Anxiety Counselling & Therapy Calgary

Do you feel like anxiety is interfering with your wellbeing? It is time to get help from anxiety disorders professionals.

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Anxiety can have a significant impact on every aspect of your life, from your personal relationships to your professional achievements. It can make it difficult to perform daily tasks or enjoy the activities you once loved. At One Life Counselling & Coaching, we understand how debilitating anxiety can be. Our experienced therapists are here to help you manage your anxiety and reclaim control over your life.

We provide tailored anxiety counselling services designed to meet your unique needs. Take the first step towards a calmer, more fulfilling life by booking a consultation or your first session with us today.

Our Team Members Providing This Service

Rachelle Hart

Registered Provisional Psychologist Calgary

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Daniele Corrao

Registered Provisional Psychologist Calgary

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Leanne Luchinski

Registered Provisional Psychologist Calgary

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Gregory Eccles

Registered Psychologist Calgary

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Vanessa Chen

Registered Provisional Psychologist Calgary

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Elizabeth Brunner

Away January 1 to 24

Registered Provisional Psychologist Calgary

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Leah Beech

Registered Psychologist Calgary

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Kristina Dargan

Not Accepting New Clients

Registered Provisional Psychologist Calgary

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Ken Fierheller

Not Accepting New Clients

Registered Psychotherapist & Coach Calgary

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What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is more than just feeling nervous or worried. It is a mental health disorder characterized by excessive fear, worry, and a range of physical symptoms that interfere with daily life. While it is normal to experience anxiety in response to stressful situations, anxiety disorders involve intense, persistent worry that can significantly impact your well-being.

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Common Symptoms

Anxiety manifests in various ways, affecting both the mind and body. The symptoms can vary significantly from person to person, but common indicators include:

Excessive Worry or Fear: Persistent, uncontrollable worry about everyday situations or specific triggers. This worry is often disproportionate to the actual threat or situation at hand.
Racing Thoughts: A constant stream of thoughts that can be overwhelming and difficult to control. These thoughts often focus on worst-case scenarios or irrational fears.
Panic Attacks: Sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that can include symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a feeling of impending doom.
Difficulty Concentrating: An inability to focus or maintain attention, often due to intrusive anxious thoughts that disrupt cognitive processes.
Fatigue: Chronic tiredness that persists despite adequate rest, often a result of the mental and physical toll of anxiety.
Muscle Tension: Persistent tension in muscles, often leading to pain, headaches, or discomfort, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back.
Irritability: Heightened sensitivity and quickness to anger or frustration, often stemming from the constant strain of managing anxiety.
Sleep Disturbances: Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep. Anxiety can lead to insomnia or restless nights due to racing thoughts or physical discomfort.

Impact on Life

Anxiety doesn’t just affect your mental state—it can seep into various aspects of your daily life, causing widespread disruption:

Work: Anxiety can severely impact professional life by reducing productivity, causing difficulty in concentrating, and leading to increased absenteeism. It may also result in procrastination or avoidance of tasks due to fear of failure or overwhelming stress.
Relationships: Personal and professional relationships can suffer as anxiety may cause irritability, withdrawal, or avoidance of social interactions. This can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, or a sense of isolation from loved ones.
Social Activities: Anxiety often leads to avoidance of social situations, resulting in missed opportunities, loneliness, and a reduced quality of life. Social anxiety, in particular, can make it challenging to engage in normal social interactions, leading to further isolation.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

At One Life, we don’t diagnose, and we don’t label—instead, we focus on providing the best tools and approach for your situation. If anxiety is interfering with your life, we find the most effective treatments to help you with it. Here, we list some common conditions and symptoms to help you better understand an approach that will work best for you:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): GAD involves excessive, uncontrollable worry about a wide range of everyday issues, from finances to health. This worry often leads to persistent physical symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, and muscle tension, which can disrupt daily life.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): OCD is characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that cause significant anxiety. In response, individuals perform repetitive behaviours (compulsions) in an attempt to reduce the anxiety. This cycle can be time-consuming and distressing, impacting daily functioning.
Panic Disorder: Individuals with panic disorder experience recurrent, unexpected panic attacks—intense episodes of fear accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness. These attacks often come without warning and can be debilitating.
Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Social anxiety disorder involves an intense fear of social situations, where individuals fear being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated. This fear can lead to avoidance of social interactions and activities, severely impacting personal and professional life.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. These symptoms can interfere with daily life and relationships, often requiring specialized treatment.

Causes of Anxiety

Some individuals may be more susceptible to anxiety due to personality traits, early life experiences, or other individual factors. This vulnerability can be influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.

Genetics: A family history of anxiety or other mental health disorders can increase an individual’s risk of developing anxiety. Genetic predisposition may make some people more susceptible to anxiety disorders.
Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters—chemicals in the brain that regulate mood—can contribute to the development of anxiety. These imbalances can affect how the brain processes fear and stress.
Life Events: Traumatic or stressful experiences, such as the loss of a loved one, abuse, or significant life changes, can trigger anxiety. These events can have a lasting impact, leading to the development of anxiety disorders.
Stress: Chronic stress, whether from work, relationships, or other aspects of life, can wear down the body and mind, leading to anxiety. Prolonged exposure to stress can also exacerbate existing anxiety conditions.

