Anxiety Counselling in Cardiff

What Anxiety Can Feel Like

Anxiety isn't always obvious from the outside. It can look like coping while feeling anything but calm inside. Perhaps some of this sounds familiar:

• Your mind runs through worst-case scenarios, and it's hard to switch off, especially at night
• You feel on edge or tense most of the time, even when nothing in particular is wrong
• Your heart races, your chest feels tight, or your stomach is unsettled
• You go over conversations again and again, wondering what people thought of you
• You avoid calls, plans or places because the worry beforehand feels too much
• You feel tired from holding it all together

If so, you're not alone, and it isn't a sign of weakness. Anxiety is one of the most common reasons people come to counselling.

Constant Worry and Generalised Anxiety (GAD)

For some people, worry isn't about one thing. It moves from work to family to health to money, and when one concern settles another takes its place. You might find it hard to concentrate, feel restless, or notice that your body never quite relaxes.

Some people who experience this have been given a diagnosis of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD); many haven't. Either way, you're welcome. Counselling offers a space to slow down, notice what the worry is protecting you from, and begin to feel less driven by it.

Health Anxiety

Health anxiety is when worry about being ill becomes hard to put down. You might check your body for signs, search symptoms online, seek reassurance from doctors or family, or avoid anything health-related altogether, and still not feel settled.

Health anxiety often grows after a frightening experience, such as a loved one's illness, a bereavement or a health scare of your own. In counselling we can explore what sits underneath the fear, at a pace that feels manageable.

If you have new or worrying physical symptoms, please always see your GP first.

Social Anxiety

Social anxiety is more than shyness. It can mean dreading meetings, gatherings or even phone calls; worrying that you'll say the wrong thing or be judged; and replaying interactions long after they've ended. Over time, it can lead you to say no to things you'd actually like to do.

A person-centred relationship, where you're accepted as you are, can itself be a gentle place to rebuild confidence with other people.

How Anxiety Can Show Up in Your Life

I work with real sensitivity to culture and faith. You won't need to explain your background from scratch. Read more about culturally and faith-sensitive counselling.

Is It Anxiety or Stress?

The two often overlap, and you don't need to know which it is before getting support. Either is a good reason to talk.

How Person-Centred Counselling Can Help With Anxiety

I work in a person-centred way. That means I won't give you a programme to follow or tell you what your anxiety means. Instead, I offer a warm, non-judgemental relationship where you can say what's really going on, perhaps for the first time.

In that space, people often begin to:

• understand where their anxiety comes from and what triggers it
• feel less alone with it, and less ashamed of it
• notice their own needs, rather than only other people's
• respond to themselves with more kindness

Counselling isn't a quick fix, and I can't promise outcomes, but many people find that being truly heard makes a real difference.

Working With Me

I'm Asma Shariff, a BACP-registered counsellor. I've worked with clients aged 17 to 70, from diverse cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds, and anxiety is one of the concerns I see most often. Alongside private practice, I counsel at CCAWS, a Cardiff mental health charity, supporting people with a wide range of mild-to-moderate mental health concerns.

I work within the BACP Ethical Framework, attend regular clinical supervision, and hold professional indemnity insurance. More about me.

Your First Session

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can counselling help with anxiety?

For many people, yes. Counselling gives you a confidential space to understand what sits underneath your anxiety, notice how it shows up, and feel less alone with it. Everyone is different, and the first session is a chance to see whether this way of working feels right for you.

Do I need a diagnosis or a GP referral?

No. You don't need a diagnosis or a referral to book. Many people come simply because worry has started to take over and they want to talk it through.

I've been diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). Can I still come?

Yes. Counselling can offer a space to talk about how anxiety affects you, alongside any treatment you're already receiving. I don't diagnose or offer CBT, so if you're specifically looking for a structured CBT programme, your GP can tell you about local NHS options.

Does online counselling work for anxiety?

Many people find online sessions easier when anxiety makes travelling or new places difficult. You can choose online or face-to-face sessions in Whitchurch, Cardiff, and switch between them if that suits you.

How many sessions will I need?

There's no fixed number. Some people find a handful of sessions helpful; others prefer longer-term support. We'll keep checking in about what's working for you.

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