The tight chest before a meeting. The racing thoughts at 3am. The worry that never quite switches off. If anxiety is taking up more of your life than you want it to, you are far from alone, and it is treatable.

Feeling To Healing offers anxiety treatment London residents can access in person or online, combining evidence-based talking therapy with complementary techniques that help you calm the body as well as the mind. Your sessions are led by Dr Carlo Demarco, a consultant psychologist with a PhD in Psychology and over 30 years of clinical experience.

How Common Is Anxiety in the UK?

More common than most people realise. According to the latest national survey of adult mental health in England (the 2023/24 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey), around 8 in 100 adults meet the criteria for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), and among 16 to 64 year olds the rate has roughly doubled since 1993.

Yet many people wait a long time before asking for help, often because of stigma or uncertainty about what treatment involves. The sooner anxiety is understood and treated, the sooner it loosens its grip.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety affects the body and the mind. You may notice:

Physical symptoms

• A racing heart, rapid breathing or hyperventilation
• Sweating, trembling, or muscle tension and twitching
• Fatigue, weakness or feeling “wired but tired”
• Trouble falling or staying asleep (insomnia)

Mental and emotional symptoms

• Nervousness, restlessness or feeling on edge
• A sense of danger, panic or dread
• Difficulty concentrating on anything other than what you are worried about
• Persistent worry that is hard to control

Anxiety can also be part of related conditions, including panic disorder, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If past events are driving your anxiety, our trauma therapy may also help. A proper assessment is the best way to understand what is going on.

Evidence-Based Anxiety Treatment: the Guidelines

In the UK, NICE guidance on generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder recommends a stepped approach. Treatment starts with education and monitoring, moves to low-intensity support such as guided self-help or group psychoeducation, and, for more persistent or severe symptoms, to high-intensity therapy: either cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or applied relaxation. Medication is another option your GP can discuss with you.

CBT helps you identify the thought patterns and behaviours that keep anxiety going, then practise new ways of responding. It is central to Dr Demarco’s approach.

Complementary Approaches Supporting Recovery

Many people find that complementary techniques help alongside therapy. The evidence varies from one approach to another, so we use them to support, not replace, established treatment:

• Relaxation and breathing techniques to calm the body’s stress response in the moment
• Mindfulness and meditation to help you notice worry without being swept along by it
• Regular exercise and yoga, widely recommended as part of anxiety self-management
• Sleep and lifestyle changes, such as reducing caffeine and keeping a steady routine
• NLP-informed coaching to build confidence and reframe unhelpful thinking

If you are considering vitamin supplements or herbal remedies, speak to your GP or pharmacist first, as some can interact with medication.

Anxiety Treatment: How It Works at Feeling To Healing

1. Initial consultation: we explore your symptoms, history and goals in a confidential, judgement-free setting.
2. Personalised plan: we agree an approach that suits you, drawing on CBT and complementary techniques where appropriate.
3. Skills and practice: you learn practical tools to manage worry, panic and physical tension between sessions.
4. Review: we track your progress together and adjust the plan as you improve.

Sessions are available in person in London and online.

Meet Your Therapist

Anxiety treatment at Feeling To Healing is led by Dr Carlo Demarco, a Consultant Psychologist with a PhD in Psychology, a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) and an NLP Master Practitioner, with over 30 years of clinical experience. View Dr Demarco’s profile.

When to Seek Urgent Help

Anxiety is treatable, but if you ever feel unable to keep yourself safe, call 999 or go to A&E. You can also call Samaritans free, at any time, on 116 123.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best treatment for anxiety?

There is no single best treatment for everyone. In the UK, NICE guidance recommends cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and applied relaxation as the main talking therapies for generalised anxiety disorder, alongside guided self-help and, where appropriate, medication. The right option depends on your symptoms, history and preferences, which is why we begin with an assessment.

Can anxiety be treated without medication?

Yes, for many people. NICE guidance lists talking therapies such as CBT and guided self-help among the main recommended treatments, with medication as another option. If you are already taking medication, do not stop or change it without speaking to your prescriber.

What is the difference between normal anxiety and an anxiety disorder?

Anxiety is a normal response to stress. It may be an anxiety disorder when worry is persistent, hard to control and interferes with daily life, sleep, work or relationships. Only a qualified professional can diagnose an anxiety disorder.

Is NLP an effective treatment for anxiety?

Research on NLP is limited. A 2012 systematic review in the British Journal of General Practice found little evidence that NLP improves health outcomes, a finding that reflects the small number and quality of studies rather than proof that it does not work. For that reason we use NLP-informed techniques to complement, never replace, established approaches such as CBT.

How long does anxiety treatment take?

NICE patient guidance describes CBT for generalised anxiety as weekly sessions over around 3 to 4 months. Some people notice improvement sooner and others need longer. We agree a plan with you after your first consultation and review it as you progress.

Do you offer online anxiety treatment, and how do I book?

Yes. We offer anxiety treatment online and in person in London. You can request an appointment through our website or contact the clinic directly and we will arrange a time that suits you.

Take the First Step Towards Feeling Calmer

You do not have to manage anxiety alone. Book a confidential consultation, or read more about our wider psychologist consultations.

This page is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.