Area of support
Anxiety Counselling in Vancouver
Anxiety can sound like constant “what if” questions, feel like tension in the body or show up as avoiding anything that might go wrong. Even when part of you knows the fear is larger than the situation, another part may stay on alert. Anxiety counselling in Vancouver is time to understand what keeps that alarm going and to practise responding to it differently.
Understand what keeps anxiety going
Anxiety often runs in a loop: something sets it off, your mind predicts the worst, your body reacts, and you do something to feel safer, such as checking, asking for reassurance, over-preparing or staying away. The relief is real but short, so the loop tends to repeat. Anxiety counselling can help you see how that loop works in your own life. The aim is not to get rid of every uncomfortable feeling. It is for anxiety to stop making so many of your decisions for you.
What anxiety counselling in Vancouver may involve
Worry. You might go through a recent worry spiral step by step: what set it off, what you expected to happen and what actually happened. Over time you can practise answering the “what if” thoughts differently instead of trying to argue each one away.
Panic. Appointments may cover what happens in the body during a panic attack, why the sensations feel so alarming, and simple ways to slow your breathing and ride out a wave until it passes. If you have physical symptoms that have not been checked, it is worth seeing a doctor as well.
Avoidance. If anxiety has led you to stop driving, skip meetings, put off phone calls or turn down invitations, you and Mandeep might list what you have been avoiding and agree on small, manageable steps back toward the things that matter to you, at a pace you choose.
Some appointments are more reflective, looking at where the anxiety started and what it may be protecting you from. Others are more practical. Many include both, adapted to your history, culture and goals. If you notice anxiety most in your body, you may find it useful to read what anxiety feels like in the body. Between appointments, Anxiety Canada has general information and self-help resources about anxiety.
Where anxiety overlaps
If anxiety is not the only thing going on, anxiety counselling in Vancouver can make room for where it overlaps with trauma, ADHD-related challenges or burnout. Explore individual counselling in Vancouver or book a consultation.
Your counsellor
Mandeep Virk, MA, RCC
Mandeep is the only counsellor at Dear Therapy, so the person you speak with on the free call is the person you would see for anxiety counselling, in person in Vancouver or online. Her profile describes how she works and the concerns she focuses on.
Read Mandeep’s profile →Fees and coverage
How payment, direct billing and ICBC work, and what to ask your insurer, are explained on the fees and insurance page.
Not sure yet?
The free 15-minute call is for practical questions and to see whether working together makes sense. It is not a counselling session and there is no obligation to continue.
In-person or online
Appointments are in person in Vancouver or online by secure video. Evening times are offered.
You do not have to have it figured out to begin.
Book a free 15-minute consultation, or send a short message and ask your questions first.