Evidence-informed, collaborative counselling for anxiety-related concerns. Available in person across Edmonton and St. Albert, and virtually throughout Alberta. Registered Psychologists regulated by the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP), Certified Canadian Counsellors regulated by the Canadian Counselling and Psychological Association (CCPA), and Registered Social Workers regulated by the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW). In-person and virtual sessions, 50-minute sessions.

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You Might Be Wondering Whether Anxiety Disorders Counselling Is Right for You

You may not be sure whether what you are experiencing is serious enough to justify reaching out. Maybe it feels manageable most days, or you have been coping on your own for so long that asking for help seems unnecessary. That uncertainty is a common starting point, and it does not disqualify you from support.

Anxiety can look different from person to person. You might notice a persistent sense of worry that follows you through the day, even when things are going well. You might find yourself avoiding situations you used to handle without thinking, or lying awake replaying conversations and decisions. Some people describe a tightness in their chest that seems to arrive without warning, or a tendency to overthink until simple choices feel impossible.

These are not signs that something is permanently wrong with you. They are common human responses to stress, uncertainty, and difficult circumstances. Your mind and body may be working harder than they need to, and counselling can sometimes help with that.

If you are considering whether speaking with someone could help, this page may be a useful starting point. You can read on to learn what anxiety counselling involves, what to expect in a first session, and how the process works at Wholesome Psychology.

Who This Service May Be a Good Fit For

Anxiety counselling at Wholesome Psychology may be helpful for people who are experiencing:

• Ongoing worry, rumination, or a sense of being on edge that interferes with daily life
• Panic episodes or sudden surges of fear
• Social anxiety or discomfort in group settings, work situations, or everyday interactions
• Avoidance of places, situations, or conversations that feel overwhelming
• Perfectionism or overthinking that makes it difficult to rest or make decisions
• Physical tension, sleep disruption, or fatigue connected to worry
• Uncertainty about whether counselling, formal assessment, or another service is the right starting point

This service may not be the right fit if you are:

• In immediate danger or experiencing a crisis. Please see the crisis resources below.
• Seeking a formal psychological assessment or diagnosis. Anxiety assessment is a separate service and can be discussed with the admin team.
• Seeking forensic or legal evaluations, which fall outside the scope of this counselling service.

If You Need Immediate Support

Wholesome Psychology is not an emergency or crisis service. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or unable to stay safe, please contact one of the following resources:

• 911 for immediate danger
• Alberta Mental Health Help Line: 1-877-303-2642 (24/7)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

What Anxiety Counselling Is

Anxiety counselling is a collaborative process where you and your therapist work together to understand the patterns, triggers, and experiences that may be contributing to how you feel. It is not a medical procedure, a crisis intervention, or a diagnostic assessment. The goal is to help you develop a clearer understanding of what is happening and to build practical skills for managing anxiety-related concerns.

Sessions are guided by your goals and your pace. Your therapist will not push you to discuss anything before you are ready. Counselling can be helpful whether or not you have a formal diagnosis. If a formal anxiety assessment seems important at any point, that can be discussed separately.

What is shared in sessions is confidential, with standard legal and ethical exceptions that your therapist will explain clearly during your first appointment. More detail on confidentiality appears in the section below.

Signs Anxiety May Be Affecting You

Anxiety shows up differently for different people. You may recognize some of the following experiences in yourself:

• A feeling of dread or unease that arrives without a clear reason
• Difficulty concentrating because your mind keeps circling back to worries
• Avoiding phone calls, social plans, or situations that feel unpredictable
• Muscle tension, headaches, or stomach discomfort that seem connected to stress
• Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep because your thoughts will not quiet down
• Irritability or a short fuse, especially during periods of high stress
• A habit of preparing for worst-case scenarios, even when things are going well
• Withdrawing from people or activities you used to enjoy

Having these experiences does not mean something is permanently wrong with you. Anxiety-related patterns are among the most common reasons people seek counselling, and they often respond well to structured support.

How Counselling Works at Wholesome Psychology

• Find your therapist. Browse clinician profiles on the Our Therapists page, use the Match with a Therapist tool, or call the admin team at 780-904-4880 for guidance.
• Book your first session. Your first appointment includes a discussion of consent, confidentiality, and any questions you have about the process. Your therapist will ask about what has been feeling difficult and what you hope to get from counselling.
• Build your plan together. Based on your goals and preferences, you and your therapist will create a plan for how to move forward. This plan is collaborative and can be adjusted at any time.
• Ongoing sessions. Follow-up sessions are typically 50 minutes, scheduled weekly or bi-weekly depending on your needs. Frequency is flexible and can change as things progress.
• Progress check-ins. Your therapist will review progress regularly and adjust the approach as your needs evolve. There is no fixed number of sessions required.

