There are many types of anxiety and severities of experiences. The information I provide here is very general and relates to experiences of anxiety caused by emotional and relational issues. If you are seeking help and would like to know more about how my approach might help - please reach out. If I can't help you, I will do my best to recommend someone who may. My approach to managing anxiety starts with simplifying. In essence, anxiety is an over-estimation of a problem and an underestimation of our abilities to solve this problem. Understanding this dilemma – shining compassion and bringing warmth to how you experience it - is where we start. Life is boundless and filled with many aspects that we all experience differently, not with a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ label, just differently. For example, meeting new people, going to a party, being a parent or tackling a project are all examples of life. Some people will perceive they have the skills to respond to the problems and predicaments a full life offers. Others will believe they have limited or few skills to respond to those same problems and predicaments and they hold that belief deeply in their minds and carry it, often unconsciously, in their bodies. When we bring understanding and compassion to how our minds and how our bodies hold those beliefs, we create space to become curious about where the beliefs are coming from and what they are trying to say. And thus, we open the door to any number of pathways to understanding your relationship with anxiety and how to overcome its unhelpful hold. We may opt for a combination of Narrative Therapy and Schema Therapy, alongside Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (also known as CBT), for example. Narrative Therapy helps us to externalise our worries. By creating some emotional distance from anxious thoughts, you will gain a more objective perspective, making it easier to analyse and understand them. Schema further complements this approach. It delves into the underlying messages and schemas contributing to anxiety. This process helps us identify core beliefs and emotional patterns that drive your anxious thoughts and behaviours. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy will also be helpful so we can learn the skills we need to challenge them. The inclusion of CBT is pivotal in replacing unhelpful beliefs and thoughts with more positive and helpful ones. Once we are aware of these patterns and have begun replacing them with thoughts that align with your identity and goals, we may integrate therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) or Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT). Both of these therapies will be valuable tools – you will learn how to replace old patterns with healthier ones, leading to a reduction in anxiety, improved coping skills, and significant positive changes in emotional and relational aspects of life. You can also support your anxiety therapy by making positive choices. Everything from your activity level to your social life affects anxiety. Set the stage for success by consciously promoting relaxation, vitality, and a positive mental outlook in your everyday life. (a) Learn about anxiety. Understanding anxiety is essential to overcome its effects. That's where education comes in. Education alone won't cure anxiety – but if knowledge is a super power, you are making a great investment in your mental health. (b) Cultivate your connections with other people. Loneliness and isolation set the stage for anxiety. Decrease your vulnerability by reaching out to others. Make it a point to see friends, join a self-help, or support group, or share your worries and concerns with a trusted loved one. (c) Adopt healthy lifestyle habits. Physical activity relieves tension and anxiety, so make time for regular exercise. Try to avoid stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine, which can worsen anxiety. (d) Reduce stress in your life. Examine your life for stress and look for ways to minimise it. Make time for fun and relaxation in your daily schedule.