When worry starts running everything

Anxiety Therapy

Private anxiety counselling in London for panic, overthinking, avoidance and constant physical tension. Book online or in person with experienced therapists.

Clinical Overview

Anxiety counselling that works

Anxiety is one of the most common reasons people seek therapy in London. If worry, panic, overthinking or physical tension is starting to affect your work, sleep or relationships, you're not alone — around 1 in 6 UK adults experience anxiety symptoms in any given week. The good news is that anxiety responds well to therapy. With CBT and other evidence-based approaches, many people feel a real difference within 8 to 16 sessions.

Prevalence

1 in 6 UK adults in a given week

Gold-standard treatment

CBT, with ACT or EMDR where relevant

Typical recovery

Many clients improve in 8–16 sessions

NICE recommended

CBT is first-line for anxiety disorders

Same-week support

Online and in-person appointments

NICE CG113 anxiety guideline

1 in 6

UK adults experience anxiety symptoms regularly

8–16

Sessions often needed for meaningful improvement

85%

Many clients report a strong reduction in daily anxiety

Quick check

Find the right approach for anxiety

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll suggest a therapy that fits your experience

Question 1 of 30% complete

How long has this been affecting you?

There are no right or wrong answers.

Free self-assessment

Free anxiety test

Two minutes, confidential, instant results. See where you stand before you book.

Take the test
DM
Dr Martina Paglia

Clinically reviewed by

Dr Martina Paglia

Founder & CEO of Mind a Porter

HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist

Special interests include anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, burnout, workplace stress, relationship difficulties and high-performance mental wellbeing.

Last reviewed: 13 August 2026

All health information on Mind a Porter is clinically reviewed by our clinical lead. These resources are educational and do not replace professional advice.

AI-ready summary

Anxiety counselling in London helps people who feel stuck in cycles of worry, physical tension, panic, avoidance or overthinking that interfere with work, relationships and daily life. Evidence-based therapy often includes CBT, ACT and nervous-system regulation strategies tailored to the pattern keeping anxiety going. Good therapy helps you understand the cycle, reduce avoidance and build a calmer baseline rather than simply chasing reassurance.

Understanding anxiety

Why anxiety keeps going — and how therapy helps

Anxiety is your body's natural alarm system. It's supposed to fire when you're in danger and switch off when the threat has passed. But sometimes it gets stuck in the 'on' position. You might find yourself replaying a difficult meeting on the Tube home, lying awake at 3am worrying about tomorrow, or feeling a constant sense that something is about to go wrong — even when you can't put your finger on what.

If you live and work in London, that alarm gets a lot of practice. Long hours, pressure to perform, difficult commutes, and the feeling that everyone else is coping better than you — all of it keeps your nervous system primed. The problem isn't that you're weak or broken. It's that your body has learned to stay on high alert, and the habits that once kept you safe (like over-checking, over-thinking, or avoiding the things that worry you) are now keeping the anxiety going.

The good news is that anxiety is one of the most treatable mental health difficulties there is. Therapy helps you understand what's keeping your particular cycle going — whether that's perfectionism, avoidance, reassurance-seeking, or something else — and gives you practical tools to break the loop. Most people don't just feel less anxious. They feel more like themselves again: calmer, more present, and more in control of their own choices.

Understanding causes

What contributes to anxiety

Anxiety rarely has a single cause. It usually builds up from a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors, and understanding your own pattern is an important part of finding the right support.

Biological factors: Genetics, brain chemistry, physical health and sleep patterns can all play a role in how anxiety develops and is experienced.

Psychological factors: Thinking styles, past experiences, personality traits and learned coping patterns can maintain or worsen anxiety over time.

Environmental factors: Stress, relationships, work pressure, life transitions and broader social or cultural factors often contribute to when and how anxiety surfaces.

Benefits

The benefits of Anxiety Therapy

A clearer understanding of what is keeping your anxiety going and why

Practical tools from cbt to manage triggers and setbacks in daily life

Reduced intensity and frequency of anxiety symptoms as the work progresses

Better sleep, focus and energy as anxiety stops dominating your day

More confidence in social, work and relationship situations

A therapeutic relationship you can return to whenever things feel harder

Identifying the indicators

Recognising the patterns that warrant professional support

Clients often seek help when worry begins to eclipse their ability to function. These indicators frequently blend physical discomfort with cognitive patterns that intensify during high-demand periods.

