By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human response to stress or perceived threat. But when it becomes persistent, overwhelming, or starts to interfere with daily life, it can feel exhausting and isolating. Many people experience extended periods of heightened anxiety, often carrying it silently.
Therapy can help you better understand your experience of anxiety, develop skills to manage its effects, and gently reduce its impact on your daily life.
Signs You Might Benefit from Therapy for Anxiety
- Excessive worry or rumination
- Restlessness or feeling on edge
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep problems
- Physical symptoms like tension, racing heart, and nausea
- Avoidance of certain situations
- Constant feelings of dread or fear
Whether these experiences are new or long-standing, support is available.
How Therapy Can Help
At Hennessy Clinical Psychology in Varsity Lakes, we offer a supportive space to explore and address anxiety. Therapy is always tailored to your unique needs and life experiences.
Evidence-based approaches may include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – helping you understand and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – fostering acceptance, mindfulness, and values-based living.
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) – building self-compassion and soothing the nervous system.
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques – promoting present-moment awareness and calming the body.
- Trauma-informed care, where relevant, especially when anxiety is linked to past difficult experiences.
Why Seek Therapy?
Therapy is not about eliminating all anxiety—after all, some anxiety is a normal and protective part of life. Instead, therapy can help reduce its intensity and grip, improve your ability to cope, and help you live more fully.
Many people who engage in therapy report:
- Greater calm and resilience
- Improved sleep and wellbeing
- Better focus and concentration
- Increased self-compassion and confidence
- More engagement in valued life activities
Therapy in Varsity Lakes
Our practice is located in Varsity Lakes on the Gold Coast, with both in-clinic and telehealth sessions available.
We also offer, where appropriate, the option of walk-and-talk therapy beside beautiful Lake Orr.
Getting Started
Seeking support is a positive and courageous step.
If anxiety is affecting your life, you don’t have to face it alone.
Contact us today to discuss your needs and arrange an appointment.
👉 https://hennessyclinicalpsychology.com
👉 Book an appointment
References and Resources
- Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14 – Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.
- Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au
- Hofmann SG, Asnaani A, Vonk IJ, Sawyer AT, Fang A. The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-analyses. Cognit Ther Res. 2012;36(5):427–440.
