anxiety
Counselling
Anxiety that feels constant or interferes with sleep, focus, or relationships, can be treated.
If you’re seeking help for anxiety, rest assured that it’s one of the most frequent reasons people come to see me for counselling.
These experiences are deeply personal, and it can feel isolating when others don’t fully understand what you’re going through. I offer holistic counselling to support women’s unique needs across the lifespan, using a non-judgmental and compassionate approach to address sensitive issues. Together, we can find solutions so you feel balanced, empowered, and at ease.
TYPES OF ANXIETY
I can help with

I treat a variety of anxiety-related issues, helping clients address both specific fears and more general concerns. These include:
Social Anxiety
You might have social anxiety if you experience fear or discomfort in social situations, or feel like you’re being judged by others.This might lead you to avoid social interactions. It may also interfere with functioning at work, school, or personal relationships and dating. The good news is that social anxiety can be reduced with treatment. Therapy can teach you new ways of thinking, behaving, and responding to situations to help reduce your fear.
Performance-related stress
Performance anxiety can surface when you feel pressure to perform or be evaluated by others. Some common scenarios I see include public speaking, exam taking, presentations, or job interviews. Treating performance-based anxiety typically involves a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques, and exposure exercises. Our goal is to reduce fear and move toward more clarity and focus.
Worrying about the safety of loved ones
You may have anxiety about the safety and security of someone you care deeply about, such as a partner, child, family member, or close friend. This type of anxiety can manifest in various ways including intrusive thoughts, or persistent fears about accidents, illnesses, or dangerous situations. I understand these thoughts can be difficult to share, and I want to support you in finding more peace of mind.
Generalized anxiety
With generalized anxiety, worries can feel like a moving target—resolving one often leads to another taking its place. It involves ongoing worry about everyday situations like work, finances, health, or relationships, often without cause. It may also lead to physical symptoms like muscle tension, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and sleep problems. I’d like to help you recognize that your ability to handle challenges is often much greater than the worry they bring.
Heightened anxiety around major life changes
Heightened anxiety around major life changes is an understandable response to those big transitions that challenge our sense of stability and security. This can include events such as moving to a new city, changing jobs, getting married, having a child, going through a divorce, or experiencing a loss. The uncertainty and pressure of adapting to these shifts can trigger feelings of stress and uncertainty about the future. Counselling can help you navigate and prepare for the upheaval that major life changes bring.
Anxiety rooted in past trauma
Trauma-related anxiety can surface when past experiences continue to affect how we respond to current situations. The emotional and physical impact of that experience can stay with us, even long after the event itself, causing us to react more intensely to things that may not seem threatening to others. While healing takes time, we can work on understanding the impact of the trauma, and find ways to move forward at your comfort level.
Perinatal anxiety
Perinatal anxiety is a common experience for many new parents during pregnancy or the postpartum period. It can involve a range of worries, such as anxiety surrounding the birth itself, concerns about your ability to be a good parent, or fears about your baby’s health and safety. This anxiety may manifest as constant worrying about your baby’s sleep, feeding habits, or development, and can also include thoughts about your own ability to manage the demands of parenthood. It’s important to know that so many of the parents I work with have the same concerns and that you’re not alone.
Anxiety related to feeling different or neurodiversity
This often stems from the challenges of navigating a world that may not always understand or accommodate different ways of thinking, processing, or interacting. For individuals who are neurodivergent, anxiety can arise from social pressures, misunderstandings, or the need to constantly adapt to environments that don’t feel natural. Therapy can help by providing support in understanding and embracing neurodiversity, developing coping strategies for anxiety, and fostering a sense of acceptance and self-compassion.
Common symptoms of Anxiety

Behavioural symptoms
- Perfectionism
- Need for control
- Task avoidance
- Procrastination
- Excessive reassurance-seeking
- Overthinking
- Difficulty making decisions
- Difficulty relaxing
- Constant restlessness