  • Persistent worrying that feels hard to control
  • Racing thoughts, overthinking and second-guessing
  • Tight chest, shallow breathing or a pounding heart
  • Difficulty sleeping because your mind will not switch off
  • Avoiding social, professional or travel situations
  • Feeling irritable, restless or on edge most days
  • Catastrophic thinking about future events or mistakes
  • Low confidence caused by anxiety-driven self-doubt

When to seek help

When is it time to seek therapy for anxiety?

It is worth reaching out when anxiety is starting to affect your daily life, relationships or wellbeing. You do not need to wait until things feel unmanageable. These are the signs that professional support could help.

  • persistent worrying that feels hard to control
  • racing thoughts, overthinking and second-guessing
  • tight chest, shallow breathing or a pounding heart
  • difficulty sleeping because your mind will not switch off
  • avoiding social, professional or travel situations
  • feeling irritable, restless or on edge most days

Recognise any of these signs?

You don't have to figure it out alone. A 15-minute £1 discovery call can help you make sense of what's happening and what kind of support might help. Therapy for anxiety is available online or in person in London.

Clinical therapeutic frameworks

Proven methods for long-term relief

Our practitioners select methodologies based on your specific needs, ensuring a blend of immediate symptom management and deep-seated behavioural change.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

This methodology rigorously identifies and challenges the cognitive distortions and safety behaviours that sustain your anxiety.

Learn more

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT helps you make room for difficult thoughts without obeying them, helping you pursue a meaningful life without being derailed by intrusive anxious thoughts.

Learn more

EMDR for anxiety rooted in past experiences

A specialised treatment designed to process historic emotional weight or trauma that keeps your nervous system in a constant state of hyper-alertness.

Learn more

Mindfulness-based therapy

Focused practices to anchor you in the present, effectively reducing the impact of future-focused worry and rumination.

Learn more

Fees & booking

Transparent pricing for anxiety therapy

50-minute sessions, online or in person across London
Fees set by each therapist and shown before you book
Private insurance accepted by many clinicians

Clients never pay more with us than going direct, and our therapists offer their best rates.

What to expect

What does a first anxiety therapy session look like?

A first anxiety session usually begins with understanding exactly how anxiety shows up for you rather than jumping straight into generic advice. Your therapist will ask about worry, panic, body symptoms, sleep, avoidance, reassurance-seeking and the situations that feel hardest right now, so the work starts from your real life rather than from a textbook definition.

You may also be asked about stress, work pressure, relationships, health worries, past experiences and any patterns such as perfectionism or over-responsibility that keep your nervous system activated. The point is not to judge you or to make you explain everything perfectly. It is to map the cycle clearly enough that both of you can see what is driving the anxiety and what has been keeping it going.

By the end of the first session, you should have a better sense of what kind of anxiety pattern you are dealing with, which therapy approach is likely to help, and what the next step would be if you decide to continue. Many people also leave with one or two practical ideas for reducing the immediate pressure while longer-term work begins.

Ready to take the first step?

Book a £1 discovery call, or browse therapists near you for anxiety therapy. Online and in-person sessions across London.

Why Choose Us

Why the right support matters for your care?

We provide premium mental health services that are clinically robust, strictly confidential, and uniquely suited to the pace of London life.

Qualified clinicians

BACP, HCPC and UKCP-registered therapists with strong experience in anxiety, mood and relationship-related work.

Flexible sessions

Online and in-person sessions that can fit around work, family life and the pace of London.

Personalised care

You are matched with someone who fits the difficulty you are dealing with, the pace you need and the way you want therapy to feel.

Meaningful progress

The work is practical, thoughtful and aimed at changes you can actually feel in daily life.

Anxiety Specialists

🔥 Booked in Last 48 hrs
£1 Discovery Call
Roberta Crescenzo
Easy Booking
Woman ChelseaOnline via Google Meet

Mrs Roberta CrescenzoCounsellor

PGDip15+ years of experience

I am a BACP-registered counsellor with 15 years of experience supporting adults across the private and voluntary sectors. I hold a PGDip in Attachment-Based Therapy and an Adv. Dip. in Humanistic Integrative Counselling, providing me with a robust clinical foundation to support clients navigating complex personal, emotional, and relational challenges. I offer both short-term and open-ended therapy, welcoming adults from diverse backgrounds to my practice in South West London and online. My clinical expertise spans a broad spectrum, including bereavement, trauma recovery from domestic abuse and gaslighting, infertility, and various forms of anxiety. I am particularly adept at helping individuals manage the pressures of life transitions, low self-esteem, and relationship complexities. Whether you are dealing with the impact of past experiences or current life stressors, I provide a professional, thoughtful space where we can work together to understand your history and cultivate greater resilience in your everyday life.

