Anxiety can feel exhausting.
Your mind keeps running long after the moment has passed. Conversations replay in your head. Small worries grow into bigger ones. Even when nothing urgent is happening, your body still feels tense and alert.
You may look calm and capable on the outside while feeling constantly on edge inside. Sleep becomes harder. Relaxing feels out of reach.
You are not alone in this experience.
Steyaert Counselling provides evidence based anxiety therapy for adults across Ontario. Our goal is simple. Help you understand what anxiety is doing in your life and learn practical ways to manage it.
• In-person therapy in London
• In-person therapy in Burlington
• Secure online therapy across Ontario
All therapists are Registered Psychotherapists regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural response to stress or uncertainty. Most people experience it from time to time.
Sometimes, however, anxiety begins to stick around. Worry becomes harder to quiet. The mind keeps searching for problems, even when things appear calm.
People living with anxiety often notice racing thoughts, constant “what if” questions, physical tension, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, or trouble sleeping.
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns people face. The encouraging news is that many people learn to manage anxiety successfully with the right support.
Anxiety is common
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns in Canada.
Signs and symptoms of anxiety
Anxiety can show up in many ways. Some people experience constant worry or restlessness. Others notice physical symptoms such as muscle tension, nausea, or a racing heart.
You may also notice changes in sleep, concentration, or confidence in social situations.
If several of these experiences sound familiar, anxiety may be affecting your daily life.
Emotional Signs
- Persistent worry
- Mental exhaustion
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
Physical Signs
- Muscle tension
- Racing heart
- Stomach discomfort
- Fatigue from poor sleep
Behavioural Patterns
- Avoiding situations
- Over-preparing
- Reassurance seeking
- Difficulty relaxing
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.
If several of these symptoms feel familiar, you are not alone. Anxiety looks different for everyone. Some people experience only a few signs while others notice many.
If anxiety is making life harder than it needs to be, support is available. Things can change.
Types of anxiety we support
Anxiety can appear in several different forms. At Steyaert Counselling, we regularly support clients experiencing challenges such as:
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 description fits your experience? That’s completely okay!
You do not need to diagnose yourself or fit neatly into a label before starting therapy. Anxiety often overlaps categories or shows up in unique ways.
During the first sessions, we take time to understand what you are experiencing and identify the kind of support that will help most.
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
Anxiety therapy focuses on helping you understand the patterns that keep anxiety active. Thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and physical reactions all influence one another.
In therapy, we may work on skills such as:
- Recognizing thinking patterns that intensify worry
- Learning tools to manage rumination and overthinking
- Gradually facing situations, anxiety has made it difficult
- Strengthening emotional regulation skills
- Building confidence when responding to uncertainty
Therapy moves at a pace that respects your comfort and goals. Many people begin to notice small shifts first. Over time, those shifts often lead to greater calm, clarity, and confidence.
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 support anxiety. Your therapist will recommend an approach, or a blend of approaches, based on your needs, goals, and comfort level.
Benefits of anxiety therapy
The benefits of anxiety therapy often go beyond symptom relief.
As therapy progresses, many people begin to feel steadier, more self-aware, and more confident in how they respond to stress, uncertainty, and fear.
The exact benefits of therapy will look different from person to person. Our goal is not perfection. It is helping you reach a place where anxiety has less control over your decisions, your relationships, and your day-to-day life.
If you are ready to explore support, booking a consultation is a simple next step. We can talk about what you are experiencing and whether therapy feels like the right fit.
Anxiety counselling in London, Ontario
For in person anxiety therapy in London, Ontario, our office is located in East London at 659 Central Ave. Clients often appreciate having a private, welcoming space to step away from daily pressure and focus fully on the conversation.
Anxiety counselling in Burlington, Ontario
For clients seeking in person anxiety therapy in Burlington, our office is located at 582 Guelph Line. This location offers a comfortable, private setting for therapy and is accessible for clients in Burlington and nearby communities.
Online anxiety therapy across Ontario
Online anxiety therapy can be a helpful option if you prefer to attend sessions from home, have a busy schedule, or live in a part of Ontario where in person services feel less accessible.
We offer secure virtual counselling through a PHIPA-compliant video platform. All you need is a private space and a reliable internet connection. Many clients find online therapy more convenient and easier to stay consistent with.
Online therapy is available to clients across Ontario. If you are considering virtual support, booking a consultation can help you learn more about how it works and whether it feels like the right option for you.
Whether you meet with us in London, Burlington, or online, the goal stays the same. To provide thoughtful, compassionate care that helps you feel more supported and more equipped.
Why choose Steyaert Counselling
Choosing a therapist is a personal decision. Feeling comfortable, understood, and supported matters.
At Steyaert Counselling, we aim to provide care that is thoughtful, practical, and grounded in evidence-based therapy. Our goal is not just to talk about anxiety. It is to help you understand it, respond to it differently, and feel steadier over time.
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 contact Steyaert Counselling directly to schedule a consultation or therapy session. A referral from a doctor is not required to begin counselling.
How many sessions does it take?
The number of sessions varies from person to person. Some clients attend for a shorter period while learning practical strategies to manage anxiety. Others choose to continue therapy for a longer term support or personal growth.
Your therapist can help you discuss goals and expectations early in the process.
What if I feel nervous about starting?
Totally normal. We’ll go at your pace.
Does online therapy work?
Many people find online therapy helpful for managing anxiety, especially when sessions are led by trained therapists using evidence-based approaches.
During your consultation, we can discuss whether virtual therapy feels like a good fit for your situation.
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?
Living with anxiety can feel overwhelming. Support is available.
If anxiety has been affecting your daily life, a consultation can help you explore what support might look like and whether therapy feels like the right next step.
Book a consultation to get started.
If you’re not ready to book yet, you can also contact us with questions.