The pace of counselling is always set by you. Your therapist works with you, not ahead of you. If you would like to learn more about the process, visit the Getting Started page.

Evidence and Approaches

Depending on therapist fit and your goals, sessions may draw from several evidence-informed approaches. Below is a summary of the approaches most commonly used in anxiety counselling, along with what the research shows.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

What it helps with: CBT focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours that may maintain anxiety.

Evidence summary: A meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials found that CBT produced moderate treatment effects for anxiety and related disorders compared with placebo conditions (Carpenter et al., 2018). A Cochrane systematic review of psychological therapies for generalised anxiety disorder also found that CBT was more effective than treatment as usual or waitlist controls, though the number of high-quality trials was limited (Hunot et al., 2007).

Limitations: Effect sizes vary across specific anxiety presentations, and individual responses differ. Not everyone finds CBT to be the best fit, and some people benefit more from other approaches.

Learn more about CBT at Wholesome Psychology.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

What it helps with: ACT helps people develop a different relationship with anxious thoughts and feelings, emphasizing values-based action rather than symptom elimination.

Evidence summary: ACT is increasingly used in clinical practice for anxiety-related concerns. The Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) includes acceptance-based approaches among recognized psychological treatments (Canadian Psychological Association [CPA], n.d.). Research on ACT for anxiety continues to develop, and clinical guidelines have begun to reference it alongside other established approaches.

Limitations: The evidence base for ACT in anxiety is growing but is not yet as extensive as the evidence base for CBT. Individual fit with the approach varies.

Learn more about ACT at Wholesome Psychology.

Exposure-Based Approaches

What it helps with: Exposure-based work involves gradually and collaboratively approaching situations, thoughts, or sensations that have become sources of avoidance or fear.

Evidence summary: Exposure is a core component of many CBT protocols for anxiety disorders and is referenced in clinical guidelines as part of effective treatment pathways (Carpenter et al., 2018). It is commonly used for phobias, social anxiety, and panic-related avoidance.

Limitations: Exposure work requires readiness and collaboration. It is not appropriate for every person or every stage of therapy, and pacing is essential.

Learn more about exposure therapy at Wholesome Psychology.

Mindfulness-Based Approaches

What it helps with: Mindfulness-based strategies support present-moment awareness and can help reduce the tendency to become caught up in anxious thinking patterns.

Evidence summary: Mindfulness-based interventions are referenced in public health and clinical education resources as a complementary approach for anxiety management (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health [CAMH], n.d.). Research suggests they may be helpful as part of a broader treatment plan, though more rigorous trials are needed for some anxiety presentations.

Limitations: The evidence for standalone mindfulness-based treatment of anxiety disorders is less robust than for CBT. Mindfulness is most commonly used as one component within a larger therapeutic framework.

What Results to Expect

Recovery from anxiety-related concerns is not linear. Some people notice meaningful shifts within a few sessions. Others benefit from longer-term work, especially if anxiety has been present for many years or is connected to multiple areas of life.

Some people find relief from just 2-3 sessions, particularly when the concern is specific and well-defined. For more complex or longstanding patterns, counselling may continue over several months. Your therapist will check in on progress regularly and adjust the approach as needed.

Outcomes depend on many factors, including the nature of your experiences, your current circumstances, and the fit between you and your therapist. No therapy guarantees specific outcomes, and what works well for one person may not be the best match for another.

If the therapeutic fit does not feel right, you are always welcome to try a different clinician or a different approach. The admin team can help with that transition.

Confidentiality and Privacy

What you share in counselling is confidential. Your therapist is bound by the ethical standards of their applicable regulatory or professional body, including the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) for Registered Psychologists, the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) for Registered Social Workers, and the Canadian Counselling and Psychological Association (CCPA) for Certified Canadian Counsellors. In Alberta, client information is further protected under the Health Information Act (HIA) and the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).

There are a limited number of situations where confidentiality may be overridden by law. These include:

• Risk of serious harm to yourself or others
• Suspected abuse or neglect of a child (mandatory reporting under Alberta law)
• A court order requiring disclosure

Your therapist will explain these limits clearly during your first session, before you share anything personal. You are welcome to ask questions about confidentiality at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to describe what happened in detail?