EnglishItalian
From £70 /session
£1 Discovery Call
Param Singh Sahni
Easy Booking
Man Sudbury HillOnline via Google Meet

Mr Param Singh SahniPsychotherapist

MSc · PGDip · BA10+ years of experience

I am a UKCP-registered and BACP-accredited psychotherapist with over a decade of clinical experience, offering a warm, collaborative space for adults seeking meaningful change. My practice is informed by an MSc and a breadth of specialist training, allowing me to support clients through a diverse range of challenges including anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, addiction, and complex trauma. As a British Punjabi Sikh therapist, I bring a unique depth to my work, carefully considering the intersections of culture, race, faith, and identity. My expertise spans individual and online therapy, where I integrate modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Somatic Therapy to meet your specific needs. Whether we are navigating life transitions, relationship dynamics, or professional burnout, my aim is to facilitate genuine understanding. I am committed to providing an inclusive, non-judgemental environment where you can explore your personal history and current experiences to foster lasting emotional growth and wellbeing.

EnglishHindiPunjabi+1
From £120 /session
£1 Discovery Call
Jessi Levy
WomanOnline via Zoom

Mrs Jessi LevyCounsellor

Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Using the Arts2+ years of experience

I am a registered counsellor with two years of experience, providing a supportive and professional space for adults to navigate life’s complexities. My practice is grounded in a commitment to helping clients explore experiences including grief, loss, divorce, generalised anxiety, and significant life transitions. I work extensively with those navigating low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and trust issues. As a practitioner qualified in the use of art within counselling, I offer a unique, integrative approach that blends traditional talk therapy with creative expression. Whether we are working with Person-Centred, Gestalt, or Attachment-Based techniques, my aim is to provide a safe, non-judgemental environment tailored to your specific needs. I am a member of the BACP and NCPS, and I offer sessions in both English and French. My work is dedicated to helping you feel heard, understood, and supported as you gain a deeper perspective on your personal journey.

EnglishFrench
From £65 /session
£1 Discovery Call
Hasina Sarwari
Easy Booking
Woman London BridgeOnline via Google Meet

Dr Hasina SarwariClinical Psychologist

DClinPsy · EMDR · EFT · BSc17+ years of experience

I am a HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist with seventeen years of experience supporting teenagers, adults, seniors, and couples across London and beyond. My practice is built upon a foundation of extensive clinical training, including a DClinPsy, and a diverse range of evidence-based modalities. I have cultivated a broad breadth of expertise, assisting clients with challenges ranging from anxiety, burnout, and PTSD to chronic pain, body image concerns, and complex life transitions. By integrating specialist approaches such as EMDR, EFT, IFS, and somatic therapy alongside traditional frameworks like CBT, ACT, and DBT, I provide a sophisticated, bespoke therapeutic experience. Whether working with individuals, couples, or adolescents, my focus remains on fostering deep, enduring change. I offer a professional, empathetic space where we can navigate your specific circumstances with clinical rigour and human understanding, helping you move towards a more grounded and authentic way of living.

English
From £200 /session
£1 Discovery Call
Sarah Jane Sellors
WomanOnline via Zoom

I am an HCPC-registered Integrative Arts Psychotherapist with seven years of clinical experience supporting adults, teenagers, and children. My practice is built upon a relational foundation, providing a confidential space for clients to explore their challenges at their own pace. Drawing on a diverse toolkit—including psychodynamic, attachment-based, and cognitive behavioural therapies, alongside Gestalt and narrative approaches—I provide bespoke support for a wide range of needs. My professional background spans the NHS, education, and public services, where I have developed a deep understanding of the pressures inherent in modern life. I possess particular expertise in supporting clients through neurodivergence, bereavement, life transitions, and workplace burnout, as well as recovery from trauma and domestic abuse. By integrating my background in art therapy with traditional counselling, I offer a flexible, human-centred environment that encourages curiosity and genuine connection, helping you navigate complex experiences and personal growth.

