Struggling with constant worry, panic attacks, or an uneasy feeling you just can’t shake? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to face anxiety by yourself. At Steyaert Counselling, we offer compassionate, evidence-based psychotherapy for anxiety to adults across Ontario, with in-person counselling in London and Burlington and online therapy anywhere in the province. Our licensed therapists understand how anxiety can take over your life, from racing “what-if” thoughts to physical symptoms like a pounding heart. The good news is that anxiety is treatable. With proven approaches (like CBT, mindfulness, and more), we’re here to help you find relief and regain control. Book your free consultation today, and let’s start your journey toward calmer days.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural stress response, but an anxiety disorder is more than temporary worry. When anxiety becomes persistent, overwhelming, or difficult to control, it can interfere with daily life. Many people experience racing or intrusive thoughts, physical tension or a pounding heartbeat, irritability or restlessness, difficulty concentrating, sleep troubles, and fear that doesn’t match the situation. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges in Canada, and it is highly treatable. With the right support, many people learn to manage symptoms, feel calmer, and get back to living the life they want.
Anxiety is common
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns in Canada.
Signs and symptoms of anxiety
Many people experience excessive worry or fear, restlessness or irritability, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, nausea, or tight muscles, avoidance behaviours, panic attacks, or social fear and distress. If several of these feel familiar, anxiety may be affecting your daily life — and therapy can help.
Excessive worry or fear
Persistent anxious thoughts that feel difficult to control (often about many aspects of life). You might feel on edge or have a sense of dread for no obvious reason.
Restlessness or irritability:
Feeling “keyed up,” agitated, or easily annoyed. You may have a hard time relaxing, or others say you seem tense or wound up.
Difficulty concentrating:
Trouble focusing or mind “going blank” in the middle of tasks or conversations. Indecisiveness and overthinking can also be part of anxiety.
Sleep problems:
Lying awake with racing thoughts (insomnia), frequent nightmares, or restless sleep. Anxiety often makes it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night.
Physical symptoms:
A racing heart, chest tightness, sweating, trembling, upset stomach, nausea, headaches, or muscle tension (e.g. your shoulders, jaw or back always feel tight). These symptoms can occur even when you don’t feel mentally anxious, and they often come with anxiety attacks.
Avoidance behaviours:
Going out of your way to avoid situations that might trigger anxiety – for example, avoiding social events, skipping class or work presentations, not driving, or steering clear of places like malls or public transit because they make you anxious. Avoidance temporarily relieves anxiety but reinforces it in the long run.
Panic attacks:
Sudden episodes of intense fear or terror that peak within minutes. Symptoms can include a pounding heart, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or feeling like you’re choking. During a panic attack, you might feel like you’re having a heart attack or “going crazy.” (Panic attacks are scary but not dangerous – and we can help you learn how to stop them.)
Social distress:
Strong fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected. You might avoid meeting new people, public speaking, or eating in front of others. In conversations, you may replay what you said and worry you sounded foolish. This is often called social anxiety or social phobia when it’s severe.
Do some of these symptoms sound familiar to you? Everyone’s experience is a bit different – you might have only a few of these signs or nearly all of them. If you’re nodding your head to several, it could be a sign that anxiety is affecting your life. The bottom line: if anxiety is causing you distress or making it hard to live the life you want, help is available. You deserve to feel better.
Types of anxiety we support
Anxiety comes in many forms. At Steyaert Counselling, we have experience helping people with all types of anxiety, including:
General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Constant, hard-to-control worry about everyday things (work, health, family, finances – anything and everything). With GAD, you often feel like your brain won’t turn off. Even when things are going well, you might find something to worry about, and the anxiety is present more days than not.
Social Anxiety
An intense fear of social or performance situations. You might worry about being humiliated, saying the “wrong” thing, or others noticing you’re anxious (blushing, shaking, sweating). This can lead to avoiding social gatherings, public speaking, dating, or even answering questions in class or meetings.
Panic Disorder
Repeated panic attacks – sudden waves of intense fear – coupled with anxiety about when the next attack will happen. You might start avoiding places or activities in case they trigger an attack. Panic disorder can make you feel trapped in a cycle of fearing fear itself.
