Anxiety & Worry
Understanding the mind-body experience of anxious worry, and how we help you find lasting, sustainable calm.
What is Anxiety & Worry?
Worry is the cognitive component of anxiety, consisting of a stream of repetitive thoughts about potential future threats that are often framed as “what if” scenarios. Anxiety involves both mind and body. It is a full-body response governed by the sympathetic nervous system, triggering fight-or-flight sensations such as muscle tension, rapid heart rate, shallow breathing, and restlessness.
While occasional worry helps us prepare for life's challenges, Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and persistent anxiety occur when the autonomic nervous system perceives danger where none exists. Research demonstrates that excessive worry functions as a cognitive avoidance mechanism, where the mind continuously scans for danger to buffer against uncertainty (Bandelow et al., 2017). Over time, this constant vigilance depletes mental bandwidth and leads to physical exhaustion.
How We Treat Anxiety & Worry at Kindly Psychology
At Kindly Psychology, we deliver tailored, research-led interventions to help you shift from reactive survival mode to sustainable balance. Extensive meta-analyses confirm that structured psychological interventions are highly effective in treating anxiety disorders (Hofmann et al., 2012). We draw upon several evidence-based therapeutic modalities available across our practice:
CBT
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy serves as a frontline treatment for anxiety.
ACT
Rather than struggling against anxious thoughts, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy teaches psychological flexibility.
Mindfulness & Polyvagal
Mindfulness-Based Therapies & Polyvagal Approaches integrate somatic grounding and nervous system regulation to help calm physical arousal.
Schema Therapy & IFS
Schema Therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS) explore deep-seated, chronic anxiety rooted in early experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety & Worry
Normal worry is typically situation-specific, time-limited, and manageable through practical problem-solving. Clinical anxiety involves persistent, intrusive worry that is difficult to control and disproportionate to the actual threat. It often causes physical symptoms such as fatigue, muscle stiffness, or sleep disruptions, and interferes with daily work, relationships, and health.
Yes. Chronic anxiety often reflects long-standing neural patterns and nervous system conditioning. Through evidence-based psychological therapies like CBT, ACT, and Schema Therapy at Kindly Psychology, you can learn to rewire your response to stress, down-regulate physical tension, and regain control over your life.
The duration of therapy varies depending on individual factors, life history, and goals. Many clients begin noticing improvements in symptom management within 6 to 12 structured sessions. During your initial consultation at Kindly Psychology, your psychologist will collaborate with you to create a personalised care plan tailored to your needs.
We believe in finding the right psychologist for your journey. Book a complimentary call with us to ask your questions or to schedule your initial appointment.
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