Finding Calm: Anxiety Counselling and Psychotherapy in South Devon

A Gentle Introduction to CBT-Informed Support

Have you found yourself searching online for anxiety counselling or psychotherapy for anxiety, hoping to feel a little more like yourself again? Anxiety can show up quietly or all at once. It may affect your body, your thoughts, your relationships, or your sense of safety in the world. For many people—particularly those who are neurodivergent or have experienced trauma—anxiety isn’t something that can simply be “thought away.”

If this resonates, you’re not alone. Many individuals share similar experiences, and together we can explore these feelings in a supportive environment.

Psychotherapy for Anxiety: Understanding What’s Happening in Your Nervous System

Anxiety is not a flaw. It is often a nervous system response to feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, or unsafe—either now or in the past. When this happens, the brain and body may shift into fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. This can occur in everyday environments such as:

• Work

• Education

• Relationships

• Social or community settings

  
  

These responses can be mild or deeply disruptive. They can make daily life feel exhausting or unpredictable. My work in psychotherapy for anxiety focuses on creating a safe, steady space where we can explore what is happening for you—at a pace that respects your nervous system.

Anxiety Counselling Using CBT: A Supportive, Flexible Approach

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the approaches I’m trained in and often integrate into my work. CBT is well-supported by clinical research and is widely used in NHS and other healthcare settings. Aaron Beck described CBT as a way of working with patterns of thinking and belief that influence emotional and behavioural responses (Beck, 2021). At its core, CBT helps people notice and gently modify unhelpful thought patterns—not by force, but through understanding.

That said, CBT is not a one-size-fits-all therapy. For neurodivergent clients or those with trauma histories, CBT works best when it is:

• Relational

• Compassionate

• Flexible

• Integrated with nervous system awareness

  
  

This is how I practise anxiety counselling—with care, curiosity, and respect for your lived experience.

What Are Automatic Thoughts? (And Why They Matter in Anxiety)

Automatic thoughts are the quick, often unconscious thoughts that arise in response to situations. They can influence how we feel, how our body reacts, and what we do next. In therapy, we may gently explore questions such as:

• Has your mood shifted or intensified recently?

• Has your body reacted when difficult emotions appear?

• Are you finding yourself avoiding certain situations, or relying on coping strategies that no longer help?

• What was going through your mind in that moment?

  
  

There is no pressure to have clear answers. Some people find words easily; others communicate more through patterns, sensations, or pauses. All of this is welcome. It is genuinely my honour to listen.

“I’ve Tried CBT Before - And It Didn’t Work”

This is something I hear often, and my response is usually a simple one: “I get it.” In areas such as Torquay, Paignton, and Teignbridge, many people live with complex mental health challenges shaped by social, environmental, and systemic pressures. Limited NHS sessions, clinical environments, or being treated as a number rather than a person can make therapy feel unhelpful—or even harmful.

If CBT didn’t work for you before, it doesn’t mean you failed. It may mean:

• The pace wasn’t right

• The relational safety wasn’t there

• Important parts of your experience were missed

  
  

Therapy at The Devon Clinic in Paignton offers a calm, non-clinical environment—a space designed to feel grounding rather than overwhelming.

Anxiety, Avoidance, and “Autopilot” Behaviour

Beck described automatic thoughts as a stream of thinking that runs alongside our more conscious thoughts (Beck, 1964; cited in Beck, 2021). For some people, this can show up as:

• Avoiding situations that feel threatening

• Reaching for numbing or distracting behaviours

• Feeling stuck on “autopilot”

  
  

These responses often make sense when viewed through the lens of trauma, overwhelm, or long-term stress. They are not moral failures—they are attempts to cope. Through anxiety counselling and psychotherapy, clients often report improvements such as:

• Greater access to their thoughts and emotions

• Learning that emotions are not dangerous or uncontrollable

• Increased choice in how they respond

• Reduced reliance on unhelpful coping strategies

  
  

What If I Can’t Afford Anxiety Counselling or Psychotherapy Right Now?

Not being able to access therapy can be deeply frustrating—especially when you’ve already taken the step of reaching out. Alongside professional support, some people find the following grounding practice helpful during challenging moments:

AWARE

• A – Accept the anxiety or emotion

• W – Watch it with curiosity

• A – Act constructively alongside it

• R – Repeat the steps

• E – Expect the best

  
  

(Beck & Emery, 1985)

This isn’t about forcing anxiety away—it’s about reducing the struggle with it.

The Journey Towards Emotional Balance

Finding emotional balance is a journey. It involves understanding your feelings and learning how to navigate them. I encourage you to be patient with yourself. Each step you take, no matter how small, is a step towards clarity and peace.

Building a Supportive Community

In South Devon, we are fortunate to have a vibrant community. Connecting with others who understand can be incredibly healing. Whether it’s through support groups, workshops, or casual meet-ups, sharing experiences can foster a sense of belonging.

The Importance of Self-Care

Self-care is essential in managing anxiety. It can take many forms, from simple breathing exercises to engaging in hobbies that bring you joy. Prioritising your well-being is not selfish; it is a necessary part of maintaining emotional health.

Seeking Professional Help

If you feel overwhelmed, seeking professional help can be a vital step. Therapy can provide you with tools to manage anxiety effectively. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Final Thoughts

Navigating anxiety can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. With the right support, you can find your way back to a place of calm and clarity. I invite you to explore the possibilities of therapy and see how it can empower you to create a more fulfilling future.

Further Reading

Beck, J.S. (2021). Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: Basics and Beyond (3rd ed.). New York: Guilford Press.