How Psychology Can Help with Anxiety and Stress Management
What’s the Difference Between Stress and Anxiety?
While often used interchangeably, stress and anxiety aren’t quite the same:
Stress is a response to external pressure (e.g. work, deadlines, parenting, finances). It usually subsides once the situation is resolved.
Anxiety is more persistent. It’s often internal and can occur even when there’s no clear trigger. It may cause excessive worrying, restlessness, or physical symptoms like chest tightness or nausea.
Both can be debilitating and both can be treated effectively through psychological support.
Signs You Might Benefit from Psychological Support
You might benefit from seeing a psychologist if you:
Constantly feel overwhelmed, tense, or on edge
Experience racing thoughts or find it hard to “switch off”
Have difficulty sleeping, relaxing, or concentrating
Struggle with perfectionism or fear of failure
Avoid certain people, places, or situations due to anxiety
Experience physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, nausea or fatigue
Use food, alcohol, or screens to cope with stress
Feel like you’re “not coping” the way you used to
How a Psychologist Can Help You Manage Anxiety and Stress
1. Identifying Triggers and Patterns
In therapy, your psychologist will help you explore what’s driving your stress or anxiety — including current life stressors, past experiences, negative thought patterns, or behaviors that may be keeping you stuck.
This understanding is the first step in breaking the cycle.
2. Teaching Evidence-Based Coping Strategies
Your psychologist may use tools such as:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to challenge unhelpful thoughts and reframe them
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques to reduce physical tension and stay grounded
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you manage distress while staying connected to your values
Breathing and body awareness tools to regulate your nervous system
These strategies aren’t just for the therapy room; they're tools you’ll take with you into everyday life.
3. Helping You Set Boundaries and Reduce Overload
Psychologists also support clients to recognise signs of burnout, develop healthy boundaries, and reassess priorities. You’ll learn how to:
Say no without guilt
Make time for rest and recovery
Manage perfectionism or people-pleasing tendencies
Communicate more effectively at home and work
4. Restoring a Sense of Control and Confidence
One of the most powerful aspects of therapy is rediscovering your own inner resources — and learning to trust yourself again. Over time, you’ll gain:
Greater emotional resilience
A stronger sense of self-worth
The ability to manage life’s challenges with more ease
More freedom from worry, tension, and fear
A Mind-Body Approach to Anxiety at Insight Body and Mind
At Insight Body and Mind, we take a holistic approach to anxiety and stress management. In addition to psychological therapy, we offer complementary services such as:
Clinical Pilates – to release physical tension and reconnect with your body
Yoga and meditation – to regulate your nervous system and calm your mind
Osteopathy and physiotherapy – for managing stress-related pain and posture issues
Breathwork and mindfulness practices – to build long-term resilience
This integrated approach means you’re supported on every level — physically, mentally and emotionally.
Psychology Services Available at Our Aberfeldie Clinic
Our registered psychologists work with:
Adults managing work stress, burnout, or perfectionism
Teens and adolescents experiencing school-related anxiety
Parents and carers balancing responsibilities and mental load
People adjusting to change, uncertainty, or grief
Clients with generalized anxiety, panic attacks, or social anxiety
We offer in-person and telehealth sessions, and support clients with or without a GP referral.
Can I Get a Medicare Rebate?
Yes — if your GP provides a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), you may be eligible for rebates on up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
Speak with your GP about your mental health, and ask for a referral to Insight Body and Mind if you'd like to see one of our psychologists.
Ready to Take Control of Stress and Anxiety?
You don’t need to navigate stress or anxiety alone and you don’t need to wait for things to get worse before getting help. Whether you’re looking to better manage daily pressure or explore deeper emotional patterns, our team is here to guide you with compassion and expertise.