Keep in mind that you don’t need a diagnosis to seek help. At One Life, our doors are open for everyone who is experiencing anxiety symptoms. We’ll give you the tools you need to empower yourself — and the first step is seeking professional treatment. Learn to cope with and reduce the negative effects of anxiety with our counselling services.

Benefits of Anxiety Counselling

Seeking professional help for anxiety offers numerous benefits, helping you regain control of your life:

Reduced Anxiety Symptoms: Counselling provides you with techniques to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms, allowing you to live a more balanced and peaceful life. By addressing the root causes of anxiety, you can experience lasting relief.
Improved Emotional Regulation: Through therapy, you can develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress and difficult emotions. This enhances your overall emotional well-being, making it easier to navigate life’s challenges.
Increased Confidence: Building self-esteem and learning to manage anxiety can significantly boost your confidence and resilience. As you gain control over your anxiety, you’ll feel more empowered to pursue your goals and live a fulfilling life.
Improved Relationships: Counselling can help you develop better communication and conflict resolution skills, strengthening your relationships with others. By managing anxiety, you’ll be better equipped to interact effectively with friends, family, and colleagues.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Regaining control over your anxiety enables you to engage more fully in life and pursue your passions. Whether it’s enjoying hobbies, achieving career goals, or building meaningful relationships, counselling can help you live a richer, more satisfying life.

What to Expect from Anxiety Counselling

At One Life Counselling & Coaching, we offer a supportive, personalized approach to anxiety counselling. Here’s what you can expect:

Collaborative Approach: We believe in working together with our clients to identify and address the root causes of anxiety. Our therapists view the therapeutic relationship as a partnership, where your input is valued and your goals are prioritized.
Individualized Treatment: Each treatment plan is tailored to meet your specific needs and goals, ensuring that the approach used is the most effective for your situation. Whether you’re dealing with mild anxiety or a more severe disorder, your therapy will be customized to suit your unique circumstances.

Models of Therapy to Help with Anxiety

At One Life Counselling & Coaching, we offer several therapy models to help manage anxiety. Learn more about each approach:

Virtual or In-Person Counselling

We want to make your appointment as comfortable as possible. Do you prefer to stay at home? Whether you have a busy schedule or you simply prefer privacy, we offer virtual counselling to accommodate your needs. And if you’d rather book an in-person appointment, we do that, too! Let us know what you’d like, and we’ll be happy to help.

Why Choose One Life?

What sets One Life Counselling & Coaching apart is our commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care. Our experienced therapists, flexible scheduling options, and online counselling availability make us the preferred choice for anxiety counselling in Calgary.

Therapist Qualifications

Our team consists of highly qualified and experienced therapists dedicated to helping you manage anxiety and improve your mental well-being through individualized treatment tailored to your unique needs. Our therapists hold advanced degrees in psychology and counselling and are registered with professional bodies such as the College of Alberta Psychologists. They have extensive training in a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-Based Therapies, which are all proven to be effective in treating anxiety.

Whether you're dealing with generalized anxiety, panic disorder, or social anxiety, our skilled therapists have the expertise to guide you through your journey to recovery. Additionally, our team is continuously engaged in professional development to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in mental health care, ensuring that you receive the highest standard of treatment.

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Anxiety FAQ

What is anxiety counselling, and how does it work?

Anxiety counselling is individual counselling focused on strategies, tools, and techniques to help you manage anxiety that’s negatively impacting your life. It’s tailored to your specific needs and may incorporate a range of different methods and approaches. It is important to understand that anxiety is often a manifestation of our thoughts, emotions and perceived fears in the future. Anxiety counselling aims to help relieve you of your symptoms and provide you with tools to improve your mental well-being.

What other symptoms are common in an anxiety attack?

“Anxiety” is a word that gets thrown around a lot, but you might not be clear on what this mental health disorder actually means. Even though anxiety seems to take place in your mind, it presents a host of physical symptoms, too. The most common anxiety symptoms include:

Muscle tension
Chest pain or chest tightness
Heart palpitations and pounding heartbeat
Difficulty controlling your unwanted thoughts
Sweating
Intense fear
Feeling like you’re out of breath

Even if you don’t experience the symptoms above, you may still be struggling with anxiety. We all experience anxiety to some degree, but the extent of that anxiety and the bodily sensations it causes are different for everyone.

What is the best type of counselling for anxiety?

When you feel distressed, it’s because your mind or body is telling you something. Through counselling, you can identify what that something is and how to manage it. Are you looking for a better way to manage your anxiety? There are a variety of therapy options to choose from—but which are right for you? There’s no magic pill to cure mental health disorders—medications can be helpful to some, but that’s a conversation to have with your doctor. On the whole, anxiety takes work to manage. Through counselling, you can learn to rewire your thought patterns and make positive changes. When treating this symptom, finding the right therapist is key. It’s not just about the treatment you receive—it’s about the connection you have with the provider of that treatment. During your consultation, we’ll connect you with the right therapist for your needs. Your therapist will ask questions to learn more about how anxiety presents itself for you. They might ask:

What are your main fears, worries, or anxieties?
How do your anxious feelings influence your behaviours?
What thought patterns are you seeking to change?

