Struggling with constant Worry? You're Not Alone
Do you feel like your brain is always busy, running through worst-case scenarios, or worrying about things that haven't even happened yet? Do you find it hard to switch off, relax, or just be present, even when things are going okay?
If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and the good news is, it's very treatable.
What is Generalised Anxiety Disorder?
GAD is more than just "being a worrier." It's when worry becomes excessive, hard to control, and starts to affect your everyday life. You might find that your sleep is disturbed, your relationships and work are impacted and you struggle to enjoy things.
People with GAD often worry about a wide range of things including health, money, family, work, or even smaller day-to-day decisions like which product to buy. The worry doesn't let up, even when there's no clear reason for it.
Common Signs of GAD
- Worry that feels excessive and difficult to control
- Feeling restless, on edge, or unable to relax
- Difficulties sleeping
- Muscle tension or headaches
- Feeling tired all the time
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Irritability
Why do I feel like this?
Anxiety isn't a character flaw or a sign of weakness. It's your brain's alarm system, trying to protect you.
People who worry often find uncertainty intolerable and without realising it are worrying to try and feel more certain. Sometimes people believe that worry is helpful or shows that they care, and this can also drive worry. Paradoxically, worrying often means that we avoid confronting the things we are truly afraid of.
The habit of worrying can be hard to break.
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1
Understanding your anxiety
What triggers it, and why it keeps going.
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2
Recognising thinking patterns
Spotting the "what if" thoughts that fuel worry.
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3
Building practical coping skills
Ways to tolerate uncertainty and solve problems.
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4
Reducing avoidance
Gradually facing situations and thoughts, at a pace that feels manageable.
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5
Creating lasting change
Leaving therapy with tools you can keep using long after our work together ends.
CBT is collaborative. We'll work as a team to figure out what's keeping your anxiety going, and build a plan that fits your life.
Who you'd be working with
BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist
I'm Lauren Coombs, a BABCP-accredited expert in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy based in Wilmslow, Cheshire. I’m also a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Chester where I teach and supervise future therapists.
I work with adults managing anxiety and depression, many of whom have been quietly struggling for a long time before they reach out. I won't offer vague reassurance or ask you to simply think more positively. My approach is practical, structured, and paced around your life - because I work with a lot of people who can't put everything else on hold.
I offer face-to-face sessions in Wilmslow and online sessions for clients across the UK. Sessions are available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays including early mornings and evenings.
What to Expect
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, so here's what the process usually looks like:
An initial assessment
A chance to talk through what's been going on and what you're hoping to get from therapy.
A shared plan
Built around your experience and goals, because no two people's anxiety looks exactly the same.
Regular sessions
Usually weekly, where we build skills and track your progress together.
Practical tasks between sessions
Small, manageable steps to practise what we've worked on.
There's no pressure to have it all figured out before you start. That's what therapy is for.
Anxiety can feel exhausting and isolating, but it doesn't have to be permanent. With the right support, most people see real, meaningful improvement. If you're ready to take the first step, I'd love to help.
Worry Testimonial
“I am incredibly grateful for the CBT therapy I received from Lauren Coombs. I was struggling with overwhelming stress and anxiety, and I felt like I was constantly worrying.
Lauren created a safe and supportive environment where I felt comfortable discussing my concerns. Through her guidance, I learned valuable coping mechanisms and techniques to manage my stress levels. I now feel more equipped to handle challenging situations and have a greater sense of control over my emotions.
Lauren is a compassionate and knowledgeable therapist who truly cares about her clients' well-being. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking effective and supportive treatment"
What I specialise in
I offer expert CBT for a range of recognised problems. Many of my clients arrive with a diagnosis. Many don't, and that's fine too. What matters is your experience, not the label.
OCD
Not just checking and cleaning. OCD is driven by intrusive thoughts and the exhausting rituals that temporarily quiet them.
Depression
Not always sadness, sometimes feeling flat or a quiet withdrawal from the things that used to matter. CBT is one of the most effective treatments available.
Panic Attacks
A sudden rush of physical symptoms and overwhelming fear that something awful will happen to you. Panic attacks are terrifying and often happen completely out of the blue.
Health Anxiety
A preoccupation with illness that isn't settled by reassurance from doctors, Google or the people around you. Checking brings brief relief, then the cycle begins again.
Social Anxiety
A fear of doing or saying something embarrassing and being judged by others. Left unaddressed, social anxiety can shrink your world.
PTSD
A condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing something deeply distressing. Memories of the event or the way it made you feel keep coming back to you.
Phobias
Fears of specific things like heights, animals, blood and needles. Phobias cause significant distress and change how you live.