Anxiety Relief | Counselling in Vancouver
Find the right professional counselling and therapy services for anxiety and panic attacks virtually and near Vancouver, BC.
Moderate anxiety is something we all feel on a fairly regular basis, but when physiological sensations start to take over—whether it’s racing thoughts, a tight chest, or that constant feeling of worry—it can become debilitating. Anxiety can leave you feeling stuck and disconnected from the life you want to live. But the good news is, you're not alone, and there are ways to manage it. One in four Canadians will receive a lifetime diagnosis of anxiety, according to Mental Health Research Canada. At Vitality Collective, our clinical counsellors in Vancouver, Surrey and Chilliwack are dedicated to helping you better understand your anxiety and find better ways to respond when it arises.
What is anxiety?
If you experience anxiety, you know that it is a very real, and often overwhelming, part of life. It's that feeling of being on edge, constantly worried, or like you're stuck in a loop of what-ifs. It can show up in all sorts of ways—mentally, like racing thoughts or difficulty focusing, or physically, with things like a tight chest, headaches, or a fast heartbeat.
Fear is an instinctive and useful reaction to an immediate danger, while anxiety arises from our mind’s effort to anticipate potential future threats—something that isn't always beneficial. But when anxiety starts to take over—making it hard to sleep, work, or even enjoy time with loved ones—that's when this natural instinct becomes more harmful than helpful. With Vancouver anxiety counselling at Vitality Collective, we’re here to help you understand why you're feeling the way you do, and more importantly, how to move forward.
Related Reading: Anxiety: What it is (and isn't!)
What causes anxiety?
It’s important to note that anxiety doesn’t have just one cause—it can come from a mix of different things. Life experiences, genetics, and even how we’ve learned to respond to stress all play a role. Sometimes, anxiety comes from past trauma or ongoing stress, like work pressure, relationship struggles, or financial worries. Our brains and bodies can get stuck in a pattern of reacting to these stressors, even when we’re not in a crisis. Other times, anxiety can run in families, suggesting a genetic component that makes some people more prone to it. It can also be influenced by our lifestyle. Things like poor sleep, lack of exercise, or not taking time to unwind can make it harder for the body to manage stress. When you choose Vitality Collective for anxiety counselling in Vancouver, Surrey, Chilliwack or virtually, your therapist will look at the whole picture—emotional, mental, and physical—so they can help you get to the root causes of your anxiety and work with you to find balance and healing.
What are the symptoms of anxiety?
Anxiety can show up in many different ways, both mentally and physically. Emotionally, it often manifests as a feeling of restlessness, being on edge, or panic. You might find yourself constantly worrying, overthinking situations, or having trouble concentrating. It can also bring a sense of impending doom, even when there’s no clear threat, leaving you feeling like something bad is about to happen.
Physically, anxiety can take a toll on your body as well. You may experience a racing heart, shortness of breath, or a tightness in the chest. Some people feel sweaty, shaky, or dizzy, while others may struggle with digestive issues like an upset stomach or nausea. Sleep disturbances are also common, as anxiety can make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep, leading to fatigue.
Everyone’s experience with anxiety is unique, and symptoms can vary in intensity. But when these symptoms start to affect your day-to-day life, it’s important to reach out for support. If you’re looking to start therapy for your anxiety in Vancouver, Surrey, Chilliwack or virtually in BC, fill out our New Patient Inquiry Form to be set up with the Vitality Collective clinical counsellor best suited for you.
Can you get over anxiety without therapy?
We believe that healing from anxiety is a personal journey, and for some people, it's possible to manage or even reduce anxiety without formal therapy. That being said, clinical therapy in Vancouver offers the support and tools needed for a more systematic approach to healing, especially when anxiety becomes overwhelming or persistent.
For those who are looking to manage anxiety on their own, there are several self-help strategies that can make a big difference. Mindfulness practices, like meditation and deep breathing, can help calm the nervous system and bring your focus back to the present moment. Regular physical activity, good sleep hygiene, and maintaining a balanced diet also play key roles in managing anxiety by keeping your body and mind in better balance. However, it’s important to recognize that, while self-care strategies are effective for many people, anxiety can sometimes be more complex or deeply rooted.
