Counselling for Anxiety: How Common It Is and How Therapy Can Help

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns worldwide, yet it often leaves people feeling isolated and overwhelmed. While occasional worry is a normal part of life, persistent anxiety can interfere with work, relationships, and overall well-being. The good news is that counselling for anxiety has been proven to be highly effective in helping people manage symptoms and find relief.

Counselling for anxiety has been proven to be highly effective in helping people manage symptoms and find relief.

How Common Is Anxiety?

According to the World Health Organization, anxiety disorders affect more than 300 million people globally, making it one of the most widespread mental health conditions. 25 million people are reported to suffer from anxiety within Europe with 1 in 6 adults experiencing anxiety in the United Kingdom. Despite how common it is, many people suffer in silence, believing they should “just handle it” on their own.

These numbers highlight two important truths: first, that anxiety is far more common than many realise, and second, that those struggling with it are far from alone. Recognising how widespread anxiety is can be the first step in reducing the stigma that often prevents people from reaching out for help.

What Anxiety Can Look Like

Anxiety affects people in different ways. Some may experience racing thoughts, restlessness, or difficulty concentrating. Others may feel physical symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, muscle tension, or trouble sleeping. For many, anxiety shows up in both mind and body, creating a cycle that can feel difficult to break without professional support.

How Therapy for Anxiety Helps

The encouraging news is that counselling has been shown to be highly effective in treating anxiety. Research consistently demonstrates that therapy for anxiety—especially cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) - helps most people reduce their symptoms and build healthier coping strategies allowing therapists to then look into the root causes of anxiety.

Studies suggest that more than 70–80% of people who engage in therapy for anxiety notice significant improvement. Counselling provides a safe and supportive environment to understand the root cause of anxious thoughts, challenge unhelpful patterns, and learn and practical tools for managing stress and anxiety in daily life.

Therapists may use a variety of approaches depending on each client’s needs. CBT focuses on identifying and reshaping thought patterns, while Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness-based practices, or solution-focused therapy can help people connect with their inner resources and build resilience. Just as important, the therapeutic relationship itself - having a trusted professional who listens without judgment - can bring relief in ways that self-help strategies alone often cannot.

Why People Delay Seeking Help

Despite the effectiveness of therapy for anxiety, many people delay seeking support. Some worry about being judged, while others believe their anxiety “isn’t bad enough” to justify therapy. Practical barriers, like scheduling or transportation, can also stand in the way. Fortunately, the rise of online therapy for anxiety has helped reduce many of these obstacles, making counselling more accessible and flexible than ever before.

Despite the effectiveness of therapy for anxiety, many people delay seeking support.

A Path Toward Healing

Anxiety may be common, but it is also highly treatable. Millions of people have found relief through therapy and continue to use the tools they’ve learned to manage challenges in healthier, more balanced ways. Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness - it is a powerful step toward healing.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with anxiety, know that support is available. Counselling offers not only strategies to manage symptoms but also the reassurance that you do not have to face anxiety alone.