Stress, Anxiety and Emotional Regulation Counselling

Stress and anxiety can show up in many ways — racing thoughts, tension in the body, difficulty sleeping, irritability, emotional overwhelm, or a sense that you're always "on edge".

 

For some people, these feelings are constant. For others, they emerge during periods of pressure, change, or uncertainty.

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You don't need to be in crisis for stress or anxiety to start affecting your wellbeing. Often, people seek counselling because they feel emotionally exhausted, disconnected from themselves, or stuck in a cycle of coping rather than feeling settled.

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Counselling offers a space to understand what's happening and develop ways to feel more grounded and regulated.

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When stress and anxiety take up too much space​

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People seek counselling for stress and anxiety for many reasons, including:

• Ongoing worry or overthinking

• Feeling tense, restless, or unable to relax

• Difficulty sleeping or switching off

• Emotional reactivity or feeling overwhelmed

• Burnout related to work, caregiving, or life demands

• Physical symptoms linked to stress or anxiety

• Feeling disconnected from emotions or stuck in "survival mode"
   

These experiences can occur on their own or alongside other challenges such as relationship difficulties, fertility treatment, grief, or major life decisions.

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Understanding emotional and nervous system regulation

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Stress and anxiety are not just "in your head". They involve the nervous system and how your body responds to perceived threat, pressure, or uncertainty.

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Emotional regulation refers to the ability to notice, tolerate, and respond to emotions without becoming overwhelmed or shut down.

 

When stress is ongoing, or even after the stress has passed, the nervous system can remain activated, making it harder to feel calm, present, or in control. Counselling can help you:

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• Understand your stress and anxiety responses

• Recognise patterns of overwhelm, avoidance, or shutdown

• Develop ways to feel safer and more grounded in your body

• Build emotional awareness and self-regulation skills

 

This work is gentle and collaborative, and always guided by your pace and capacity.

 

How counselling can help with stress

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Stress and anxiety counselling isn't about "fixing" you or eliminating uncomfortable emotions. Instead, it focuses on creating understanding, stability, and practical support so that stress and anxiety no longer dominate your inner world.

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Many people find that counselling helps them:

• Feel more settled and emotionally balanced

• Respond rather than react to stressors

• Reduce burnout and emotional exhaustion

• Improve sleep and concentration

• Feel more connected to themselves and others

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Louise Fitzgerald is a mindfulness teacher and Sydney-based counsellor who completed post-graduate studies, a Graduate Diploma of Counselling at the University of Tasmania.

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Learn more about online counselling support for stress and anxiety​

Prices are in $AUD. If you can't find a session time that suits you, please click here to contact me so I can open up the diary for you. 

Whilst I am based in Sydney, sessions are held via telehealth (video), so wherever you are in Australia we can work together. Currently counselling services are open to Australian residents only.

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** Cancellation Policy 
Please note that for all sessions booked I kindly ask that at least 24 hours notice is given if you need to cancel your session, being mindful of my time and that of other clients wishing to book in. Sessions cancelled within 3 hours of the session will incur a full fee, I thank you for your understanding.

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