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anxiety

Anxiety can come up for even the most high achieving individuals. Sometimes it is clear cut and easy to identify. For others it is more subtle, and can hidden under a need for a constant searching of structure and certainty, or a high level of motivation.

Anxiety isn’t always obviously debilitating, and sometimes it can be the very mechanism that constantly drives us to be achieving more.

High-functioning anxiety occurs when anxiety is channelled into relentless drive. While this isn’t necessarily a problem in itself, it becomes one when we struggle to switch off or take a break. Feeling unproductive can translate into a sense of wasting time, leading to high achievement goals that deliver only anticlimactic results. This cycle often culminates in burnout, as we expend ourselves without adequate reward or recovery, diminishing our capacity to handle stress over time.

Left unchecked, anxiety disorders can impact every aspect of life, including relationships, work, and general wellbeing. Our team provides anxiety therapy in Wimbledon and Epsom, designed to help rewire neural pathways and deactivate anxiety triggers.

Anxiety, with its ability to stop individuals from leading the life they desire, can be extremely debilitating. It may manifest in various ways, with symptoms including but not limited to:

  • Panic attacks

  • Churning in your stomach

  • Nausea and diarrhoea

  • Sweating and hot flushes 

  • Restlessness

  • Insomnia

  • Headaches

  • Increased heart rate

  • Being triggered by uncertainty

  • Being addicted to achievement

  • Feeling disillusioned after achieving goals

  • Struggling to enjoy downtime

  • Feeling on edge constantly

  • Inability to stop worrying

  • Brain fog

  • Difficulty focusing

  • Reduced capacity to handle stress

  • Ruminating thoughts

  • Excessive worry

  • Overreaction to events

  • Unable to calm yourself with logic

Some strategies if you have anxiety

  1. Compassionate curiosity: Your inner critic can amplify anxiety. Shifting to a voice of compassionate curiosity—exploring why, when, how, and where your feelings arise—can lessen judgment and improve your emotional state.

  2. Validate your emotions: Emotions need acknowledgment to be effectively processed. Allowing space for emotions to emerge and expressing them healthily can reduce their intensity over time.

  3. Time blocking: Remembering that emotional responses peak and then dissipate can be grounding. The storm will pass, even if it feels overwhelming in the moment.

  4. Nervous system regulation: Techniques such as deep breathing during acute moments of crisis, coupled with long-term habits like quality sleep, balanced nutrition, and regular exercise, can stabilise your nervous system.

  5. Looking for safety: Anxiety often arises when we feel unsafe. Recognising safe spaces and relationships can help shift your responses. Surround yourself with supportive, trustworthy people and avoid premature advice or dismissive attitudes.

  6. Separating fact from feeling: Negative emotions can be compelling, often skewing perceptions. Remind yourself that emotions are signals rather than guarantees of danger—they are alerts guiding deeper needs.

how can we help?

Anxiety Counselling Wimbledon and Epsom

We offer tailored anxiety therapy in Wimbledon and Epsom, creating a safe space to reframe anxious thoughts and reduce anxiety attacks. Our experienced psychologists specialise in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, particularly high achievers dealing with self-doubt and high-functioning anxiety.

Our integrative approach draws from various theories, including solution-focused therapy (SFT), narrative therapy, person-centred therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Therapy plans are customised to each individual’s circumstances and goals.

Free 20 Minute Initial Consultations

At Sage Psychology, we know that every person’s experience with anxiety is unique, so finding the right therapist is essential. We offer a free 20-minute online consultation with one of our psychologists based in Wimbledon or Epsom, allowing you to get a sense of therapy with them and ensure they’re suited to meet your needs.

All of our anxiety therapy sessions are conducted online, giving you the flexibility and convenience to access support from home. If you’re ready to take the next step toward overcoming anxiety, contact our team or book your free consultation today.


Finding the right therapist for your needs is so important. That’s why we offer a free online 20 minute consultation with one of our therapists for you to see what therapy with them would be like.

Let’s start with a CHAT