Anxiety Counselling in Melbourne is Your Path to a Calmer Mind
At Fortitude Wellbeing, we offer tailored anxiety counselling in Melbourne from our highly qualified psychologist in South Yarra, Melissa Bell. Every session is underpinned by expertise, compassion and a genuine desire to transform lives.
Melissa has over 18 years of experience working with anxiety disorders and other mental health conditions using evidence-based therapeutic approaches. She helps clients find a new outlook and a more fulfilling life.
Fortitude Wellbeing has availability for new clients for both in-person sessions and via telehealth. To make your first appointment, use our contact form below.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a relatively common overarching term for a condition characterised by excessive and persistent worry, fear, or unease. Everyone feels anxious from time to time, but those living with an anxiety disorder experience more than just a feeling of nervousness or stress in certain situations.
Instead, their negative thought patterns and fear are sometimes so overpowering and prolonged that they can interfere with daily functioning, relationships, and their overall well-being.
The most common types of anxiety are:
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Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
One of the most prevalent anxiety disorders, people with generalised anxiety often experience persistent and excessive worry about everyday concerns, such as work, health, finances, or relationships, even when there is little to no apparent reason for concern. This worry is difficult to control and can significantly interfere with daily functioning.
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Specific Phobias
Specific phobias are intense and irrational fears of objects, situations, or activities. The fear is mostly disproportionate to any actual threat posed by the feared stimulus. Common phobias include fear of heights, spiders, flying, needles, or enclosed spaces. When faced with a feared stimulus, individuals with specific phobias experience intense anxiety and may go to great lengths to avoid the object or situation.
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Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety is characterised by an intense fear or anxiety in social situations. It involves a persistent worry about being judged, criticised, or embarrassed by others. This fear of social situations often prompts individuals to avoid them or become closed off and anxious when participating in settings where the people or space are unknown.
Excessive avoidance behaviours can become debilitating and isolating, and should not go without meaningful treatment.
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Panic Disorder
Ready to reclaim your peace? Book your consultation with Melissa Bell today and take the first step towards positive change.
Why Choose Fortitude Wellbeing For Anxiety Counselling in Melbourne
What Anxiety Symptoms Look and Feel Like
Depending on what type of anxiety disorder you have, its signs and common symptoms can manifest in various ways, including:
Physical
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chest tightness or discomfort
- Muscle tension or stiffness
- Shaking/trembling
- Sweating or clammy hands
- Dizziness/lightheadedness
- Upset stomach or digestive issues
- Fatigue or restlessness
- Insomnia
Cognitive
- Difficulty concentrating
- Overthinking or excessive self-criticism
- Catastrophic thinking
- Forgetfulness
- Intrusive thoughts
- Mental confusion or ‘fogginess’
- Hypervigilance or constantly being on edge
- Irrational thinking
- Low self-esteem
- Panic attacks
Emotional
- Intense fear or apprehension
- Feeling of being overwhelmed or out of control
- Restlessness or irritability
- Mood swings or emotional instability
- Increased sensitivity
- Impatience or intolerance
- Sense of detachment
- Depression
Signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders can vary from person to person, and individuals may experience a combination of these manifestations. If you or a loved one is experiencing some of the most common symptoms for prolonged periods, it may be time to consider anxiety treatment options.
We specialise in treating individuals experiencing anxiety disorders through a range of evidence-based anxiety treatment techniques in an environment that is open, relaxed and welcoming.
How Counselling Services Can Help
Anxiety disorders can cause distress at work, at home, and in your personal life. It’s important to seek anxiety treatment to manage your symptoms and improve your everyday life. Explore below how therapy may be able to assist you.
- Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Therapy, including cognitive behavioural therapy and exposure therapy, equips you with practical tools and coping mechanisms to manage anxiety symptoms. Together, we’ll work through relaxation techniques, deep breathing, mindfulness, and cognitive restructuring.
- Identify Triggers & Patterns
Through therapy, psychologists help you gain insight into the specific triggers and patterns that contribute to your anxiety. Understanding these triggers can help you develop personalised strategies to reduce anxiety and enjoy life.
- Enhance Self-Awareness & Self-Care
Therapy promotes self-awareness by helping you recognise your emotions, needs, and limits. It encourages self-care practices, such as setting boundaries, practising self-compassion, and prioritising self-care activities, to nurture your mental and emotional well-being.
- Build Resilience & Confidence
Therapy fosters resilience by helping you develop practical and effective coping strategies, problem-solving abilities, and adaptive thinking patterns. It empowers you to face anxiety-provoking situations with increased confidence, resilience, and self-esteem.
Anxiety Counselling at Fortitude Wellbeing

Every journey to wellbeing starts with understanding. Your first meeting with a psychologist is dedicated to getting to know you, ensuring we can provide the most tailored and effective support for your unique needs.

Tailored Sessions with a Holistic Approach
Your mental well-being is our utmost priority. In sessions, Melissa uses evidence-based treatments such as :
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy
- Schema Therapy
- EMDR
With Melissa, you’ll experience a positive and non-judgmental space to openly discuss and navigate your feelings, all in the pursuit of a brighter future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the anxiety counselling process involve at Fortitude Wellbeing?
At Fortitude Wellbeing, treatment begins with an initial consultation to understand your specific challenges. From there, your psychologist will prepare a plan addressing your individual needs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to manage and overcome anxiety.
How long does it typically take to see improvements with anxiety counselling?
The timeline varies for each individual. However, with Melissa Bell’s experience and the client-first approach, many clients start to feel a difference after just a few sessions. When treating anxiety, it’s essential to remember that consistent counselling and implementing learned strategies contribute significantly to improvements.
Is my information kept confidential during counselling?
Absolutely. At Fortitude Wellbeing, client confidentiality is of the utmost importance. All sessions and information shared remain private, reinforcing the trust and safety integral to the counselling process.
What is the best counselling therapy for anxiety?
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is considered the most effective and evidence-based form of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders.
CBT often incorporates exposure therapy – whereby psychologists create a safe environment to expose you to your fears.
What therapist is best for anxiety?
Experienced psychologists and counsellors use many of the same techniques to treat generalised anxiety disorder. In Australia, psychologists are required to have further qualifications and knowledge that may enable them to dig deeper and focus on your concerns.
How successful is counselling for anxiety?
CBT is a highly effective talk therapy. Research indicates that CBT is effective for treating anxiety. Clients begin noticing improvements in as few as 8 sessions.
Take The First Step Towards Positive Wellbeing
Book an Appointment
If you are looking for anxiety counselling in Melbourne, please fill in the form below or contact us at 1300 611 409.










