A clinical psychologist for anxiety in Brisbane
Sometimes, life can feel a little more difficult to handle than usual. Asking for help can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re struggling to find the right words to describe what’s happening in your head.
An experienced psychologist will be able to help you work through those first nervy steps and help you on your way to understanding your anxiety disorder and how best to manage it.
Looking for help to manage your anxiety?
Most of us have been anxious about something at some point in our lives. It’s part of our survival mechanisms as a reaction to stressful situations. It could be before taking a test when you have a big presentation at work or a big life event such as moving house. Once the situation is over, the anxiousness tends to go away.
Sometimes, it’s not that simple. When those anxious feelings continue and develop, they can start to affect your everyday life. It can affect your relationships and ability to perform at work, making social situations hard to cope with. It’s quite possible that anxiety disorders are the cause of this.
Symptoms of anxiety disorders
- Increased heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Muscle tension or aches
- Excessive sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Gastrointestinal discomfort (e.g., stomachaches, nausea)
- Persistent feelings of apprehension or unease
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Restlessness or feeling on edge
- Irritability or mood swings
- Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
- Racing thoughts or excessive worry
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Fatigue or low energy
- Avoidance of certain situations or activities
- Feelings of impending doom or danger
- Panic attacks (sudden, intense episodes of fear or dread)
Emotionally, anxiety can lead to persistent feelings of apprehension, restlessness, or irritability. You may find yourself constantly anticipating the worst-case scenarios, even in everyday situations. Anxiety can disrupt your sleep patterns, causing insomnia or restless nights. It can also make it difficult to concentrate, affecting your work performance or academic achievements.
Different types of anxiety disorders
There are different sorts of anxiety disorders. The commonly diagnosed ones include:
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Recognising you might have an anxiety disorder is a big step, but knowing what that means and what you can do about it is a much harder step to take on your own.
My experience as a Brisbane psychologist for anxiety disorders allows me to help you make those harder steps using therapies that are best suited to you and your symptoms.
Using evidence-based treatments to help you manage your anxiety disorder symptoms
Working through your anxiety disorder means finding the right techniques that work for you. Together we can help you learn to respond to your symptoms and reduce their overwhelming effect on your life.
Some of the therapies I use include:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
I specialise in ACT therapy because it’s proven to be effective for a number of conditions, including anxiety, depression and trauma.
Developing the right coping skills is about knowing how to manage anxiety at the moment so you can deal with them before they take over. All you’ll need to do then is continue living your life in the way you want.
Frequently asked questions about anxiety disorders and seeing a psychologist
Under the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Anxiety Disorders are classed as a mental illness and affect as many as 1 in 6 Australians during their lifetime.
Once your online application form has been reviewed as a right fit for both of us, you will need a referral from your GP or NDIS plan in order to access rebates. No referral is needed for full-fee-paying clients.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a powerful and evidence-based therapeutic approach that focuses on helping individuals effectively navigate and overcome anxiety and improve their mental health. Rooted in mindfulness and acceptance principles, ACT empowers individuals to develop psychological flexibility and embrace their thoughts and emotions without judgment.
In ACT, the emphasis is placed on accepting and acknowledging one’s anxious thoughts and feelings rather than trying to eliminate or suppress them. This approach recognises that anxiety is a natural part of the human experience and helps individuals build resilience in the face of it. By cultivating mindfulness and being present in the moment, individuals can learn to observe their anxious thoughts and emotions without being overwhelmed by them.
ACT also emphasises committing to actions that align with one’s values and goals, even in the presence of anxiety. Through goal-setting and values clarification, individuals are encouraged to take purposeful steps towards a fulfilling life rather than allowing anxiety to dictate their choices.
At Nautilus Psychology, I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy into treating anxiety disorders. I will guide you in developing mindfulness skills, accepting your anxious thoughts and emotions, and taking committed actions towards a life that is meaningful to you. Experience the transformative power of ACT and take control of your anxiety. Schedule a consultation today to begin your journey towards a more fulfilling and anxiety-free life.
The frequency of therapy sessions will depend on your individual needs and the treatment plan determined by you and I. Initially, sessions may be more frequent and then spaced out as progress is made.
With proper treatment and management strategies, many individuals experience a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms and improved functioning. However, individual experiences can vary, and ongoing support may be beneficial.
