Anxiety Therapy in Vancouver
Counselling for Anxiety, Worry & Overthinking
When you live with anxiety, your thoughts can feel chaotic, overwhelming, and hard to manage. Fear and worry might take over, making it difficult to enjoy a full and meaningful life. And while you may have tried to “stop overthinking,” we understand it’s not that simple. Get matched with an ARC therapist who will help you overcome anxiety and conquer your fears.
Is anxiety holding you back?
Is anxiety holding you back from the life you want? Maybe it’s stopping you from trying new things, meeting people, or simply enjoying the moment. Your fears are valid—and we understand how deeply anxiety can impact your daily life.
Here are just a few ways anxiety could be causing you distress:
- Constantly feeling on edge or overwhelmed by worry
- Struggling with physical symptoms like muscle tension or aches
- Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, eating well, or focusing
- Experiencing sudden panic attacks—sometimes out of nowhere
- Avoiding certain places, people, situations, or activities
- Feeling overly self-conscious or flustered in social settings
- Dealing with distressing memories, nightmares, or flashbacks
- Often feeling irritable, restless, or on edge
The benefits of anxiety counselling
Anxiety can feel overwhelming—making everyday life exhausting and unpredictable. but you don’t have to navigate it alone. In fact, anxiety is highly treatable with the right tools, strategies, and support.
Your ARC therapist will help you:
- Understand the root causes of your anxiety
- Learn practical tools to manage worry and overthinking
- Reduce physical symptoms like tension, restlessness, and panic
- Build confidence in social, work, and everyday situations
- Break free from avoidance patterns and regain your independence
- Feel more steady, self-assured, and in control
Let’s work through anxiety together
At the Anxiety Relief Centre (ARC), our therapists use proven approaches to help you overcome anxiety—helping you break free from patterns of fear, worry, and self-doubt.
Therapy isn’t just about talking—it’s about learning practical skills to manage stress, rewire anxious thought patterns, and build long-term resilience.
Reach out today to schedule your free virtual or in-person consultation.
Meet Our Vancouver Anxiety Therapists
Tianna Bobariu
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Amenda Kumar
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Kristen Rattray
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Kiana Maeda
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Jack Wong
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Danielle Simpson
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Elise Millett
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Lilian Wang
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Getting The Help You Need is Easy
Reach Out
Fill out our easy contact form. All we need is your basic info, and a few words about what brings you to therapy.
Free Consultation
We’ll reach out to schedule your complimentary consultation. We’ll discuss your goals, questions, and make sure we’re the right fit.
Start Therapy
Feeling ready? We’ll book your first session and create a personalized plan to help you live the life you deserve.
Our Step-by-Step Process to Treating Anxiety
Creating Safety
We start by creating a space where you feel safe, heard, and respected. Early sessions focus on getting to know your personal experience with anxiety—your symptoms, triggers, and the patterns that have shaped your response over time.
Understanding Patterns
Together, we’ll explore how anxiety shows up in your thoughts, emotions, and body. As we slow things down, you'll begin to notice patterns—what tends to intensify your distress, and what helps create more space or ease.
Learning Tools
You’ll learn practical tools to support your nervous system in the moment—things like mindful breathing, sensory awareness, and other techniques that help you feel more present and steady. We’ll explore what works best for you.
Building Confidence
As therapy progresses, we’ll gently work with the thoughts, emotions, or situations that feel difficult to face. At a pace that feels safe for you, these experiences will reduce fear’s hold and build trust in your ability to cope.
Navigating Setbacks
Healing isn’t a straight line. Throughout your journey we’ll check in regularly, adjust as needed, and continue building on your progress. We'll celebrate all the wins, and if setbacks happen, we’ll approach them with curiosity and care.
Life Beyond Anxiety
In later sessions we’ll focus on deeper, long-term change. The goal isn’t just managing symptoms—it’s getting to the root of the anxiety. You'll begin to discover a more empowered and satisfying life—fully on your own terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of anxiety do you work with?
We support clients dealing with a wide range of anxiety-related concerns, including:
• Social Anxiety
• Generalized Anxiety (GAD)
• Panic Disorder
• Health Anxiety
• OCD-related anxiety
Each person’s experience with anxiety is different, and it is normal to struggle with more than one type of anxiety. Your therapist will take the time to understand your unique symptoms, triggers, and goals, and tailor therapy to your unique needs.