English
From £100 /session
£1 Discovery Call
Stefan Eason
ManOnline via Zoom

Mr Stefan EasonPsychotherapist

PGDip5+ years of experience

I am a BABCP-accredited psychotherapist with over five years of clinical experience, including extensive work within the NHS. My practice is dedicated to providing evidence-based support for adults navigating a range of challenges, including depression, generalised anxiety, health anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. I hold a PGDip in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and specialise in delivering both CBT and EMDR therapy, which allows me to address complex symptoms such as panic attacks, phobias, and the impact of past trauma. In addition to my clinical work, I am committed to providing inclusive, LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy, ensuring a supportive space for all my clients. Whether you are dealing with grief and bereavement, perfectionism, or persistent low self-esteem, I offer a professional, tailored approach to help you navigate your difficulties. I work primarily through online therapy, providing accessible, high-quality care designed to help you understand your experiences and develop the tools needed for lasting change.

English
From £85 /session

What Our Clients Say

Real experiences from people who've transformed their lives through therapy

Video

Grace

Therapy for Anxiety

SM
Sarah M.

Finally found the right therapist

After years of struggling with anxiety, I finally found the right therapist through Mind a Porter. The CBT sessions have been transformative. I'm now …

CBT Therapy
Video

Tia

Same Day Appointment

JL
James L.

Convenience meets expertise

The convenience of online therapy combined with world-class expertise was exactly what I needed. My therapist understood the pressures of startup life…

Online Therapy
Video

Sally

Quick Support

MR
Maria R.

EMDR changed my life

I was skeptical about therapy, but the EMDR sessions helped me process past trauma I didn't even realize was affecting me. The therapist was incredibl…

EMDR Therapy
Video

Charlotte

Therapist Match

DK
David K.

A safe, supportive space

From the first session I felt heard and understood. Booking was effortless and my therapist tailored every session to what I needed that week. Highly …

Psychodynamic Therapy
Video

Rick

Therapy for Work Stress

Video

Elli

Recommend to Anyone

Video

Carolyn

Finally Asked for Help

Video

Angie

Felt Comfortable

Video

Élodie

Expat in London

Resources

External clinical resources

These authoritative sources offer supplementary information to aid your understanding of anxiety and the available treatment pathways.

Questions people often ask about anxiety counselling

These are the questions people most often ask when they are deciding whether to start anxiety therapy in London.

How do I know if anxiety counselling is right for me?

Anxiety counselling is worth considering when worry, overthinking, panic, avoidance or physical tension are starting to affect work, sleep, relationships or your ability to enjoy ordinary life. You do not need to be in crisis for therapy to be useful. Many people come to us when they are still functioning on the outside but feel constantly on edge inside, and early support often stops the pattern from becoming more entrenched.

What happens in the first anxiety therapy session?

The first session is usually a structured conversation about what anxiety looks like for you day to day: the triggers, the body symptoms, the avoidance, the reassurance-seeking and the points where it has started to interfere with life. Your therapist will also ask about work, relationships, sleep, health and any previous treatment so the picture is clinically accurate rather than rushed. You do not need to arrive with the right language or a polished story; the job of the first session is to help both of you understand the pattern clearly.

How much does anxiety therapy cost in London?

Costs vary depending on the therapist, session format and whether you choose online or in-person work. Many clinicians on Mind a Porter offer a £1 discovery call first, and you can review each therapist's session fee before you book. If you are planning to use private insurance, we can also help you check whether a therapist is recognised by your provider before treatment starts.

Is CBT the best therapy for anxiety?

CBT is one of the strongest evidence-based treatments for anxiety and is recommended by NICE for many anxiety disorders, but it is not the only useful approach. Some people benefit from ACT, EMDR, mindfulness-based work or trauma-informed therapy depending on what is keeping the anxiety active. Good therapy is less about forcing one model onto everyone and more about matching the approach to the cycle you are actually stuck in.

Can I do anxiety therapy online or through insurance?

Yes. Many people choose online therapy because it reduces travel time, makes attendance easier around work and still allows for excellent clinical work. Some therapists also work with private medical insurers, while others are self-pay only, so the best option depends on the individual clinician you choose.

When should I seek therapy for anxiety?

It is worth considering therapy when anxiety is becoming persistent, distressing, or harder to manage on your own, especially if it is affecting work, relationships, sleep, confidence, or day-to-day functioning. You do not need to wait until things feel severe before asking for support. Early therapy can help you understand what is driving the pattern, reduce symptoms sooner, and decide whether focused online treatment, in-person therapy in London, or a broader clinical review is the most appropriate next step.

This page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned about anxiety, please speak with a qualified therapist or your GP. In a crisis, call 999 or Samaritans on 116 123.

The right therapist for Anxiety Therapy
is worth finding

Connect with a specialist in London to begin your path toward reduced symptoms and greater emotional resilience.

Pay as you go
Live slots
Instant book
£1 discovery call
Same-day appointments
Insurance accepted