Anxiety Treatment Gold Coast
Michelle van Namen, Registered Psychologist for 30 Years
Find lasting relief from anxiety with professional, evidence-based anxiety treatment on the Gold Coast. At Integrated Health Specialists, our experienced psychologist helps you to understand and manage worry, panic, and fear so you can regain control of your life. Effective integrative treatment for a wide range of anxiety disorders, tailored to your unique needs and personal history.
Treatment for Anxiety Disorders, Panic Attacks & Phobias
Anxiety can feel overwhelming and debilitating, but you don’t have to face it alone. At our Gold Coast psychology practice, we offer a warm, welcoming space where you can explore your challenges, and begin healing with the support of our Holistic Psychologist who has 30 years experience treating anxiety disorders and phobias. Read more about Michelle.
Anxiety is more than just feeling worried or stressed. While it’s normal to feel nervous before a big event, ongoing anxiety can interfere with your daily life. Many people describe it as a constant sense of unease, tension, or fear that doesn’t seem to go away. It can show up as persistent worry, racing thoughts, physical tension, or avoidance of everyday situations.
What Are Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety is a normal human response to stress or perceived threat. However, when anxiety becomes persistent, intense, and out of proportion to the situation – and starts to impact your ability to function – it may be an anxiety disorder.
Did you know that anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia? A National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing (NSMHW) in 2020–2022, showed that 17% of Australians (aged 16–85) experienced an anxiety disorder during the past 12 months of the research (Australian Institute of Health & Welfare). They can develop gradually or appear suddenly, and often occur alongside other concerns such as depression, trauma, or chronic stress.
Although anxiety is common, many people affected do not get treatment. In the national survey, many of those who had anxiety in the previous 12 months did not receive any professional support. (Source: Beyond Blue, A Guide to What Works for Anxiety, 2022, p. 11)
At Integrated Health Specialists, we work with adults experiencing:
Our anxiety treatment is highly individualised – we don’t use a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
Complete an anxiety self-screening quiz to provide you with an idea of the severity of your current anxiety symptoms, to see if you may benefit from professional support.
Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety can show up differently for everyone. Some people experience mainly physical symptoms, while others notice intrusive thoughts, excessive worry, or intense fear in particular situations.
Common signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders include:
- Persistent feelings of worry, dread, or fear
- Racing thoughts, overthinking, or rumination
- Difficulty concentrating or feeling mentally “foggy”
- Restlessness, feeling “on edge”, or irritability
- Sleep problems – trouble falling or staying asleep, or waking unrefreshed
- Physical symptoms such as:
- Rapid heart rate or palpitations
- Shortness of breath or tightness in the chest
- Sweating, trembling, shaking, or hot/cold flushes
- Digestive issues, nausea, or “butterflies” in the stomach
- Muscle tension, headaches, or jaw clenching
- Avoidance of places, situations, or activities that trigger anxiety
- Panic attacks – sudden surges of fear with intense physical sensations
If you recognise yourself in several of these symptoms, professional anxiety treatment can help you understand what’s happening and regain a sense of control.
Emergency and Crisis Support
If you are in crisis, or worried about your immediate safety, please seek help straight away. You can contact:
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
Your GP, local hospital, or emergency services (000) in an emergency!
Our Integrative Approach to Anxiety Treatment
Anxiety disorders rarely have a single cause. They are typically shaped by a combination of biology, personality, life experiences, stress, and often past trauma. That’s why we take an integrative approach, addressing both mind and body.
Our anxiety treatment process includes:
For 30 years, I have been helping people who have been suffering from the debilitating physical symptoms associated with anxiety, phobias and panic attacks. You will be equipped with many evidence-based tools and remedial techniques to help manage your symptoms. You don’t have to keep suffering, reach out to book an initial consultation to learn more!
Medical Disclaimer: Please DO NOT change or stop your medications without consulting with your doctor! This information is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is not a substitute for professional advice from your qualified health provider.
Types of Anxiety Disorders We Treat
While everyone’s experience of anxiety is unique, it may be helpful to know that we commonly work with the following presentations:
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Persistent, excessive worry about everyday matters – health, work, finances, relationships – that is difficult to control and often accompanied by restlessness, muscle tension, and fatigue.
Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks
Sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort, often with physical sensations like racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest pain. People with panic disorder may fear having another attack and start avoiding certain situations.
Specific Phobias
Strong, irrational fears about particular objects or situations – such as flying, driving, heights, animals, needles, or confined spaces – that lead to avoidance and distress.
Social Anxiety
Intense fear or anxiety in social situations, especially where you feel you may be judged, criticised, or embarrassed. This can make work, public speaking, relationships, and even everyday interactions very stressful.
Health Anxiety
Health anxiety is persistent worry about having a serious illness that is disproportionate to a person’s actual symptoms or risk of developing this illness.
Other Anxiety Conditions
We also work with performance anxiety, and anxiety linked to life transitions, chronic illness, long-term stress, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Complex Trauma-Related Anxiety.
If you’re unsure how to label your experience, that’s completely okay – you do not need a formal diagnosis before seeking help.
Why Choose Integrated Health Specialists for Anxiety Treatment?