Your Vancouver anxiety counsellor can provide a deeper understanding and more personalized tools to address the underlying causes of your anxiety. If you find that anxiety is still interfering with your daily life, seeking therapy in Vancouver can be a helpful step toward lasting relief.
Do I need to see a psychologist for anxiety?
Psychologists, Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC), and Registered Social Workers (RSW) are all qualified professionals equipped to support you with anxiety management. At Vitality Collective in Vancouver, our therapists are great choices for those seeking ongoing, accessible, and client-centered support for anxiety counselling in Vancouver.
RCCs are specially trained in evidence-based therapies such as CBT, EMDR, and IFS, which have been shown to be highly effective in helping people manage anxiety. They focus on practical, therapeutic approaches suited to your unique experience, offering the guidance and tools you need to regain a sense of calm and control. Additionally, many clients find RCCs to be a more affordable option for long-term therapy in Vancouver, making them a preferred choice if you’re looking for consistent support for anxiety counselling.
No matter which path you choose, at Vitality Collective, we’re here to match you with the right anxiety counsellor in Vancouver, the surrounding communities or virtually to support your mental health journey. If you’re unsure who’s the best fit, we can help guide you toward the professional who will best meet your needs with our best-match approach.
Related Reading: Therapists, Counsellors and Psychologists in Vancouver, BC
What is the best form of therapy for anxiety?
We use evidence-based approaches tailored to your needs, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety. This structured, goal-oriented approach helps you identify and shift thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety, enabling you to regain control and reduce overwhelming feelings.
Exposure Therapy, often integrated into CBT, involves gradually and safely confronting the situations or thoughts that trigger anxiety. Over time, this process can help lessen the fear response, allowing you to experience life with greater ease and confidence.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping you accept anxious thoughts and feelings rather than battling them. The aim is to support you in living a meaningful life aligned with your values, even when anxiety is present.
Our Vancouver therapists will work with you to determine which approach—or combination of approaches—best supports your goals and long-term well-being. These are just a few examples of the modalities our Vancouver anxiety counsellors may use, but ultimately, your therapy is customized to fit your needs. Your anxiety counsellor in Vancouver is here to support you in finding what feels right for you, helping you build the skills to manage anxiety and move through life with more ease
What is the success rate of therapy for anxiety?
When it comes to anxiety counselling in Vancouver, both the financial and emotional investments in therapy can feel like big decisions. It’s natural to wonder if it's worth the commitment. The good news is, therapy in Vancouver can offer lasting benefits that extend far beyond the sessions themselves.
First, let’s talk about the financial investment. Therapy does come with a cost, but many of our clients find that the tools, support, and relief they gain are well worth it. Anxiety can affect many aspects of your life, from your relationships to your work, and can even impact your physical health. Addressing it through therapy gives you the chance to regain control, which can lead to improvements in all these areas. Plus, with more manageable anxiety, you may find that you’re better able to handle challenges, leading to long-term savings in other parts of your life (like healthcare costs or lost productivity). At Vitality Collective our fees are aligned with the recommended fee scale provided by the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and we offer direct billing with most insurance providers.
Therapy also requires an emotional investment. It takes courage to open up, explore difficult emotions, and confront the root causes of your anxiety. The process can sometimes feel uncomfortable. As you work through the layers of anxiety, you’ll build resilience and gain deeper self-awareness. Over time, this emotional growth leads to greater peace, confidence, and a sense of freedom that anxiety no longer has to control your life.
At Vitality Collective, our Vancouver anxiety counsellors are committed to making sure the emotional and financial investment feels worth it for you. Whether through transparent pricing or helping you find the best Vancouver therapist for your needs, we want to ensure you get the support you deserve, both practically and emotionally. Investing in therapy means investing in yourself—and we’re here to help guide you through that journey.
Anxiety Counselling in Vancouver
Therapy can be a powerful tool in understanding and managing anxiety, offering a safe space to explore your feelings and build lasting coping skills. With the right support, anxiety counselling in Vancouver can help you regain control, feel more at ease, and discover a renewed sense of balance and calm in your life. If you have any questions about how our Vancouver anxiety counsellors can support you, please contact us.