Anxiety and Depression Therapy in Glen Iris Melbourne: Finding Relief and Building Long-Term Wellbeing

Evidence-based psychological support for anxiety disorders and depression

Understanding Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression are among the most common mental health concerns, yet they can feel profoundly isolating. Whether you're experiencing persistent worry that won't quiet, panic attacks that arrive without warning, a heaviness that makes daily tasks feel insurmountable, or a combination of both—these experiences are real, valid, and treatable.

Many people live with anxiety or depression for years before seeking support, believing they should be able to manage on their own or that what they're experiencing is simply "who they are." Therapy offers a different path: understanding the patterns underlying your distress and developing practical, evidence-based strategies that create lasting change.

When Anxiety and Depression Require Professional Support

Signs You May Benefit from Therapy:

Persistent Worry and Rumination Constant anxious thoughts, difficulty switching off mentally, catastrophic thinking, or becoming trapped in cycles of worry that interfere with daily functioning.

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Racing heart, shallow breathing, muscle tension, digestive issues, or sleep disturbances that accompany anxious thoughts and feelings.

Low Mood and Loss of Interest Persistent sadness, numbness, or disconnection from activities and relationships that once brought meaning or pleasure.

Difficulty with Daily Functioning Struggling to maintain work performance, relationships, self-care, or other responsibilities due to overwhelming anxiety or depressive symptoms.

Avoidance Patterns Withdrawing from social situations, avoiding activities that trigger anxiety, or isolating yourself as depression deepens.

Sense of Hopelessness or Helplessness Feeling stuck, believing nothing will change, or losing sight of a path forward.

Evidence-Based Approaches to Anxiety and Depression

Therapy for anxiety and depression isn't about simply "thinking positive" or pushing through—it's about understanding the mechanisms that maintain your distress and learning new ways to respond.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps you identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours that fuel anxiety and depression. By recognizing the connections between thoughts, feelings, and actions, you develop more balanced perspectives and healthier behavioural responses. CBT is one of the most thoroughly researched approaches for both anxiety disorders and depression.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Rather than fighting against difficult emotions, ACT teaches psychological flexibility—the ability to be present with discomfort while still taking action toward what matters to you. This approach is particularly helpful when anxiety or depression has led to avoidance or disconnection from your values.

Mindfulness-Based Approaches

Mindfulness practices help you develop a different relationship with anxious or depressive thoughts—observing them without becoming consumed by them. These techniques reduce rumination, increase present-moment awareness, and strengthen your capacity to respond rather than react.

Behavioural Activation

When depression reduces motivation and energy, behavioural activation provides a structured approach to re-engaging with meaningful activities. Small, achievable steps gradually rebuild momentum and reconnect you with sources of pleasure and accomplishment.

What Therapy Looks Like

Therapy for anxiety and depression is collaborative, practical, and tailored to your specific experiences and goals. Sessions focus on:

Understanding Your Patterns Exploring the thoughts, behaviours, and situations that trigger or maintain anxiety and depression, helping you recognize what keeps you stuck.

Building Coping Strategies Developing a toolkit of practical techniques you can use in daily life—breathing exercises, cognitive strategies, behavioural experiments, and self-compassion practices.

Addressing Underlying Factors Examining how past experiences, relationship patterns, perfectionism, or unmet needs may contribute to current symptoms.

Creating Long-Term Resilience Moving beyond symptom management toward sustainable wellbeing, including relapse prevention strategies and ongoing self-awareness.

The goal isn't perfection or the elimination of all difficult emotions—it's developing the skills and understanding to navigate life's challenges with greater ease, flexibility, and confidence.

Long-Term Management and Sustained Wellbeing

Recovery from anxiety and depression isn't always linear, and maintaining progress requires ongoing awareness and practice. Therapy equips you with:

• Recognition of early warning signs
• Strategies to interrupt unhelpful patterns before they escalate
• Self-compassion when setbacks occur
• A framework for continuing growth beyond therapy

Finding Anxiety and Depression Support in Glen Iris

When seeking therapy for anxiety or depression, consider:

• A psychologist trained in evidence-based approaches like CBT, ACT, or mindfulness-based therapy
• A therapeutic relationship where you feel understood and supported
• Practical strategies you can implement between sessions
• Flexible appointment options including telehealth

Take the First Step

If anxiety or depression is affecting your quality of life, relationships, or sense of self, professional support can create meaningful change. Therapy provides not just relief from symptoms, but a deeper understanding of yourself and the capacity to build a life that feels more manageable, connected, and fulfilling.

Located in Glen Iris, Melbourne | Medicare Rebates Available | Telehealth Options

Contact Annamariya H Psychology today to discuss how evidence-based therapy can support your journey toward wellbeing

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