Anxiety Psychologist Sydney

Psychologist Talia Berman Taking a Therapy Session.

Anxiety Treatment

If you have an issue with anxiety, you're not alone. One in four Australians will experience an anxiety disorder at some point during their lives.Anxiety can be exhausting, distressing and frustrating. When anxiety takes over, even simple daily activities can feel overwhelming.If you have anxiety, we can help you manage your thoughts and symptoms, and start building a better life. Our anxiety psychologists provide evidence-based treatments tailored to your specific needs.

Our Approach to Anxiety

Our clinic has a special interest in assisting individuals to overcome anxiety disorders, and some of our psychologists have researched and presented extensively on this topic.

We utilise proven, evidence-based approaches for anxiety treatment in Sydney, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – A highly effective approach, CBT helps you identify and change anxiety-producing thought patterns. We also offer Trauma-Focused CBT for clients whose anxiety stems from earlier adverse experiences.
  • Schema Therapy – Through Schema Therapy, deep-rooted emotional patterns and unmet core needs that contribute to anxiety are addressed.
  • Exposure Therapy – With Exposure Therapy, you gradually face feared situations in a controlled, supportive environment.
  • Mindfulness – Practicing Mindfulness helps develop present-moment awareness to reduce anxiety.
  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) – EMDR therapy is particularly effective for phobias.
Psychotherapy Session Detail of the Psychologist in His Study
Psychologist Holding a Patient’s Hand During a Supportive Therapy Session.

Comprehensive Anxiety Treatment for Various Disorders

The types of anxiety disorders we treat include:

  • Generalised Anxiety and worry
  • Specific Phobia
  • Health Anxiety
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Panic/Agoraphobia
  • Perfectionism
  • Social Anxiety
  • Separation Anxiety
  • Trichotillomania

We may recommend a combination of therapy strategies such as psychometric assessments to better understand contributing factors.

Recognising and Treating Anxiety

For children and teens, anxiety may present differently. Our child psychologists and child therapy services are designed to support younger clients and their families.

It’s normal to feel anxiety and fear, and these normal emotions are experienced to differing degrees by all people when faced with a threat or danger. When anxiety becomes a problem, it’s like an alarm system that keeps being triggered by things that are not true emergencies. These false alarms mean you feel strong symptoms in response to neutral, safe situations, such as when you’re talking with friends.

Anxiety symptoms are classified as a disorder when they’re experienced more intensely and more often, and the symptoms stop you from doing things you enjoy and getting the most out of life.

For clients with anxiety resulting from past trauma, our trauma treatment options and PTSD therapy provide compassionate, targeted care.

Psychologist Talking With a Patient About Anxiety
Anxious Person by the Water, Avoiding Swimming or Social Interaction

Red Flags for Anxiety: When to Seek Help

Consider seeking professional anxiety treatment if you experience:

  • Always thinking the worst
  • Avoiding certain people, places or situations
  • Becoming sick right before an event, test or performance
  • Being slow to complete activities
  • Being on high alert for danger
  • Blushing, shaking or mumbling answers in social situations
  • Experiencing distress following changes in routine
  • Not wanting to be left alone
  • Skipping obligations like work, school, or university
  • Refusing activities and reluctance to try new activities – This may also indicate deeper behavioural or developmental concerns, which can be assessed through our ADHD assessments.

Anxiety Treatment Services Across Sydney

Our Edgecliff clinic is conveniently located less than 5 minutes from the train station, making it easily accessible for clients from across Sydney, including the Eastern Suburbs, North Shore, Inner West, and beyond. We proudly support clients from all across Sydney.

We also offer support for families managing anxiety-related challenges with our parenting and family therapy services.

For those unable to attend in-person sessions, we offer comprehensive telehealth services for clients throughout Australia and worldwide.

In-person anxiety treatment provides several advantages:

  • Reduced travel stress for regular appointments
  • Easier integration of therapy exercises into your daily life
  • More comfortable environment for exposure exercises
  • Greater familiarity with local stressors and resources
Perfectionism Psychologist Eastern Suburbs, Sydney

Our Anxiety Psychologists

Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety Treatment

 

How long does anxiety treatment typically take?

The duration varies based on the type and severity of anxiety, but many clients see significant improvement within 8-12 sessions. Some may benefit from shorter or longer treatment periods.


Will I need medication for my anxiety?

While some people benefit from medication, many manage anxiety effectively with psychological treatment alone. As psychologists, we don’t prescribe medication, but we can work with your GP or psychiatrist if medication is part of your treatment plan.


Is Telehealth anxiety treatment available?

Yes, we offer telehealth options for those who prefer to receive anxiety treatment remotely or are unable to visit our Edgecliff clinic in person. Our telehealth services are available to clients throughout Australia and internationally.


What’s the difference between normal stress and an anxiety disorder?

While stress is a normal response to challenging situations, anxiety disorders involve excessive worry, fear, or panic that persists even when the stressor is removed and significantly impacts daily functioning.


Take the First Step Toward Managing Anxiety

Living with anxiety can be overwhelming, but effective treatment is available. Our anxiety psychologists are committed to helping you build skills to manage anxiety and reclaim your life. Visit us in Edgecliff or Telehealth is available across Australia

Call on 02 9066 3070,

Email: admin@mckinnonpsychology.com.au

or contact us to book your first appointment

Last Updated on May 25, 2026 by Dr Anna McKinnon