Anxiety Therapy in Tunbridge Wells
When Worry Takes Over
Feeling anxious before a big presentation or during uncertain times is entirely normal - it’s your mind’s way of preparing you for potential challenges. But when anxiety becomes a constant companion, showing up uninvited and refusing to leave, it can start to control your life in ways that feel exhausting and overwhelming.
At a glance
- Affects 1 in 6 adults in the UK
- Strong evidence base for psychological treatments (NICE recommended)
- Typically 6-15 sessions depending on severity
- Available online and in-person in Tunbridge Wells
Recognising anxiety
Anxiety manifests differently for everyone, but there are common patterns across three areas:
In your body
A racing heart that won't slow down, shallow breathing, muscle tension that never quite releases, difficulty sleeping, or that churning feeling in your stomach.
In your thoughts
A mind that won't switch off, jumping from one worry to the next. "What if" scenarios playing on repeat. Difficulty concentrating because your brain is too busy scanning for threats.
In your behaviour
Avoiding situations that might trigger anxiety, seeking reassurance from others, or finding yourself unable to make decisions for fear of getting it wrong.
Types of anxiety we treat
Generalised Anxiety (GAD)
When worry becomes your default setting, a persistent, free-floating anxiety that attaches itself to work, relationships, health, finances, and everything in between. Read about treatment options
Health Anxiety
An overwhelming preoccupation with the possibility of being or becoming seriously ill, often accompanied by frequent body-checking or medical reassurance-seeking. Read more
More than shyness, a deep fear of judgement, embarrassment, or humiliation in social situations that can make everyday interactions feel impossible. Read more
Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks accompanied by ongoing worry about when the next one might strike.
Intense fear of particular objects, situations, or experiences that leads to significant avoidance.
Performance Anxiety
Anxiety triggered by work demands, public speaking, exams, or high-pressure situations where fear of failure or judgement becomes overwhelming.
How we help
Anxiety responds remarkably well to psychological treatment. Our Clinical Psychologists in Tunbridge Wells and Kent draw on evidence-based approaches including:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to identify and shift the thinking patterns that fuel anxiety
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you build a meaningful life alongside difficult feelings
- Compassion-Focused Therapy when anxiety is accompanied by harsh self-criticism
- EMDR when anxiety has roots in past experiences
- Mindfulness-based approaches to help calm an overactive nervous system
The right approach depends on your particular experience of anxiety, and we'll work together to find what fits best for you.
What to expect from therapy
Free phone consultation
We start with a brief, no-obligation call to understand what you're experiencing and answer any questions. This helps us match you with the right psychologist for your needs.
Initial assessment
Your first session is a chance to talk through your experiences in depth. Your psychologist will build a clear picture of your anxiety and work with you on a personalised treatment plan.
Building strategies
Using evidence-based approaches, you'll develop practical tools for managing anxious thoughts, reducing avoidance, and responding differently to the physical feelings of anxiety.
Moving forward
As therapy progresses, you'll notice anxiety losing its grip. We review progress together and plan for the future, so you leave with lasting skills and confidence in managing setbacks.
Taking the first step
Living with chronic anxiety can feel isolating, but it doesn't have to stay this way. With the right support, you can develop new ways of relating to anxious thoughts and feelings, ways that give you back choice and freedom in your daily life.
Get in touchFrequently asked questions
What are the signs of anxiety?
Common signs include persistent worry, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, muscle tension, irritability, and avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety. Physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, and shortness of breath are also common.
How is anxiety treated by a clinical psychologist?
Clinical psychologists use evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to treat anxiety. Treatment is tailored to your specific type of anxiety and helps you develop practical strategies to manage worry and reduce avoidance.
How long does anxiety therapy take?
Many people experience significant improvement within 6-12 sessions of therapy for anxiety. More complex or long-standing anxiety may benefit from longer-term support. Your psychologist will discuss a recommended treatment plan after your initial assessment.
Our anxiety specialists
Our HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologists have extensive experience working with all forms of anxiety. We match you with the right psychologist for your needs.
Dr Nicola Meynen
Nicola is a BABCP-accredited CBT therapist who works with GAD, social phobia, panic, OCD, and BDD. She also supports adults with perinatal anxiety and stress.
Dr Brett Hayes
Brett has specialist expertise in anxiety difficulties including social anxiety, phobias, OCD, and panic. He uses CBT, EMDR, and ACT across NHS and private settings.
Dr Catherine Lankester
Catherine works with generalised anxiety, social anxiety, phobias, OCD, and panic using CBT, CFT, and ACT. She has experience across a range of NHS settings.
Dr Abbie Barnes
Abbie works with anxiety, OCD, social anxiety, and phobias using CBT, ACT, and CFT. She has a decade of NHS experience and also supports healthcare professionals with work-related anxiety.
Dr Sarah Maynard
Sarah works with anxiety, phobias, and health anxiety using ACT, CFT, and EMDR. She has 20 years of experience and a particular interest in anxiety related to physical health conditions.
Dr Naomi Thrower
Naomi works with anxiety, panic attacks, and emotional regulation difficulties using CBT, ACT, CFT, and EMDR. She takes a warm, person-centred approach focused on building on existing strengths.
