Anxiety can feel relentless. The constant worry, the physical tension, the way it narrows your world down to the things you are trying to avoid. Counselling for anxiety in Newcastle offers a space to slow that cycle down and start to change it.
Errikos Kotzakioulafis is a BACP registered counsellor and psychotherapist with over 10 years of experience supporting people with anxiety in Newcastle upon Tyne. In-person sessions in Gosforth and online appointments available.
Anxiety shows up differently for everyone. These are some of the experiences that most often bring people to therapy.
A mind that will not switch off, even when everything is technically fine. Replaying conversations, anticipating problems that have not happened yet.
Tight chest, racing heart, difficulty breathing, headaches, stomach problems or disrupted sleep that no amount of rest seems to fix.
Sudden overwhelming fear, dizziness or a sense of unreality that arrives without clear warning and feels impossible to control.
Dread before social situations, fear of being judged or saying the wrong thing, avoiding people or events that matter to you.
Steering around the people, places or situations that trigger anxiety. Over time the avoided list grows and life gets smaller.
Unwanted, repetitive thoughts or images that feel impossible to dismiss and seem to say something awful about you.
Anxiety is not a character flaw. It is a system that is working too hard. In sessions, we work to understand what is driving your anxiety, what beliefs maintain it, and what your nervous system has learned to be afraid of.
My approach draws on person-centred counselling, CBT and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). CBT helps you examine the thoughts that fuel anxiety and test whether they are accurate. ACT takes a different angle, helping you change your relationship with anxious thoughts so they no longer dictate your choices. We use whichever combination fits you.
I work with people experiencing generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, health anxiety, panic disorder and intrusive and overthinking thoughts. Anxiety frequently sits alongside low mood and OCD, and sessions can address all of these.
Each person's anxiety is different, so sessions are tailored to your needs rather than following a rigid programme.
CBT explores the link between thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Learn how CBT can break negative thought patterns that keep anxiety going.
ACT teaches you to observe anxious thoughts rather than battle them, making room for a values-led life even while difficult feelings are present.
A warm, non-judgemental space where we can explore what anxiety means for you. Integrative counselling means we draw on whatever approach fits best.
CBT, ACT and person-centred counselling all have strong evidence for anxiety. In sessions we draw on whichever approaches fit your particular presentation, rather than sticking to one model regardless of how you are doing.
This varies. Some people notice a meaningful shift within 6 to 8 sessions; others prefer longer-term support. We review progress together regularly and you are never locked into a fixed number.
Yes. Therapy helps you understand the cycle that drives panic and develop practical ways to interrupt it. Over time, many people find the frequency and intensity of panic attacks reduces significantly.
Yes. Online therapy sessions are available alongside in-person appointments at The Old Fire Station, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne.
No. You can contact me directly to arrange a free initial consultation. No referral is needed to access private therapy.
I offer a free initial conversation so you can get a sense of how I work before committing to sessions. There is no pressure and no obligation.
Book a Free ConsultationRelated services and reading