No. You share what feels right, at your own pace. Many people begin by discussing how anxiety shows up in their daily life rather than revisiting specific events. Your therapist will not push you to talk about anything before you are ready. Counselling can focus on present-day patterns and coping without requiring a detailed account of past experiences.

Is what I share kept private?

Yes. Counselling is confidential, with limited exceptions required by law, including situations involving risk of serious harm, child protection concerns, or a court order. Your therapist will explain these limits during your first session. For more detail, see the Confidentiality and Privacy section above.

How many sessions will I need?

There is no fixed answer. Some people find meaningful relief in a small number of sessions, particularly when working on a specific concern. Others prefer ongoing support over a longer period. Your therapist will review progress regularly and adjust the plan with you. The number of sessions is always a collaborative decision.

What if the therapist is not the right fit?

Therapeutic fit matters, and finding the right person can take time. If you feel the match is not working, the admin team can help you connect with a different clinician within the practice. New clients may access their first session at 50% off to help find the right therapeutic fit.

Can I access therapy online?

Yes. Virtual counselling sessions are available for anyone located in Alberta. Virtual sessions follow the same confidentiality standards as in-person appointments. You can book a virtual session through the online booking system.

Do I need a diagnosis to start counselling?

No. People often begin counselling because of worry, avoidance, panic, or general stress without having a formal diagnosis. If a formal assessment seems helpful at any point, it can be discussed separately. Counselling and assessment are different services.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a counsellor?

Registered Psychologists hold a doctoral or master's degree in psychology and are regulated by the College of Alberta Psychologists. Certified Canadian Counsellors are regulated by the Canadian Counselling and Psychological Association, and Registered Social Workers are regulated by the Alberta College of Social Workers. Mental Health Therapists hold relevant degrees and certifications and often provide counselling at lower fee tiers. All clinicians at Wholesome Psychology work within their scope of practice. Visit the Our Therapists page to learn more about each clinician's background.

Meet Your Clinicians

Wholesome Psychology's team includes Registered Psychologists, Registered Provisional Psychologists, Registered Social Workers, Certified Canadian Counsellors, Mental Health Therapists, and Student Therapists. All psychologists are registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Registered Social Workers are regulated by the Alberta College of Social Workers, and Certified Canadian Counsellors are regulated by the Canadian Counselling and Psychological Association. Provisional psychologists practise under the supervision of a senior registered psychologist.

Many clinicians on the team have training in anxiety-related concerns and related areas such as stress, avoidance, and mood. To find a therapist who may be a good fit for your needs, visit the Our Therapists page, use the Match with a Therapist tool, or call 780-904-4880 for guidance.

Children, Adolescents, and Young People

Anxiety-related concerns can affect people at any age, including children and adolescents. Wholesome Psychology offers counselling for younger clients using age-appropriate approaches. Therapists working with children and teens collaborate with caregivers to support the young person's wellbeing at home and at school.

If you are looking for support for a child or adolescent, the admin team can help identify a clinician with relevant experience.

Next Steps

If you would like to explore whether anxiety counselling could be helpful, you can take the next step in the way that feels most comfortable:

• Book a session online
• Match with a therapist
• Call: 780-904-4880
• Email: info@wholesomepsychology.ca
• Read the Getting Started page

New clients may access their first session at 50% off to help find the right therapeutic fit.

Starting the conversation is enough.

References

• Canadian Psychological Association. (n.d.). "Psychology Works" Fact Sheet: Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Retrieved April 30, 2026, from https://cpa.ca/psychologyfactsheets/generalizedanxietydisorder/
• Carpenter, J. K., Andrews, L. A., Witcraft, S. M., Powers, M. B., Smits, J. A. J., & Hofmann, S. G. (2018). Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and related disorders: A meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Depression and Anxiety, 35(6), 502-514. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.22728
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. (n.d.). Anxiety: Psychotherapy. Retrieved April 30, 2026, from https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/anxiety-disorders
• Hunot, V., Churchill, R., Teixeira, V., & Silva de Lima, M. (2007). Psychological therapies for generalised anxiety disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (1), CD001848. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001848.pub4
• Islam, M. K., & Gilmour, H. (2024). Anxiety disorders among older Canadians: Focus on Indigenous and racialized population groups. Statistics Canada, Health Reports (Catalogue no. 82-003-X).
• World Health Organization. (2026). ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics. https://icd.who.int/browse/2026-01/mms/en