It can sometimes be tricky to distinguish between typical workplace pressures and more significant anxiety. While occasional stress related to deadlines or demanding tasks is common, work-related anxiety tends to be more persistent and pervasive. You might notice excessive worrying about work even outside of work hours, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances specifically linked to work thoughts, or physical symptoms like increased heart rate or digestive issues that worsen before or after work. If these feelings are consistently interfering with your daily life and overall well-being, it may be a sign of work-related anxiety.

While self-help strategies can be a helpful starting point, therapy at Next Step Therapy offers a more personalized and in-depth approach. Our therapists can help you identify the specific triggers and underlying patterns contributing to your work-related anxiety. We utilize evidence-based techniques like CBT and ACT to equip you with tailored coping mechanisms and strategies to manage your thoughts and reactions. The therapeutic relationship provides a supportive and confidential space to explore your concerns and develop long-term solutions that address your unique circumstances, which self-help alone may not offer.

While long-term benefits include increased resilience and improved overall well-being, you may experience more immediate positive changes. Many individuals feel relief simply from having a safe and confidential space to discuss their concerns openly. Therapy can also provide you with practical tools and techniques that you can start implementing right away to manage acute feelings of anxiety and stress. This might include breathing exercises, mindfulness strategies, or communication techniques to navigate difficult workplace situations more effectively, reducing immediate distress.

It can sometimes be tricky to tell the difference. Occasional stress usually has a clear trigger and tends to subside when the situation resolves. General anxiety, however, often involves persistent and excessive worry about various things, even when there isn't an obvious stressor. If your feelings of worry are intense, occur frequently, interfere with your daily activities, sleep, or concentration, and are difficult to control, it may be more than just typical stress. Seeking professional guidance can help clarify your experience.

At Next Step Therapy, we utilize evidence-based therapeutic approaches that have shown to be effective in addressing general anxiety and stress. These may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which can help you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which focuses on accepting difficult emotions while committing to actions aligned 1 with your values. The specific approach will be tailored to your individual needs and preferences following a thorough assessment.  

Your first appointment will typically involve an initial consultation where we will discuss your current concerns, your history, and how anxiety and stress are impacting your life. This session allows us to get to know you better and for you to ask any questions you may have about our services and approach. Together, we can begin to understand your specific needs and collaboratively develop a plan for how therapy at Next Step Therapy may be beneficial in supporting your journey towards improved well-being and a greater sense of calm.