Choosing the right practitioner is a key part of successful anxiety treatment. At Integrated Health Specialists, we offer:
- Years of experience working with anxiety disorders and related conditions
- Integrative, holistic care that considers psychological, emotional, physical, and lifestyle factors
- Evidence-based treatments grounded in current research
- Personalised treatment plans tailored to your goals, values, and preferences
- Warm, non-judgemental support in a safe, confidential environment
- Gold Coast location with the option of in-person and/or online consultations
We focus on sustainable change – helping you not only reduce anxiety symptoms, but also build long-term resilience and self-confidence.
What to Expect from your Anxiety Treatment
While every person’s treatment plan is different, a typical anxiety disorders treatment journey may include:
- Initial Consultation:
We explore your history, current symptoms, and priorities. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss what you’d like from treatment. - Individualised Treatment Plan:
Together we agree on a treatment approach that feels right for you, including the types of therapy and strategies we’ll use. - Regular Therapy Sessions:
Sessions may focus on:- Understanding and normalising your anxiety
- Learning practical tools for managing symptoms
- Gradually facing feared situations at a manageable pace
- Addressing underlying patterns, beliefs, or trauma where appropriate
- Between-Session Support and Practice:
You may be given simple strategies or exercises to practice between sessions. These help you consolidate progress and apply skills to real-life situations. - Review and Maintenance:
As your anxiety symptoms reduce and your confidence grows, we will review your progress, celebrate your wins, and plan for maintaining your gains long-term.
Fees, Rebates and Bookings
We offer anxiety treatment for adults on the Gold Coast and surrounding areas, as well as telehealth consultations.
For up-to-date information about fees, Medicare or private health rebates, please refer to our FAQ’s page. We can talk you through the options and help you work out what best suits your circumstances.
You don’t have to manage anxiety on your own. With the right support, it is possible to feel calmer, more confident, and more in control of your life. If you’re ready to explore anxiety treatment – book an appointment or if you’d simply like to ask a few questions, LET’S CONNECT or call (07) 5569 0115 – we’re here to help!
Helpful Tips & Coping Strategies for Anxiety & Panic Attacks
While therapy is the most effective path to recovery, small steps like these can help you cope:
- Breathe deeply – slow, steady breaths calm the nervous system.
- Ground yourself – notice 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, 1 you can taste.
- Limit stimulants – reduce caffeine, alcohol and sugar, which can heighten anxiety.
- Move your body – light exercise helps release built-up tension.
- Challenge unhelpful catastrophising thoughts – ask “is this ‘worst-case’ thinking – fact or assumption?”
- Create a calming routine – meditation, journaling, or warm showers signal safety to your body.
If anxiety or panic is affecting daily life, professional support is best to help break the cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anxiety Treatment
Yes. Anxiety is one of the most common and treatable mental health conditions. With therapy, many people experience significant relief and regain a sense of calm.
This varies for each person depending upon your history and severity of symptoms. This will be assessed and discussed during your initial consultation. Some people notice improvement within a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support.
Not always. Many people improve with therapy alone. For some, a combination of therapy and medication (managed by a GP or psychiatrist) may be required. This will be assessed depending upon the severity of your symptoms.
Research shows CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based approaches are especially effective. However, we’ll choose the methods that suit you best.
You may benefit from therapy if you are experiencing:
- Constant worry or racing thoughts
- Difficulty relaxing or always feeling “on edge”
- Panic attacks or sudden surges of fear
- Restlessness or trouble sleeping
- Avoiding places or situations because of fear
- Physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, nausea, or dizziness.
If anxiety is interfering with your sleep, work, relationships, or daily life, it’s a good time to reach out for support.
Sessions are typically 60 minutes in duration, either face-to-face or via telehealth as per your preference.
Appointments are available from Tuesday to Saturday and they are by appointment only.
During the initial consultation our Psychologist will seek to understand the reasons for you seeking assistance, what your concerns and problems are, your severity of symptoms, as well as determining a clear understanding of your expectations, needs and goals for therapy.
This is an opportunity for the Psychologist to assess and suggest a suitable treatment plan moving forward, and also for you to determine if you feel comfortable with the Psychologist to continue treatment.
Yes, Medicare rebates may be available for eligible clients under a Mental Health Care Plan referral from a GP. Many private health insurers also offer rebates for psychological services, depending on your level of extras cover. You can only claim one type of rebate per session (Medicare or private health).
Click here to see more FAQ’s about our psychology services
Published January 2014. Last updated February 2026.
Michelle van Namen is a registered Psychologist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Life Coach and Integrative Health Practitioner with over 30 years of experience working with human behaviour and improving mental health. Michelle has been trained in a broad range of evidence-based therapies. She has worked in a variety of roles within private practice, corporate organisations, education, research, and community crisis support. Established in 2006, Integrated Health Specialists is her psychology practice located on the Gold Coast, providing individual and couples therapy for adults. Michelle focuses on providing a warm, authentic and non-judgemental therapeutic space to support clients and facilitate healing and personal growth. Read more about Michelle.
BA (Hons) in Psychology: University of Wollongong, 1995
Registered Psychologist with the Psychology Board (AHPRA) PSY0001395059
Member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPI) 15525
Qualifications verified by Psychology Today
Medicare and Health Insurance Provider.