Counselling for Anxiety

Anxiety is an uncomfortable feeling of fear or imminent disaster, and is a normal emotional response to danger. What makes one person anxious may not create the same response in another.  Our body’s reaction to danger is a very old system and comes originally from man’s need to recognise physical danger (i.e. the threat of being eaten by a woolly mammoth), and react quickly (i.e. run away).  That’s why when you begin to feel anxious, you feel your heart speed up, your tummy churn, and perhaps tingling in your arms and legs – your body is basically telling you to run away from the danger.

However, modern ‘danger’ is not usually in the form of a woolly mammoth wanting a quick meal.  ‘Danger’ today is stress, or feelings of being out of control, or difficult emotions such as depression or anger.  If we don’t know how to deal with these issues, we panic, and feel anxious.

SYMPTOMS

Anxiety can affect both our physical and mental well-being, with physical symptoms including palpitations, chest pains, faintness, being flushed, sweating, shortness of breath, hyperventilation, choking, difficulties in breathing, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, upset tummy, tremors, restlessness, panic attacks and feeling afraid.

Psychological symptoms of anxiety can be a sense of things around you appearing unreal, sounds being distorted, speeding or slowing of thoughts, tension, distractibility, loss of appetite, loss of libido and insomnia.

HOW WE CAN HELP

We at Sandyford Wellness Centre understand that coping with anxiety can be a lonely and isolating experience. Counselling can help you develop your own coping mechanisms in order to deal with anxiety and strategies to overcome negative thinking patterns. Part of the work in dealing with anxiety is exploring any possible underlying issues causing or maintaining the symptoms.  You can attend a Counsellor on an open ended basis, or you can avail of our 8 week Anxiety and Panic Reduction Program, which combines CBT and Acupuncture to effectively alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, both in your body, and your mind.  For more information, click 8 week anxiety programme.

Fionnuala Darcy

BA (Hons) Psych,
MAPCP,
Chartered MCIPD,
QMIGC
GMPSI

Fionnuala Darcy holds an Honours Degree in Psychology from Trinity College and a Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy, and also lectures in Counselling & Psychotherapy at Degree Level.Fionnuala is currently working towards an Advanced Diploma in Eating Disorders which is accredited by the BPS (British Psychological Society).

Having spent a number of years working with clients who came from behaviourally challenged backgrounds Fionnuala has a breadth of experience in dealing with a wide range of problems including anger management, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, grief and loss. Fionnualas special area of interest is eating disorders and she has experience working with clients who are affected by bulimia, obesity and binge eating.Drawing on her training and experience Fionnuala works best with clients using an integrative approach which includes CBT and mindfulness.

Mary Anderson

BSc. (hons)Psych, MSc. Counselling Psychology
Registered Psychologist

Mary believes that the common key to a good outcome lies in the strength of the relationship between client and therapist – one that is based on warmth, respect, safety, and collaboration.

Over the years Mary has provided one-to-one counselling for adults both in private practice and with the HSE. She has also worked with an employee assistance programme and alongside the psychology team in St. Colmcille’s Hospital in the cardiac rehab and weight management units.  This varied background has allowed Mary to work with a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress, life and work stress, bereavement, low self-esteem, relationship issues, anger management, and childhood abuse/neglect.

To make an appointment with one of our counsellors simply email us via our Contact Form or call us on 01-2063860.
Your first session establishes the exact nature of your problem and explains the process and commitments.   If you need help other than anxiety counselling we will refer you to an appropriate agency/counsellor either within or associated with our centre.