Support for Anxiety
Evidence-based therapy for children, adolescents, and adults experiencing worry, fear, and anxious feelings.
Anxiety affects people of all ages. It can show up as a constant hum of worry that never quite switches off, a tightness in your chest before a meeting, or a child who clings to you at the school gate every morning. Whether you are an adult struggling with worry and stress, or a parent concerned about your child, you do not have to manage it alone.
At Inside Out Psychology, we work with children, teenagers, and adults to understand what is driving the anxiety, develop practical coping strategies, and build confidence in managing anxious feelings. Seeking support is an important first step, and we are here to help you take it.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is the body's natural response to perceived threat or danger. In small doses it can be helpful – it keeps us alert and motivates us to prepare. But when anxiety becomes persistent, intense, or out of proportion to the situation, it can start to interfere with everyday life, relationships, and wellbeing.
Anxiety presents differently across age groups. Adults may experience racing thoughts, difficulty switching off, and physical symptoms like chest tightness or stomach issues. Teenagers might withdraw socially, avoid school, or become irritable. Younger children often express anxiety through their body – stomach aches, clinginess, and meltdowns – because they do not yet have the words to describe what they are feeling inside.
Regardless of how it shows up, anxiety is one of the most common and treatable mental health concerns. With the right support, people of all ages can learn to understand and manage their anxiety effectively.
Signs you might notice
In adults
- Persistent worry that is difficult to control or switch off
- Difficulty relaxing, even when there is nothing pressing to deal with
- Sleep difficulties — trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking unrefreshed
- Racing thoughts or a sense of mental overload
- Physical symptoms such as chest tightness, stomach issues, muscle tension, or headaches
- Avoiding situations, places, or social events that trigger anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
In children & teenagers
- Excessive worry about school, friendships, or things that might happen
- Clingy behaviour or difficulty separating from parents
- Stomach aches, headaches, or feeling unwell without a clear medical cause
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, nightmares
- Avoiding school, social situations, or new experiences
- Meltdowns, emotional outbursts, or shutting down when overwhelmed
- Seeking constant reassurance — asking the same questions over and over
For in-depth information about anxiety in children, visit our dedicated Child Anxiety page.
How therapy can help
Therapy for anxiety aims to help you understand what is fuelling the anxiety and develop practical strategies to manage it. We use evidence-based approaches tailored to each person's age, needs, and goals.
For children, therapy is adapted to be age-appropriate and engaging. Parent involvement is often a key part of treatment, so families can understand what is driving the anxiety and support progress at home.
For adults, therapy focuses on understanding your patterns of thinking and behaviour, building practical coping strategies, and gradually increasing your confidence in the situations that feel most difficult. The pace is always guided by what feels manageable for you.
Ready to take the first step?
You don't have to keep pushing through on your own. Get in touch and we can talk about what's happening and how we can help.