Understanding Anxiety

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Anxiety is a natural human response designed to protect us from danger. It can help us prepare for challenges and keep us safe in threatening situations. However, when anxiety becomes frequent, overwhelming, or starts affecting daily life, it can become difficult to manage alone.

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You may find yourself constantly worrying, overthinking situations, feeling on edge, avoiding certain places or activities, or experiencing physical symptoms such as a racing heart, dizziness, muscle tension, or difficulty sleeping.

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At Jodie Schallhorn Psychotherapy Ltd, I provide evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help adults understand and overcome anxiety, allowing them to regain confidence and enjoy life more fully.

 

 

 

Common Symptoms of Anxiety

 

Anxiety can affect people in different ways. Common symptoms include:

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• Excessive worry or overthinking

• Feeling restless or unable to relax

• Racing thoughts

• Difficulty concentrating

• Irritability

• Muscle tension

• Sleep difficulties

• Panic attacks

• Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety

• Physical symptoms such as sweating, dizziness, nausea, or a racing heart

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How CBT Helps Anxiety

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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders. CBT focuses on the relationship between our thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, and behaviours.

Together, we will identify the patterns that may be maintaining your anxiety and develop practical strategies to help you respond differently. Rather than simply managing symptoms, CBT aims to address the underlying processes that keep anxiety going.

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Through therapy, you can learn to:

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• Recognise and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns

• Reduce excessive worry and rumination

• Face fears gradually and safely

• Improve confidence and self-belief

• Develop healthier coping strategies

• Manage physical symptoms of anxiety

• Break cycles of avoidance

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Anxiety Difficulties I Can Help With

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I work with a range of anxiety-related difficulties, including:

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Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

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Persistent worry about multiple areas of life that feels difficult to control.

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Panic Disorder

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Experiencing panic attacks and fear of future attacks.

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Social Anxiety

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Fear of being judged, criticised, or embarrassed in social situations.

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Health Anxiety

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Excessive concern about health, illness, or physical symptoms.

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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

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Distressing intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.

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Agoraphobia

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Fear of situations where escape may feel difficult or help may not be available.

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

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Anxiety that develops following traumatic or highly distressing experiences. If your anxiety is connected to a traumatic experience, you may find it helpful to read more about Trauma-Focused CBT for PTSD and how this evidence-based approach can support recovery.

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What to Expect from Therapy

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Initial Assessment

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We begin with a comprehensive assessment to understand your difficulties, goals, and personal circumstances. This initial assessment also gives us the opportunity to get to know one another a little better. If you would like to learn more about my background, qualifications, and experience as a BABCP Accredited CBT Therapist, please visit my About Me page.

 

Developing a Shared Understanding

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Together, we build a personalised understanding of how your anxiety developed and what may be keeping it going.

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Learning New Skills

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You will learn practical CBT techniques tailored to your specific needs and difficulties.

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Applying Skills in Daily Life

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Therapy is most effective when new strategies are practised between sessions. We will work collaboratively to help you apply what you learn to real-life situations.

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Reviewing Progress

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Throughout therapy, we regularly review progress and adjust treatment to ensure it continues to meet your needs.

 

CBT Techniques for Anxiety

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Depending on your individual needs, therapy may include:

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• Thought challenging

• Behavioural experiments

• Exposure therapy

• Worry management techniques

• Problem-solving strategies

• Somatic techniques, for example, relaxation and breathing exercises 

• Compassion-focused techniques

• Trauma-focused CBT approaches where appropriate

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Looking for practical ways to manage physical symptoms of anxiety? Read my guide to Progressive Muscle Relaxation for Anxiety and Stress.

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Online CBT for Anxiety

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I provide online CBT sessions for adults across Cornwall, the UK, and Europe. Online therapy offers flexibility and convenience while maintaining the effectiveness of face-to-face treatment. Many clients find online sessions allow them to access support from the comfort and privacy of their own home. You can find further information about session options, treatment approaches, and pricing on my Services & Fees page.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can CBT help anxiety?

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Yes. CBT is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as an effective treatment for anxiety disorders and has a strong evidence base.

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How many sessions will I need?

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The number of sessions varies depending on your goals and difficulties. Some people benefit from short-term therapy, while others require a longer course of treatment.

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Do you offer online therapy?

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Yes. I provide secure online CBT sessions for adults throughout the UK and Europe.

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What if I feel nervous about starting therapy?

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Feeling anxious about beginning therapy is completely understandable. I offer a free 20-minute consultation so you can ask questions and decide whether I am the right therapist for you. 

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You can find out more by looking at the frequently asked questions page here.

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Take the First Step

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Living with anxiety can feel exhausting, but support is available. CBT can help you understand your anxiety, break unhelpful patterns, and build confidence in managing difficult thoughts and feelings.

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If you're ready to take the first step towards feeling more in control, I invite you to book a free 20-minute consultation to discuss how I can help.​

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