Understanding Anxiety: Why It Happens and How to Find Relief

Anxiety is one of the most common reasons people seek therapy, yet it often feels deeply personal and isolating. Whether it shows up as racing thoughts, a tight chest, sleepless nights, or an uneasy sense that “something’s wrong,” anxiety can take a real toll on daily life and relationships.

The good news? Anxiety is not a flaw or weakness. It’s a natural part of the human survival system, and with the right support, it can be managed and understood in a way that brings lasting relief.

If you’re looking for therapy for anxiety in Chamonix, Les Houches, or online across France, support is available in both English and French.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is your body’s way of preparing for a perceived threat. Imagine your ancestors hearing rustling in the bushes, adrenaline would kick in, the heart would beat faster, and the body would get ready to fight or run. This “fight-or-flight” response kept humans alive.

Today, however, anxiety is often triggered by everyday stressors, work pressures, family dynamics, health concerns, or unresolved past experiences, rather than immediate danger. The body reacts as if you’re facing a life-or-death situation, even when you’re not.

That’s why psychotherapy for anxiety focuses not just on calming symptoms, but on understanding the roots of worry and fear.

Common Signs of Anxiety

• Constant worry or overthinking

• Difficulty concentrating

• Restlessness or feeling “on edge”

• Sleep disturbances

• Muscle tension or stomach issues

• Avoiding situations for fear of panic or embarrassment

Everyone experiences anxiety differently. For some, it’s an occasional worry before a big event. For others, it can feel like a constant companion that affects work, relationships, and everyday life.

Why Anxiety Can Feel Overwhelming

One of the hardest parts about anxiety is the cycle it creates. You feel anxious, which leads you to avoid or over-control situations, which then reinforces the belief that you can’t cope. Over time, this can make life feel smaller and more restricted.

Therapy can help break this cycle, giving you tools to manage the physical sensations of anxiety and space to explore the deeper patterns beneath it.

Therapy and Anxiety

Working with a therapist is not about “getting rid” of anxiety, but rather about learning how to respond differently. As an English-speaking therapist in Chamonix, I offer both in-person and online sessions for people across France and beyond.

Together we can:

• Recognise underlying patterns that drive your worry

• Learn grounding techniques to manage physical symptoms

• Reframe unhelpful beliefs that keep anxiety in place

• Build confidence in your ability to face life’s challenges

A Final Thought

If you’re struggling with anxiety, know that you don’t have to do it alone. With understanding and the right support, it is possible to quiet the noise, feel more present, and regain a sense of balance in your life. Whether you’re based in the Chamonix valley, elsewhere in Haute-Savoie, or connecting online, therapy for anxiety is available to support you.

Contact me for more information.