Understanding anxiety and anxiety treatment

Anxiety therapy in Prahran, Melbourne

Clinical psychology for adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety and distress

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural and protective response to stress or perceived threat. Anxiety is a big part of our survival system as it activates our “fight, flight, freeze” response to help us detect and respond to danger. When functioning well, anxiety keeps us safe and alert.

However, when anxiety is persistent, exaggerated, or disconnected from real danger, it can begin to interfere with daily functioning, relationships, sleep, work, and overall wellbeing. This is where anxiety can shift from an adaptive, helpful response to a maladaptive response or pattern which creates difficulty in our lives.

Common symptoms of anxiety can include:

• Restlessness, irritability, or feeling constantly on edge

• Racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, or mental fatigue

• Muscle tension, gastrointestinal issues, or chest tightness

• Sleep difficulties—trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking early

• Avoidance of situations, people, or places that trigger discomfort

Types of anxiety we work with:

At Slo Psychology Studio, we provide support for adolescents and adults experiencing:

• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

• Panic Disorder

• Social Anxiety 

• Phobias 

• Trauma-related Anxiety or Hypervigilance 

We work from a person-centred, trauma-informed framework. This means therapy is grounded in safety, collaboration, and compassion. Sessions are never rushed and always tailored to what feels manageable for you.

Our therapeutic approaches may include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Schema Therapy

• Emotion Regulation & Grounding Techniques

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Sometimes when it comes to anxiety disorders, anxiety itself can be the barrier to engaging in therapy, which can be tricky to navigate. If you feel stuck in this space, please know you are welcome exactly as you are, and it's okay to go slowly.

Ready to take the first step?

Reach out via our enquiry form.

We offer therapy in Prahran, or online via telehealth (where clinically appropriate).