Guide

Understanding Anxiety

Practical information about anxiety and the therapeutic approaches that can help.

Last updated 2026-06-26

individuals teens anxiety stress panic mindfulness acceptance cbt

Anxiety is your body's natural alarm system — designed to keep you safe. But sometimes that alarm becomes over-sensitive, sounding alerts when there is no real threat, or staying on long after the danger has passed.

What Anxiety Feels Like

Anxiety shows up differently for everyone: a constant hum of worry, sudden surges of panic, racing thoughts, a tight chest, difficulty concentrating, or avoiding situations that feel uncomfortable. None of this means something is wrong with you — it means your nervous system is doing its job a little too well.

The Approaches That Help

At Little Big Journeys, I draw primarily on CBT for working with anxiety. CBT helps you identify the thought patterns that fuel anxiety — catastrophising, mind-reading, and all-or-nothing thinking.

What You Can Expect

We will start by understanding your anxiety — what triggers it, how it shows up in your body and mind, and what you have already tried. From there, we build a toolkit together: practical skills you can use in the moment when anxiety strikes, and deeper work to address the patterns that keep it going.

You Are Not Alone

Anxiety is one of the most common reasons people seek therapy, and it is highly treatable. You do not have to figure this out on your own.

Not sure where to start?

A free 5-minute conversation with Louise can help you find the right support.

Book a free consultation →