Are you struggling with anxiety, persistent worries or fears that are affecting your everyday life? Perhaps you find yourself overthinking situations, expecting things to go wrong or feeling overwhelmed by thoughts that are difficult to switch off.
I'm Jana, a counsellor based in Whangarei. I have extensive experience in anxiety counselling and offer a supportive, non-judgemental space where we can explore what is happening for you and work towards greater peace and balance.
My approach focuses on understanding the thoughts and patterns that contribute to anxiety, while also looking at your circumstances and everyday life.
Anxiety and fears I can help with
Anxiety can affect people in different ways. Some experience ongoing worry or nervousness, while others struggle with particular situations or fears.
I offer counselling for a range of concerns, including:
- Generalised anxiety and excessive worrying
- Panic attacks and feelings of panic
- Social anxiety and fear of being judged
- Phobias and specific fears, such as flying, driving or public speaking
- Performance anxiety and fear of failure
- Anxiety related to relationships, rejection or abandonment
- Obsessive thoughts and obsessive-compulsive difficulties (OCD)
- Anxiety associated with stress, trauma or major life changes
- Feelings of insecurity and low self-confidence
Whatever your experience, we can take the time to understand how anxiety is affecting you personally.
Understanding negative thought patterns
One of the ways I work with anxiety is by exploring the negative thought patterns that can contribute to anxious feelings.
Our thoughts influence how we feel and respond to situations. Sometimes we become caught in patterns of thinking that increase our worries or make particular situations seem more threatening than they are.
I use a solution-focused approach, drawing on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), to help you recognise these patterns and explore different ways of responding.
Rather than focusing only on the anxiety itself, I believe it is also important to understand your relationship with yourself. How you see yourself, what you expect of yourself and how you respond to difficult emotions can all be relevant to the counselling process.
Finding balance in everyday life
Anxiety doesn't exist separately from the rest of your life. Your relationships, responsibilities, lifestyle and personal circumstances can all influence how you feel.
Alongside exploring your thoughts, I like to look at your current lifestyle and the things that may be contributing to your anxiety.
Together, we can work towards developing practical strategies to cope with difficult feelings and situations, including those you may encounter in the future.
My aim is to help you gain a better understanding of yourself and find a greater sense of balance and inner peace.
A calm and supportive space
I believe that counselling works best when you feel comfortable enough to talk openly, without fear of being judged.
My approach is warm, respectful and person-centred. I recognise that everyone has their own experiences and ways of dealing with challenges, and I aim to meet you where you are.
You don't have to explain everything perfectly or know exactly where to begin. We can explore your concerns together, at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
I offer anxiety counselling from my private studio in Whangarei, as well as online sessions.
Would you like to know more or make an appointment? Please feel free to contact me.
Jana
Counsellor
Professional Member IAC
