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Anxiety Counselling in Adelaide

Understanding Anxiety, Common Symptoms, and Effective Treatment Options

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Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns in Australia. It involves persistent feelings of worry, fear, or nervousness that can become overwhelming and interfere with daily life. While anxiety is a normal human emotion, it becomes more challenging when it is intense, frequent, or difficult to control.

Anxiety can appear in different forms, including generalised anxiety, panic, social anxiety, and specific phobias.

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Why Anxiety Is Increasing

Many people are experiencing higher levels of anxiety due to rapid changes in the world. Contributing factors can include:

• Uncertainty and lifestyle changes

• Economic pressure or job insecurity

• Health concerns

• Constant exposure to news and social media

• Reduced social connection

These pressures can create a sense of overwhelm, making it harder for people to regulate their nervous system and cope effectively.

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Common Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety affects both the body and the mind. People may notice:

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Physical symptoms

• Muscle tension

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Digestive discomfort or IBS‑type symptoms

• Rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath

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Emotional and cognitive symptoms

• Excessive worrying

• Irritability or restlessness

• Difficulty concentrating

• Sleep disturbances

• Feeling on edge or overwhelmed

Anxiety can also impact relationships, work performance, and overall wellbeing.

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Anxiety in Australia

General information from national surveys highlights how widespread anxiety is:

• Around 14% of Australians aged 16–85 experience an anxiety disorder in any given year.

• Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in the country.

• Women are more likely than men to experience anxiety.

• Many people seek support through counselling, therapy, or other mental health services.

These figures show how common anxiety is—and how important it is for people to access support that works for them.

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How CBT and Hypnotherapy Can Help With Anxiety

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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

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CBT is a widely used therapeutic approach that focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It can help people:

• Identify unhelpful thinking patterns

• Develop more balanced and realistic thoughts

• Learn practical coping strategies

• Reduce avoidance behaviours

• Build confidence in managing anxiety triggers

CBT is often used for generalised anxiety, panic, and social anxiety.

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Hypnotherapy for Anxiety

Hypnotherapy uses focused attention, relaxation, and guided imagery to support emotional regulation and mindset shifts. It can help people:

• Reduce anxious thoughts

• Shift limiting beliefs

• Strengthen emotional resilience

• Build a sense of calm and safety

Hypnotherapy can complement CBT by helping people integrate new patterns at a deeper level.

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Using CBT and Hypnotherapy Together

When combined, CBT and hypnotherapy can offer a holistic approach to anxiety treatment. CBT provides structure and practical tools, while hypnotherapy supports deeper emotional processing and nervous‑system regulation.

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What Is Normal Anxiety?

Everyone feels anxious from time to time. Normal anxiety is usually:

• Short‑term

• Linked to a specific situation

• Manageable once the stressor passes

Anxiety may become more concerning when it begins to affect daily life, relationships, or wellbeing.

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Signs You May Benefit From Support

You might notice:

• Excessive worrying

• Sleep problems

• Irrational fears

• Muscle tension

• Digestive discomfort

• Social anxiety or stage fright

• Panic sensations

• Flashbacks

• Perfectionism

• Compulsive behaviours

• Persistent self‑doubt

These experiences are common, and many people seek support to better understand and manage them.

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K10 Psychological Distress Scale

The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) is a simple screening tool that measures levels of emotional distress. It includes 10 questions with five response options each. It can help people reflect on how they’ve been feeling.

If someone completes a K10 and wants help understanding their results, they can reach out for general guidance and support.

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