Health Anxiety
Constantly worrying that you might be seriously ill, often by
misinterpreting normal sensations as signs of illness. For example, a headache might spiral into “What if it’s a brain tumour?” Despite reassurance from doctors, the fear persists. You may frequently check your body for symptoms, Google health information, or seek repeated medical reassurance.
OCD and Intrusive Thoughts
Intrusive, unwanted thoughts or images (obsessions) that
drive you to perform repetitive behaviours or mental rituals (compulsions) to relieve the anxiety. For example, fear of germs might lead to excessive handwashing, or disturbing thoughts might lead to repeating a special phrase in your head.
Specific Phobias
An extreme fear of a specific object or situation that poses little actual danger,
yet provokes high anxiety. Common phobias include fear of flying, heights, spiders (arachnophobia), needles, vomiting, or thunderstorms. If you have a phobia, you might go to great lengths to avoid the feared object/situation.
PTSD / Trauma-related anxiety
Anxiety (and other symptoms) following a traumatic event.
PTSD can involve flashbacks or nightmares of the trauma, feeling overly alert or “on guard” all the time, avoiding reminders of what happened, and intrusive memories. It’s as if part of you is still in “fight or flight” mode long after the danger has passed.
Agoraphobia or avoidance behaviours
Fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable if
anxiety overwhelms you. This often involves fear of public places, crowds, or even leaving home. In severe cases, a person with agoraphobia may feel “safe” only at home and avoid going out.
High Functioning Anxiety
High-
functioning anxiety describes someone who appears successful and calm on the surface – holding a job, being organized, performing well – yet internally they feel anxious, overwhelmed, or constantly on edge. You might be always busy, fear failure, or have people say, “I had no idea you were anxious!” even though you quietly struggle. We recognize that just because you’re high-functioning,” doesn’t mean you’re not hurting, and you deserve support too.
Not sure which category fits your experience? That’s okay! You don’t need to self-diagnose or fit neatly into a label to get help. Anxiety often overlaps categories or might not seem to fit any one description perfectly. Our therapists will take the time to understand your unique story. During our first sessions, we’ll clarify what you’re dealing with and make sure you get the right kind of help – tailored to you. Whether your anxiety is general, specific, or intertwined with other issues, we’ll sort it out together.
Causes of Anxiety
There’s no single cause of anxiety – and having anxiety is never your fault. Most often, anxiety develops due to a mix of factors, which can include:
Past trauma or stressful events
Experiences like abuse, violence, accidents, sudden loss, or childhood trauma can wire your brain to be on alert. Unresolved trauma is a common root cause of chronic anxiety. Even events that seem “in the past” (or that you feel you should have gotten over) can leave a lasting imprint on your nervous system.
Long-term stress or burnout
Ongoing pressures in your life can contribute to anxiety. High-stress jobs, academic
pressure, financial difficulties, relationship conflict, or caregiver burnout can all build up over time. When your mind and body are under constant stress, it’s like a car revving in high gear – eventually, anxiety may take hold.
Perfectionism or high expectations
Certain personality traits or thought patterns make someone more prone to anxiety. Examples are perfectionism, very high self-expectations, or a tendency to need control. If you’re highly sensitive or grew up in an environment where you had to be “on guard,” you might develop an anxious thinking style (always scanning for what could go wrong). The way you interpret events – like expecting the worst outcome – also plays a role.
Family history and genetics
Anxiety can run in families. If a parent or close relative had problems with anxiety, you have a higher likelihood as well. Part of this is genetics (brain chemistry and temperament you’re born with), and part may be learned behaviours. Growing up around anxious family members can sometimes teach you “the world is scary” without realizing it.
Brain Chemistry and health factors
Imbalances in certain neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) are associated with anxiety symptoms. Additionally, some medical conditions (like thyroid disorders, heart arrhythmias, or chronic pain) can mimic or trigger anxiety. Even caffeine or certain medications can worsen anxiety in some people. It’s always a good idea to rule out medical contributors, and our therapists can help you coordinate with your doctor if needed.
Co-occurring mental health conditions
Anxiety often doesn’t come by itself. It’s common to also experience depression, ADHD, or other mental health concerns alongside anxiety. These issues can feed into each other – for instance, untreated ADHD can make you anxious about disorganization, or anxiety can make you feel hopeless and depressed. We are experienced in treating overlapping conditions (like anxiety & depression together), so you can address all sides of the problem.
