In person in Calgary · Online
Anxiety counselling in Calgary
Support for the worry and tension that follow you through the day, in person in Calgary or online.
- Registered Psychologists
- Free 15-minute consultation
- Private and confidential
What is anxiety counselling?
Anxiety counselling is talk therapy with a psychologist that looks at what's driving your worry and works on practical ways to respond to it. At Synthesis Psychology, you can meet in person at our Calgary office, or online or by phone. It starts with a free 15-minute phone consultation, so we can understand what you're looking for and match you with the right psychologist.
Some anxiety is a normal part of life. It becomes harder to live with when worry and tension show up more often and more intensely, and start making work, study and everyday tasks harder.
Anxiety can serve you as well as limit you. Part of counselling is understanding both: where it's useful, and where it's holding you back.
Anxiety shows up in more than your thoughts
It can affect how you think, how your body feels and what you do. Everyone's experience is different, and you don't need to match a description to reach out.
In your thoughts
Worrying thoughts that are hard to set aside, or going over and over what could go wrong.
In your body
A racing heart, sweating, tension, or trouble sleeping.
In what you do
Avoiding places or situations, or needing reassurance before you can move ahead.
In the big moments
Anxiety that spikes around a presentation, exam, interview or performance, often called performance anxiety.
In day-to-day stress
Pressures that pile up until it's hard to switch off, even when you have time to rest.
In your relationships
Worry that makes it harder to speak up, say no or set boundaries with the people around you.
These are common experiences, not a checklist or a diagnosis. Your psychologist can talk through what you're noticing with you.
Reaching out
When to reach out about anxiety
There's no threshold you have to reach before you're allowed to ask for support. Many people reach out when anxiety starts to feel bigger than the situation in front of them, or when it's taking up more of the day than they'd like.
You don't need a referral from a doctor to see a psychologist in private practice. If you're in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 any time, or call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
It may be time to talk to someone if
- Worry is coming more often or more intensely than it used to
- It's making work, school or daily tasks harder
- You're avoiding things that matter to you
- The ways you've coped before aren't working like they used to
- You want to understand your anxiety, not just push through it
How we help
How counselling can help with anxiety
There's no single approach that suits everyone, so your psychologist shapes the work around you. Depending on what you need, sessions may draw on approaches like these.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
A structured, time-limited therapy that helps you notice, question and change the thoughts and beliefs linked to distressing feelings and behaviours.
Mindfulness-based approaches
Bring mindfulness practice into therapy, so you can observe anxious thoughts without judgment and focus less on reacting to them.
Solution-focused therapy
Looks at the strengths and past successes you already have, and at the future you want, rather than only at the problem.
Narrative therapy
Treats you as the expert in your own life, and sees anxiety as a problem you have a relationship with rather than who you are.
Relaxation and grounding skills
Practical techniques such as grounding, breathing and meditation that can help you manage stress and anxiousness in the moment.
Understanding how anxiety works
Information about what anxiety is and why your body reacts the way it does, offered with support, so it feels less confusing and easier to respond to.
What we can work on together
Anxiety rarely shows up on its own. Depending on what you bring, your sessions might also include:
- Worry and overthinking
- Stress management
- Performance anxiety
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Assertiveness and boundaries
- Emotion regulation
- Relaxation and grounding
- Work-life balance
- Life transitions
How getting started works
Reach out
Call 403.261.5085 or send us a message. We answer calls and email Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm, and aim to get back to you as soon as we can.
Talk for 15 minutes
A free phone consultation to understand what you're looking for, so you find the psychologist best suited to your needs.
Start with the right psychologist
We connect you with a psychologist who has the training and experience for what you're facing, and who is a good fit for you. If we don't offer the support you need, we'll refer you to specialized resources.
Questions about anxiety counselling
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist in Alberta?
No. You can contact a psychologist in private practice directly, without a referral from a doctor. To get started, book a free 15-minute phone consultation.
What happens on the free 15-minute consultation?
It's a short, free phone call to talk about what's bringing you in and what you're looking for, so we can match you with the psychologist best suited to your needs. Book a consultation or call 403.261.5085.
Can I get anxiety counselling online?
Yes. As well as in-person sessions at our Calgary office, you can meet online or by phone from anywhere in Alberta. Some people find it easier to start from home. See online counselling.
How much does anxiety counselling cost?
Sessions are 50 minutes and range from $235 to $250. Many extended health benefit plans cover sessions with a psychologist. See fees and insurance.
Do I have to talk about everything in the first session?
No. You decide what to share and when. It can help to think beforehand about what led you to book, what you've tried so far, and what you'd like to get out of counselling.
How many counselling sessions will I need?
It depends on you. Every person and situation is different, and moving through challenges is a process, so your psychologist tailors counselling to your goals and supports you as you work toward them.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. Psychologists follow a code of ethics with strict confidentiality rules that protect your privacy, with limits only in exceptional circumstances, as set out by the College of Alberta Psychologists.
If you claim sessions through a benefit plan, the specific reason you're seeing a psychologist stays confidential.
Your next step starts here.
You don't have to work it out alone. A free 15-minute phone consultation is a simple, no-pressure place to start.
We answer calls and email Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.
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