Physical symptoms
- Rapid heartbeat or tightness in chest
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle and jaw tension
- Headaches
- Trembling or shaking
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
Anxiety counselling can help manage and reduce your symptoms
Anxiety therapy approach
I offer an empathetic, personalized approach when treating anxiety, using evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, and mindfulness, along with a holistic understanding of each person’s unique needs. My goal is to help reduce the impact of anxiety on your life and support you in feeling more calm and in control.
What to expect of anxiety counselling?
Warmth
Support
No judgment
You can expect a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship where we work to understand and manage your anxiety. We’ll explore its impact on your life and develop strategies to help you manage it.
This might include techniques like interpersonal therapy, mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral tools, relaxation exercises, and building coping skills. The process is collaborative, with the goal of helping you feel more balanced and in control of your anxiety.
FAQ
How long does anxiety counselling typically last?
Counselling for anxiety can vary in length depending on what you’re seeking help for. Some people find that just one or two sessions are enough to address a specific fear or situation. Other clients prefer longer-term therapy, especially if they’re looking to explore deeper patterns or want ongoing support in managing anxiety over time.
Can I receive anxiety counselling online in Vancouver?
Absolutely. I offer phone and online counselling services for individuals in Vancouver and throughout all of British Columbia. The flexibility of virtual counselling allows us to connect no matter where you are.
How do I know if I need anxiety counselling?
The benefits of seeking anxiety counseling include gaining a deeper understanding of yourself and what might perpetuate your anxiety. Learning effective coping strategies for anxiety can help you manage your symptoms more effectively, reduce the intensity of anxious thoughts and physical sensations, and feel more in control of your emotions.
Addressing your anxiety can help you feel more relaxed, content and improve your overall quality of life by fostering healthier ways of thinking and reacting.
What are the benefits of seeking anxiety counselling?
You may benefit from counselling if you’re feeling overwhelmed by worry or find it hard to relax. Symptoms to watch for include racing thoughts, having trouble slowing down and feeling “keyed up” and tense. There may be a sense that something bad is about to happen. Physical symptoms such as trouble sleeping, racing heart, tightness in the chest or muscle tension can also be indicators that your anxiety might be interfering with your quality of life.
What therapeutic approaches are commonly used in anxiety counselling?
Several therapy modalities are commonly used in anxiety counseling. I take an individualized approach with each client, but typically will integrate therapies such as: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Mindfulness and Solution Focused Techniques, and DBT.
How effective is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating anxiety?
Though I work from an eclectic approach, I will often integrate CBT into my sessions when addressing anxiety. Research shows that CBT can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms by helping individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors that fuel their anxiety.
By learning practical skills to manage anxious thoughts and reactions, many people experience lasting improvements in how they handle stress and worry. CBT also helps individuals build coping strategies, which can provide long-term relief and prevent anxiety from returning. Overall, it’s considered one of the most evidence-based and widely recommended therapies.
How can I prepare for my first anxiety counselling session?
If you feel unsure about what to expect in counselling, that’s completely okay! You don’t have to do much before your first session—just showing up is enough. I’ll help guide you through the process, and together we’ll work at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
There’s no need to stress about having everything figured out beforehand. It’s my job to create a supportive, relaxed space where you can share what’s on your mind. If you are someone who likes to prepare, feel free to take some time beforehand to reflect on your goals for counselling.
What self-help strategies can complement anxiety counselling?
I like to remind people that it’s often the work they do outside of session that can have the most profound effect on their functioning. Along with integrating what they’ve learned in therapy into their daily life, using complementary strategies can be incredibly helpful.
This might include practices such as mindfulness and meditation, exercise, journaling, good sleep habits and relaxation practices. These provide tangible, practical ways to quiet the mind, reduce stress and manage anxiety in between sessions.
Anxiety counselling fees
& Booking Information
Counselling Fees
50-minute counselling session
$150 plus GST ($157.50)
Payments can be made by e-transfer, cash, Visa, or Mastercard.
*Cancellations require 24 hours hours notice or the session fee will apply.
Extended Health Benefits & Other Organizations
Counselling services can also be invoiced to the Autism Funding Unit. I’m not able to provide direct billing at this time.
Location & Hours
Online & Phone Counselling
Monday, Thursday, Friday 9:00am – 3:00pm
In Person Counselling in East Vancouver
#202-1701 Grant Street, Vancouver (Grant and Commercial)
Friday 9:00am – 3:00pm