Anxiety Counselling Sunshine Coast

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“The pressure to never be visibly anxious keeps ratcheting up.” — Susan Cain

Anxiety is not a flaw. Often, it reflects a sensitive nervous system navigating a world that demands calm, confident performance. In counselling, we create a safe, professional space to understand what your anxiety is telling you, rather than trying to suppress or ignore it.

I provide anxiety counselling on the Sunshine Coast and anxiety therapy in Noosa, both in-person and online, supporting clients across the region. My approach is compassionate and trauma-informed, helping you build practical tools for self-compassion, develop a sense of safety within, notice where tension is held in your body, and gently work through emotional healing — all at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

Trauma-informed care means we focus on what is happening for you, rather than what is “wrong” with you, understanding anxiety as a way of coping. Counselling provides a supportive space to learn how to offer yourself care, patience, and understanding — easing anxiety symptoms and reclaiming a sense of balance.

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How Therapy Can Help Anxiety

Counselling Helps You Notice, Respond, and Soften
Counselling helps you notice tension, respond with care, and gradually soften. Over time, your nervous system can learn it’s safe to rest, and your mind can follow. Each session is guided at your pace, creating a safe, compassionate space to explore anxiety, build self-compassion and self-trust, and develop practical tools for everyday life.

Anxiety isn’t just in the mind — it’s often a signal from the body that something doesn’t feel safe. I use a body-based, “bottom-up” approach informed by Polyvagal Theory, alongside trauma-informed, evidence-based strategies. Sessions integrate mindfulness, psychodynamic principles, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), somatic therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), supporting your nervous system to soften, ease tension, and restore a sense of safety from the inside out.

Rather than trying to think your way out of anxiety, we gently tune in to what’s happening beneath the surface — the racing heart, shallow breath, or tightness that signals stress. Through grounding, awareness, and compassionate connection, your body begins to settle, and your mind can follow.

What We Work On Together

Every person’s healing process is unique, but common areas include:

  • Anxiety, worry, and panic

  • Overwhelm, stress, and burnout

  • Low confidence and self-compassion

  • Emotional regulation and nervous-system support

  • Relationship challenges and patterns

  • Trauma responses and coping strategies

The goal is always the same: to help you feel safe, connected, and more at ease within yourself, while building tools to gently reduce anxiety symptoms. Sessions are available in-person in Noosa and across the Sunshine Coast, as well as online, offering flexible support wherever you are.

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Understanding Anxiety & Its Symptoms

Anxiety can appear in many ways, often quietly at first. It’s more than stress or worry — it’s your body and mind signalling that something doesn’t feel safe.

Common signs include:

  • Persistent worrying or racing thoughts

  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering things

  • Muscle tension or headaches

  • Sleep disturbances or restless nights

  • Feeling easily fatigued or on edge

Anxiety can also appear as perfectionism, social discomfort, or the pressure to appear calm even when your body feels otherwise.

Did you know?
Anxiety is very common — 1 in 4 Australians will experience an anxiety condition at some stage in their life. Not sure if what you’re feeling is typical stress or something more? Try the K10 Anxiety and Depression Test, an evidence-based tool used by Australian doctors and mental health professionals.

Take the K10 quiz →

“Alana’s ability to listen without judgment and provide honest feedback has helped me navigate my feelings of self-doubt and stress. I always leave my time with her feeling empowered and understood. Alana’s calm presence and genuine care make her an exceptional counsellor.”
— Anonymous

FAQs (Frequently asked questions)

Take the first step today. You’re warmly invited to reach out and book a session. You don’t need to be in crisis to seek support — counselling can benefit anyone who wants to feel more connected, clear, and supported.

Whether you’re looking for an anxiety counsellor on the Sunshine Coast, anxiety therapy in Noosa Heads, or trauma-informed therapy, support is available. If you have any questions or are unsure about starting, please don’t hesitate to reach out — I’m here to support you whenever you’re ready.

  • Every journey is unique. Some clients notice relief after just a few sessions, while others benefit from longer‑term support over weeks or months. There’s no fixed timeline — we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you.

  • Absolutely. Feeling anxious about starting counselling is very common. It’s a sign that your nervous system is tuned to safety — therapy is a place to gently expand that sense of safety.

  • In our first session we’ll gently explore what’s bringing you here — what feels hard, what you hope for, and where you’d like support. There’s no pressure to “fix” anything right away; it’s about creating a safe space and beginning to build trust.