Every person is different – maybe you clearly identify one of the above as the cause of your anxiety, or maybe it’s a combination of several factors. During therapy, we’ll gently explore the root causes of your anxiety to whatever extent is helpful. Understanding why anxiety affects you can be empowering, but we’ll also focus on solutions and coping strategies from day one. You don’t have to know “why” you have anxiety to start working on feeling better.
“I used to think I was just bad at handling stress. Therapy helped me realize I was carrying too much for too long.”
How therapy helps with anxiety
If anxiety is taking a toll on your life, therapy is one of the most effective ways to find relief. Here’s how it can help you:
- You’ll learn coping strategies to manage symptoms. Anxiety therapy isn’t just talking about your feelings (though that’s certainly part of it); it’s also very skills-based. Your therapist will teach you practical tools to calm your mind and body when anxiety spikes. For example, you might learn breathing exercises to reduce panic symptoms, use grounding techniques for racing thoughts, or journaling methods to untangle worries. Over time, these techniques can significantly reduce your day-to-day anxiety.
- You’ll identify and change unhelpful thought patterns. Anxiety often tricks us with worst-case scenarios or harsh self-criticism (“I know I’m going to mess up that presentation” or “If I don’t hear back from my friend immediately, they must be upset with me”). In therapy, we use methods like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help you recognize these anxious thoughts and gently challenge them. By reframing your thinking, you’ll start to see situations in a more balanced, realistic light – which shrinks the power of anxiety.
- You’ll gradually face fears in a supportive setting. Avoidance keeps anxiety going. A therapist can guide you, at your own pace, to confront the things you’ve been avoiding – whether it’s driving on highways, speaking up to your boss, or leaving the house for a walk. We often start with small steps and work up. This approach, known as exposure therapy, helps retrain your brain. You experience that you can handle these situations, and the feared outcomes usually don’t materialize (or if they do, you can cope). Each small victory builds confidence and reduces your fear response over time.
- You’ll get to the root of underlying worries. Sometimes anxiety has obvious triggers; other times, it feels like an undercurrent of dread without a clear cause. Therapy provides a safe space to explore deeper issues that may be fueling your anxiety – such as unresolved grief, self-esteem issues, or memories of past trauma. Understanding these connections can be a powerful part of healing. Our therapists are skilled in trauma-informed approaches, so if difficult topics come up, we’ll handle them gently and at your comfort level.
- You’ll have consistent support and accountability. Meeting with a therapist weekly or biweekly creates a regular touchpoint dedicated to you. Just knowing you have that non-judgmental support can ease some anxiety. We’ll track your progress together, celebrate your successes (yes, managing that social event for an hour is a success!), and troubleshoot any setbacks. The therapy process keeps you accountable to practice your new skills, and your therapist will adapt techniques as you grow. It’s a collaborative partnership aimed at empowering you.
How long does it take to feel better? While there’s no magic timeline, many people start to notice some relief within a few sessions. With regular therapy, significant improvement is often seen in about 4–12 sessions (roughly 1–3 months) for moderate anxiety. Of course, everyone is different – if your anxiety is more severe or has been around for years, it may take longer (and that’s okay). We will regularly check in about how you’re feeling and adjust our plan. Some clients choose to continue therapy for longer-term support, while others feel ready to conclude after reaching their goals. You and your therapist will decide together what pace and duration make sense. Our ultimate goal is to give you the tools to manage anxiety on your own and not need us anymore!
Between-session practice: One thing to know – therapy isn’t a passive experience. You’ll get the most out of it if you practice techniques between sessions. Don’t worry, this isn’t school and there are no grades! But we might agree on a small homework task each week: for example, trying a 5-minute meditation daily, doing a real-life exposure exercise (like speaking up once in a meeting), or writing down anxious thoughts and coming up with alternative interpretations. These practices help solidify what you learn. Think of it like going to physiotherapy: if you only exercise during the appointment and never on your own, progress will be slow. The same goes for mental health exercises. We’ll make a plan that feels doable, and by practicing in real life, you’ll build confidence faster. Your therapist is like a coach supporting you every step of the way.
