Specialised ANXIETY counselling: for individuals and couples who want to feel steady and joyful in their lives and relationships.

A short story about me

Qualifications · Master's degree qualified counsellor · Bachelors degree (with first class honours) in Biopsychology · Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional

Professional Memberships · PACFA registered Clinical Counsellor, Australian Counselling Association (Level 3) · Member of the Christian Counsellors Association of Australia

Who is Nicola Linton (Clinical Counsellor) B.Sc.(hons), M.Clin.Aud., M.N.T.C.W.

So what does this mean for you as a client?

Anxiety is something we can deal with. Living with a pathological inner voice that is criticising or undermining, or blaming and shaming, doesn't have to be your future. Nor do you need to live in a constant state of threat. It's time to be free!

I'm from South Africa, and lived in the UK and Luxembourg before arriving in Australia. In 2018 I experienced cancer, and resultant lymphedema. I was severely anxious, and with good reason. Your reasons for experiencing anxiety are personal to you, and every bit as valid.

As for me, I think it looked like I was coping - perhaps you are the same? But...my inner landscape was a very difficult place to be at times, sleep was terrible, my mind was in pieces and life was tough.

Like you, I too sought counselling, and I'm so grateful I did that for myself. Becoming sure of how I wanted to proceed took some serious weighing up of my life and values. And finding the steady place inside of myself was not just worthwhile - it was probably the most significant thing I could do. What is the most significant thing you can do, in response to the challenge of anxiety? When is the best time to do it?

As a result of my journey, I decided to pursue another Master's degree to qualify as a Counsellor, after having worked as a Clinical Audiologist and sessional lecturer for many years prior. Since 2019, it has been my privilege to work with my clients. Each one of you has a wealth of wisdom and experience whether you notice it or not, and I feel privileged to hear your stories as we work together. Unravelling the hold anxiety has had in your life is incredibly significant, leaving you free to live out your preferred life in accordance with your values and choices.

Put yourself in more competent hands - by making your own hands safer.

Recovering from Anxiety

Living with excessive Anxiety can affect everything. It can be like driving a car through bad weather or even a storm (depending on the severity of the Anxiety we experience). Either way, we are gripping the steering wheel, peering through the windscreen, on high alert while the windscreen wipers work furiously. It is unnecessarily exhausting. We can't enjoy the scenery. Often, as the weather seems to be easing and we breathe a sigh of relief, it hits again. That's because the Anxiety is like bad weather that follows us around. It robs us of enjoying the drive.

It's impossible to avoid Anxiety altogether, there is always weather in life. On the other hand, telling ourselves to 'just ignore it' can also be unhelpful in the long term. Too much time spent gripping the steering wheel isn't healthy. As Bessel van der Kolk may say, 'The Body keeps the Score'.

Unravelling the hold of Anxiety on your life means that the bad weather isn't able to follow you around anymore. You can go about your life with a sense of steadiness and competence, neither bringing bad weather with you nor running away from it. You can handle it. You can enjoy the scenery. You can live your life knowing there are safe hands on the steering wheel - your own.

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★★★★★

Nicola's counselling services have been a lifeline for me after a traumatic event. Her support and guidance have helped me find my way again. Highly recommend.

Brett K.