We all experience moments of worry, sadness or feeling a little overwhelmed. But when those feelings linger, start affecting your daily life, or feel too heavy to carry on your own — it might be time to seek support.
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Both anxiety and depression are incredibly common, and they can show up in all sorts of ways. Some people notice physical symptoms, others feel it more emotionally or mentally, and for many, it’s a mix of everything. The important thing to remember is that you’re not alone, and with the right support, things can feel lighter again.
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What does anxiety feel like?
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Anxiety is our natural response to perceived danger or stress — that ancient “fight, flight or freeze” response built into our nervous system. A bit of anxiety before a job interview or a big life event is normal. But when those anxious feelings become constant, overwhelming or start stopping you from living life the way you’d like to, it’s time to pay attention.
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Common symptoms of anxiety:
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Racing heart or palpitations
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Tight chest or breathlessness
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Nausea, stomach upsets, or IBS flare-ups
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Muscle tension, headaches or dizziness
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Overthinking, intrusive thoughts, or difficulty switching off
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Trouble sleeping
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Avoiding certain places, people or situations
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Feeling constantly ‘on edge’
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What does depression feel like?
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Depression is far more than just feeling ‘a bit low.’ It can creep in gradually or arrive suddenly after a life event. It often leaves you feeling stuck, numb, or weighed down by persistent sadness or hopelessness.
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Some people experience physical symptoms too, like constant tiredness, digestive issues, aches and pains, or a loss of appetite. Others may withdraw from socialising, work, or hobbies they once enjoyed.
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Common signs of depression:
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Ongoing sadness or emptiness
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Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
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Low self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness
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Tearfulness and overwhelm
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Fatigue or difficulty sleeping
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Poor concentration or decision-making
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Thoughts of hopelessness or giving up
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How therapy can help
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If you’re living with anxiety, depression, or feeling overwhelmed, it can sometimes feel like you’ll always feel this way. But it doesn’t have to stay like this.
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I offer psychotherapeutic counselling and, where appropriate, clinical hypnotherapy to support you in exploring what’s going on beneath the surface and to help you find gentler, more manageable ways of coping.
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Counselling offers a safe, supportive space to talk openly about how you’re feeling — no judgement, no pressure. Together, we can begin to understand what’s been happening for you and how it’s affecting different parts of your life. For some, this might be linked to a particular experience or life event; for others, it can feel harder to explain. Either way, you don’t have to face it alone.
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Alongside counselling, I can offer simple, soothing relaxation techniques to help calm both your body and mind. These gentle tools can be really helpful for easing anxious thoughts, shifting unhelpful patterns, and building a sense of calm and steadiness in everyday life. If it feels right for you, we can also take this a step further by incorporating clinical hypnotherapy — a calm, focused way of working that can support deeper relaxation, ease anxiety, and gently quieten racing thoughts.
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Together, we’ll find an approach that feels right for you — whether that’s counselling, hypnotherapy, or a blend of both — to help you feel steadier, stronger, and more like yourself again.
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Your therapy, your pace
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I understand how difficult it can be to reach out when you’re struggling. There’s no pressure, no harsh ‘exposure techniques’ and no expectation to share anything you’re not ready to.
Whether you choose counselling, hypnotherapy, or a combination of both — your sessions will be tailored to you, your experiences and what you need right now.
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What I can help with:
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Generalised anxiety
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Panic attacks
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Low mood and depression
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Health anxiety
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Social anxiety
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Work-related stress
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Postnatal anxiety and depression
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Life changes and overwhelm
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Sleep difficulties
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Stress-related physical symptoms (IBS, headaches, fatigue)
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If you’d like to find out more or have a chat about whether therapy might be right for you, feel free to get in touch. I offer sessions in Dunmow, Essex and I also offer online counselling for anxiety and depression.
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You don’t have to feel this way forever.
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