Anxiety Therapy

Anxiety Support at Humans Being Counselling Malvern

Anyone can feel anxious or nervous from time to time, especially in stressful situations. However, anxiety is characterised by persistent feelings of worry, stress, or unease that can occur no matter the situation or environment you are in. It can manifest in various settings – at home, in social situations, at school, or at work. Anxiety can affect daily functioning, and can affect your thought patterns, behaviours, and can affect you physically. According to SuicideLine Victoria, anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia.

You don’t need a diagnosis or a clear explanation of how you experience anxiety to reach out. If something does not feel right, that’s reason enough to seek support.

What is Anxiety and What Can it Feel Like?

Anxiety is our body’s natural response to perceived danger or distress. However, we can sometimes experience anxiety even when there is no clear threat or sign of distress. Anxiety affects our thoughts and behaviours and can also manifest physically, leading to complications in daily life. Some common symptoms include restlessness, difficulty sleeping, feelings of dread or overwhelm, a sense of lack of control, and brain fog.

How Anxiety May Show Up in the Body

Anxiety not only impacts our mental state but can also manifest physically. It can show up in our bodies in many ways, and individuals may experience each symptom differently or not at all. Below are some common physical symptoms of anxiety.

  • Shaking
  • Nail biting
  • Sweating 
  • Racing heartbeat
  • Rapid breathing/shortness of breath
  • Fidgeting 
  • Nausea/Stomachache
  • Tightening muscles
  • Hot/cold flashes

The above is not a comprehensive list, and you do not need to experience any or all of the symptoms listed to seek support and guidance for anxiety.

How Counselling Works at Humans Being

At Humans Being, we ensure that counselling sessions move at a speed that feels comfortable for you. You are never pressured to discuss the specifics right away, as we believe there is no predetermined timeline for processing your unique experiences.

Our counsellors meet you exactly where you are, recognising that every individual begins their journey from a different point, whether that involves establishing a sense of safety or exploring long-standing life patterns. We use a holistic, formulation-based method that takes into account your personal history, current circumstances, and significant relationships.

Throughout our work together, we prioritise the method that you find most effective. If a specific method does not resonate with you, we encourage you to let us know so we can adjust the path accordingly. Our team strives to provide a compassionate and transparent space, helping you navigate your experiences and move toward a stable foundation.

Who This Support May Be Helpful For

Counselling for anxiety may be a useful step if you notice:

  • Ongoing feelings of anxiousness, restlessness, or brain fog.
  • Difficulty feeling relaxed or safe in any situation or environment.
  • A sense of impending doom or fear that something awful will occur.

You don’t need to be certain, diagnosed, or “ready” in a particular way to begin exploring support. If any of this feels familiar, you’re welcome to contact us.

Our counsellors offer support to help you understand your experiences, identify recurring patterns that may be limiting you, and build strategies to feel more grounded and secure in your daily life.

Finding the Right Level of Support

If you are currently feeling unsafe, overwhelmed, or struggling to manage day-to-day tasks, our initial focus may be on stabilisation and connecting you with the right level of care. If another form of support would better meet your needs right now, we will discuss this openly and help you explore appropriate options.

The services listed below offer free, confidential support, and some are available around the clock.

Immediate Support & Crisis Resources

If you are in immediate danger, please call 000.

The following services provide free, confidential support:

OrganisationContact Number
Lifeline
24/7 national crisis support
13 11 14
Beyond Blue
Support for anxiety, depression, and mental wellbeing
1300 22 4636
13 YARN
24/7 crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
13 92 76
Black Dog Institute
Support services including resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
13 11 14
Kids Helpline
24/7 phone and online counselling for people aged 5 to 25
1800 55 1800
Suicide Call Back Service
Phone and online counselling for people affected by suicide
1300 659 467
StandBy Support After Suicide
Ongoing support for people bereaved or impacted by suicide
1300 727 247
Roses in the Ocean
Peer support for people with lived experience of suicide bereavement
1800 77 7337
Medicare Mental Health Phone Service
Free support from trained professionals, Mon–Fri 8:30am to 5:00pm
1800 595 212

You can also find a full list of free mental health and wellbeing supports at: Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

This page was last reviewed on 2 June 2026 by Jeremy Neumann, Clinical Director and Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW), at Humans Being Counselling, to ensure clinical accuracy and ethical alignment.