The bottom line: Therapy for anxiety is collaborative and empowering. We’re not here to “analyze” you or make you dependent on therapy forever. We’re here to equip you – with understanding, with strategies, with insight – so that you can take your life back from anxiety. Many of our clients tell us they feel a weight off their shoulders after just the first session, simply from feeling understood and hopeful again. That’s the starting point, and from there, real change happens.
The therapeutic approaches for Anxiety
At Steyaert Counselling, we use a range of evidence-based approaches to treat anxiety. Your therapist will choose the ones best suited to you (often a blend of a few). Here are some of the main therapy modalities we draw on for anxiety relief:
Benefits of anxiety therapy
Curious which approach is right for you? Don’t worry – you don’t have to pick or know the difference between these therapies ahead of time. Your therapist will recommend an approach (or mix of approaches) that fits your situation and even your personality. We’re trained in a variety of methods because anxiety isn’t one-size-fits-all. During your therapy journey, we might adjust our techniques based on what’s working best for you. The common thread is that all these approaches are evidence-based and proven to help reduce anxiety. We will find what resonates with you so you get the most out of each session.
Everyone’s specific benefits will look a little different, but our aim is that through therapy, you’ll reach a place where anxiety no longer controls you. Instead, you’ll have the confidence and skills to manage anxious feelings healthily, so you can focus on living the life you want.
Let’s take the next step together. You deserve to live with greater calm and confidence. If you’re ready to start feeling better, reach out to book a free consultation – and let’s discuss how we can help you find relief from anxiety.
Anxiety counselling in London, Ontario
For in-person therapy in London, Ontario, our office is located in East London (659 Central Ave) with free parking and a private, welcoming atmosphere. We serve clients from London and surrounding areas (Middlesex County, St. Thomas, Strathroy, and beyond).
Your London therapist
Anxiety counselling in Burlington, Ontario
If you’re in the GTA or Halton region, our Burlington location offers anxiety therapy close to home. Our Burlington office is centrally located at 582 Guelph Line (with free parking on site), making it convenient for residents of Burlington, Oakville, Milton, and Hamilton.
Your Burlington therapist
Online anxiety therapy across Ontario
Do you prefer to have therapy from the comfort of your own home? Are you living in a town or city in Ontario where local services are limited? Our online anxiety therapy option might be perfect for you. We provide secure, confidential virtual counselling through a PHIPA-compliant video platform (your privacy is protected). All you need is a quiet space and an internet connection, and you can connect with your therapist via your computer, tablet, or phone. Research shows that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for treating anxiety and depression, and many clients find it even more convenient.
No waitlist and easy booking: We offer immediate starts for online clients, too. Often, you can have your first video session within a few days of reaching out. Our online therapy service is available to all Ontario residents aged 14 and up. (If you’re looking for help for a younger teen, please contact us to discuss options.) To begin, just send us a message through our contact page or book a consultation. We’ll guide you through setting up the secure video link – it’s as simple as clicking a link we provide. Online anxiety counselling is a convenient, effective way to get professional help without any added hassles.
Whether you meet us in London, Burlington, or virtually, you can expect the same level of compassionate care. Anxiety therapy in Ontario has never been more accessible. We’re committed to meeting you where you are.
Why choose Steyaert Counselling
We offer personalized care, no waitlist, and the availability of virtual therapy. Our London and Burlington offices offer free parking, and our approach is evidence-based, warm, and grounded in compassion.
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to common questions people have when starting anxiety therapy.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No, you can book directly.
How many sessions does it take?
Many people start noticing improvements within 4–12 sessions, depending on severity and goals.
What if I feel nervous about starting?
Totally normal. We’ll go at your pace.
Does online therapy work?
Yes — research shows it’s just as effective as in-person for most anxiety concerns.
Will I need medication?
Not necessarily. Many clients improve with therapy alone, but we can collaborate with your doctor if needed.
Ready to get started?
You don’t have to keep struggling alone. We’re here to support you with warmth, skill, and compassion. We’ll move at your pace, focus on what matters most to you, and work together toward a life that feels calmer and more manageable.
If you’re not ready to book yet, you can also contact us with questions.