Anxiety & Stress Therapy in London

With Dr Comfort Shields | Clinical Psychologist & Depth Psychotherapist

If you are struggling with anxiety, stress, or constant worry, I offer specialist psychotherapy in Harley Street, Central London, Marylebone, and online across the UK. As an experienced HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist and psychotherapist, I provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy for adults who want to understand and overcome anxiety in its many forms.

Why Choose Me for Anxiety Therapy in London?

I offer an integrative approach that combines depth psychology, existential psychotherapy, and practical strategies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This means I work with both the roots of your anxiety—past experiences, patterns, or deeper concerns about uncertainty and meaning—as well as the day-to-day symptoms that may be affecting your work, sleep, relationships, and quality of life.

My aim is to provide a safe, confidential space where you feel supported, understood, and able to explore your difficulties at your own pace.

How Anxiety Affects People

Anxiety is more than “worrying too much.” It can impact both body and mind. In my practice, I commonly see:

• Racing thoughts, restlessness, or difficulty concentrating

• Persistent “what if” thinking and catastrophising

• Trouble sleeping, including waking at night with a racing mind

• Panic attacks or a sense of impending doom

• Physical symptoms such as chest tightness, stomach upset, or a pounding heart

• Feeling constantly on edge or unable to relax

• Loss of confidence, avoidance of situations, or difficulty making decisions

These experiences can feel isolating, but they are very common—and with the right support, they are treatable.

Why Anxiety Happens

Anxiety and stress can arise for many reasons:

• Life events and stressors – work pressure, financial concerns, relationship difficulties

• Early experiences – childhood patterns, critical or neglectful environments, feeling unsafe growing up

• Unresolved trauma or loss – past events that continue to echo in the present

• Biological factors – temperament, family history, and brain chemistry

• Existential concerns – facing uncertainty, mortality, or questions of meaning and adequacy

Understanding your unique story allows us to address both the surface symptoms and the deeper roots of your anxiety.

My Approach to Anxiety Therapy

• Confidential, safe environment – a space to talk openly without judgement

• Depth and existential psychotherapy – exploring patterns, relationships, and meaning

• Practical strategies – including CBT techniques to help manage worry, panic, and physical symptoms

• Individualised treatment – every client’s experience of anxiety is different, and therapy is tailored to your needs

Together, we can work to:

• Ease symptoms and find greater calm in daily life

• Understand where your anxiety comes from and what it may be expressing

• Break free from unhelpful cycles of worry, avoidance, or self-doubt

• Rediscover your ability to make choices and feel grounded in yourself

Flexible Access: In Person or Online

You can access anxiety therapy with me in Harley Street, Marylebone, Central London, or online across the UK and internationally (excluding locations where cross-border therapy is restricted). Daytime and evening appointments are available.

I am also registered with major private medical insurers including Bupa Global, Cigna, WPA, and Aetna International, for clients who wish to claim therapy through insurance.

What to Expect

• Initial consultation (50 or 90 minutes) – a confidential space to discuss your situation, ask questions, and see if my approach feels right for you

• Ongoing therapy – sessions once or twice weekly in London or online, tailored to your needs and goals

Frequently Asked Questions

What is therapy for anxiety and stress?
Anxiety therapy provides professional, confidential support for people experiencing persistent worry, panic, or stress. I integrate depth psychotherapy, existential approaches, and CBT to help you both manage symptoms and understand their deeper origins.

Can I access anxiety therapy online?
Yes. I offer secure online psychotherapy to clients throughout London, across the UK, and internationally (excluding countries where cross-border therapy is not permitted). Online sessions provide the same level of confidentiality and support as in-person appointments.

Do I need a referral to start therapy?
No referral is needed. You are welcome to contact me directly to arrange an initial consultation.

How many sessions will I need?
This varies for each person. Some find relief after a short series of sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. I usually recommend sessions once or twice weekly, and we will regularly review your goals and progress together.

Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Everything discussed in therapy is treated with strict confidentiality. I will explain any necessary limits to confidentiality (such as safety concerns) clearly before we begin.

Will therapy help with panic attacks or physical symptoms of anxiety?
Yes. Therapy can help you understand what fuels panic and teach strategies for calming your body and mind. We can also explore the deeper emotional or relational patterns that may contribute to recurring anxiety.

You Do Not Have to Manage Anxiety Alone

If anxiety feels overwhelming, constant, or is interfering with your sleep, relationships, or ability to function, therapy can help. It is not just about coping—it is about loosening the grip of worry, reclaiming calm, and rediscovering your sense of choice.

Contact me today to arrange a confidential consultation and take the first step towards greater ease and understanding.