At OneLife, we offer a variety of anxiety treatments, including anxiety counselling, psychodynamic therapy, CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), Gestalt therapy, and more. We’ll tailor your treatment based on what we believe will be most effective for you.

How is anxiety counselling different from other forms of therapy?

Like other forms of therapy, anxiety counselling is a personal journey that requires commitment and a willingness to dig deep. What makes it unique is its in-depth emphasis on identifying and resolving anxiety patterns, thought processes, physiological reactions, and behaviours.

What are the most common types of anxiety disorders that are treated in counselling?

Many people seek counselling for anxiety without being diagnosed with a specific disorder. That being said, common anxiety disorders include Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

What can I expect during my first counselling session?

During your first counselling session you can expect to begin building a relationship with your counsellor and identifying the work you’d like to focus on together. It’s a good idea to come prepared with some specific questions and/or goals in mind.

How many sessions of anxiety counselling will I need?

There’s no set number of sessions for anxiety counselling. You and your therapist will decide together how regularly to meet and when your work together feels complete. You can always take a break from anxiety counselling and return at need.

What techniques are used in anxiety counselling to help reduce symptoms?

Because anxiety manifests physically as well as emotionally, your therapist may use a variety of techniques to help you reduce your symptoms. Acceptance Commitment Therapy, EMDR Therapy, CBT Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and the latest Positive Psychology techniques may all be part of your individualized treatment plan.

Can anxiety counselling be done online or over the phone?

Yes! If you prefer to schedule your anxiety counselling appointment remotely, One Life can accommodate. Many of our clients prefer the option to save time on driving into the office and use our online services.

Is anxiety counselling covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans cover individual counselling (including anxiety counselling) with a registered psychologist. If you plan on using insurance to see a therapist, let us know when you book your appointment.

How long does it take to see improvement in symptoms after starting anxiety counselling?

Because every situation is unique, there’s no definitive answer to this question. That being said, most patients experience improvement in their symptoms after just a few sessions as they begin to embrace new strategies for managing their anxiety.

How can I find a qualified anxiety counsellor in my area?

All of One Life’s therapists are fully qualified to provide counselling services. If you’re seeking a counsellor certified in specific techniques, mention your request when booking your appointment.

Will counselling or therapy help with my anxiety?

If you’re seeking anxiety treatment, consider counselling. Studies indicate that anxiety therapy is an effective way to manage anxious thoughts. Cognitive behavioural therapy shows evidence of being a highly effective treatment for anxiety disorders.

If you deal with anxiety, you might be debating whether you should seek counselling services. Still on the fence? Ask yourself the following questions:

Does your anxiety interfere with your ability to work, study, or do everyday activities?
Do you experience physical symptoms when you’re anxious, including nausea, increased heart rate, shakiness, rapid breathing, trouble sleeping, or a skin rash?
Do you have uncontrollable anxious thoughts about things you’re worried about?
Have you ever had panic attacks?
Do you have recurring thoughts about past events?
Do social situations make you uncomfortable?
Do you find yourself trying to hide how anxious you feel around others?
Are you worried that your stress can’t be treated?

Did you answer “yes” to any of the above? These questions all relate to common symptoms of anxiety attacks.

If you’re interested in understanding your thought patterns and altering your behaviours, treatment can significantly improve your emotional comfort. During your consultation, we’ll learn about what you’re dealing with, the treatment you’re looking for, and how we can help you with any mental health issue.

How does anxiety therapy work?

Anxiety therapy involves working with a therapist to identify the underlying causes of your anxiety and developing strategies to manage it. This may include cognitive-behavioural techniques, exposure therapy, and relaxation practices.

How long does anxiety counselling typically last?

The duration of counselling varies depending on individual needs and goals. Some clients may see improvement in a few sessions, while others may require longer-term therapy.

Is anxiety counselling confidential?

Yes, all sessions are confidential. Your privacy and confidentiality are our top priorities.

Do I need a referral to see an anxiety therapist?

No, you do not need a referral to seek anxiety counselling at One Life Counselling & Coaching. You can book a consultation directly with us.

How much does anxiety counselling cost?

Our rates are the same for all practitioners and are based on the Recommended Fee Schedule by the Psychologists's Association of Alberta. While the Recommended Fee Schedule encompasses 50-minute sessions, One Life offers 60-minute sessions for this fee.

Anxiety Counselling & Therapy Calgary

Our Team Members Providing This Service

What is Anxiety?

Common Symptoms

Impact on Life

Causes of Anxiety

Benefits of Anxiety Counselling

What to Expect from Anxiety Counselling

Models of Therapy to Help with Anxiety

Virtual or In-Person Counselling

Why Choose One Life?

Therapist Qualifications

Anxiety FAQ

What other symptoms are common in an anxiety attack?

What is the best type of counselling for anxiety?

Contact One Life Today