Client background:

“Becky” (name changed), a young adult, sought counselling for anxiety that had become overwhelming. Her main concern was a persistent feeling of nausea and fear of vomiting, which had affected her study, ability to sit through exams and important events.

Presenting issue:

Becky described high levels of anxiety, particularly around important deadlines, exams and being around others who might be unwell. She would avoid certain foods and situations entirely, and was constantly checking for signs of illness, using coping strategies that made her feel restricted.

Therapeutic process:

We worked together to explore both the surface-level fear and the deeper layers beneath it. Using a mix of person-centred counselling, grounding techniques, psychoeducation around the nervous system and CBT Becky began identifying the thought patterns that were fuelling the fear. We gently explored self-regulation, and her emotions around her earlier experiences that had shaped her anxiety. We also introduced grounding skills with a somatic focus, helping her to reconnect with her body in a way to support self-regulation, less fear and anxiety.

Outcome:

After several weeks, Becky reported reduced fear-based behaviours and was living day to day without high levels of nausea and the worry of being sick. She developed stronger coping strategies and a growing sense of trust in herself including successfully navigating her final exams.

Is Now the Time to Start Your Own Journey?

These stories represent common themes many clients experience when needing anxiety counselling, but each client’s journey is unique. If something here resonates with you, it might be the first step in your own process of healing and growth. If you would like to talk to a counsellor, please contact me for a 15-minute complimentary counselling consultation to discuss how we can work together to support your emotional wellbeing. I offer one to one anxiety counselling for clients in Blandford, Wimborne, Poole, Bournemouth & local areas, but can also provide online counselling for anyone living further afield.

This anxiety counselling case study is a blended example based on real client themes. All identifying information has been changed.