How do I know if anxiety therapy will actually help?
Anxiety therapy is one of the most well-researched and effective forms of mental health treatment. Many people find that working with a therapist helps them feel more in control of their thoughts, calmer in their body, and more capable of handling everyday stress.
We use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)—these have been shown to reduce anxiety long term.
While no therapist can (or should) guarantee outcomes, our experience supporting thousands of clients over the years has shown just how transformative therapy can be in treating anxiety.
What if I’ve struggled with anxiety for years?
Even if anxiety has been with you for a long time, it doesn’t mean it’s permanent. Many clients come to therapy after years of coping on their own and are surprised at how quickly they begin to feel relief. We’ll meet you exactly where you are—without judgment—and help you build strategies that work for your life today. Change is always possible, no matter how long you’ve been struggling.
How long will it take to see results from therapy?
Progress varies from person to person, but many clients begin to notice shifts within 4–6 counselling sessions—such as improved sleep, fewer panic attacks, or feeling more in control of their thoughts. More lasting change—like confidently attending social events or reducing avoidance—often takes several months of consistent work. We’ll set milestones together and celebrate each step forward.
Can therapy help with physical symptoms like panic attacks?
Absolutely. Anxiety often shows up in the body—tight chest, nausea, dizziness, or even full-blown panic attacks. Therapy can teach you practical tools to regulate your nervous system and reduce those physical symptoms over time. Many clients report sleeping better, breathing easier, and feeling more grounded after a few sessions.
Does anxiety therapy work without medication?
Yes. While medication can be a helpful support for some people, counselling alone is often highly effective in managing anxiety. Therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) address the root causes of anxiety—such as unhelpful thought patterns, emotional patterning, and avoidance—without relying on medication.
That said, medication can be a helpful alternative, especially when combined with therapy. If you’re curious about medication or already taking it, we’ll hold space for that conversation without judgment. Our role is to equip you with the skills, insight, and support to feel more grounded and in control—whether or not medication is part of your path.
What type of therapy is best for anxiety?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to treating anxiety, but certain therapies have been shown to be especially effective. At ARC, we use a combination of evidence-based methods depending on your needs, including:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): helps you take meaningful action even in the presence of fear or anxiety
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): helps you understand and shift unhelpful thought patterns
- Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT): supports healthy emotional processing and self-understanding
Our counselling team is trained in a variety of modalities, and we will collaborate with you to find the approach (or blend of approaches) that fits you best.
How will I fit appointments into my busy schedule?
We understand that life is hectic—that’s why we offer flexible evening and weekend appointments, as well as online therapy options you can attend from home. Whether you prefer a consistent weekly time or need a bit more flexibility, we’ll work with you to find a schedule that supports your goals and respects your time.
What if I feel nervous about starting therapy?
Feeling nervous about starting therapy is completely understandable—especially if it’s your first time or you’ve had difficult experiences in the past. At ARC we offer an extended 30-minute consultation so you can meet your therapist, ask questions, and see how it feels—no pressure. You’re always in control, and we’ll go at a pace that feels safe and supportive for you.
A Message of Support from Our Director
Hi, I’m Kelsey, the Clinical Director here at ARC. I want to start by saying something that doesn’t get said enough – it’s okay to need support.
If you’re reading this, you might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply not yourself. At ARC, we understand how deeply personal it is to reach out for help. That’s why we’re so intentional about the care we offer. Every therapist on our team is here because they lead with heart, they know their stuff, and they truly care about helping people feel better.
We also know that feeling safe in therapy means feeling seen and respected. That’s why we’re committed to creating an inclusive space – one that honours your identity, your culture, and your lived experience.
My role is to make sure your experience here is thoughtful, safe, and meaningful – from your very first point of contact to the support you receive in therapy. If you’re unsure about where to start, I encourage you to reach out for a free consultation. I’ll personally take the time to read your request and match you with one of the therapists on our team.
You’ve already taken the first step by being here. When you’re feeling ready, take the next step by reaching out – and we’ll walk the rest of the way together.
Take the next step towards feeling better today
Location
470 Granville St, #922
Vancouver, BC, V6C 1V5
Our Hours
Mon – Fri: 09:00 – 21:30
Sat – Sun: 09:00 – 20:30