Stress Counselling
in Central London

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between stress and anxiety?

Stress and anxiety are closely related and can share many of the same physical, emotional and psychological symptoms. Stress is generally associated with the demands or pressures we experience, whether these relate to work, relationships, personal circumstances or other challenges. Anxiety, on the other hand, is often characterised by feelings of worry, apprehension or fear, particularly in relation to uncertainty or perceived threats.

Although stress and anxiety can occur independently, they frequently overlap and can influence one another. Prolonged stress may contribute to increased anxiety, while anxiety itself can make everyday demands feel more difficult to manage. Understanding how these experiences relate to one another can be an important part of identifying the most appropriate therapeutic support.

If anxiety is a particular concern, you can find out more about how we can help on our anxiety page.

What does chronic stress do to our body?

Chronic stress can have a significant impact on our physical health as well as our psychological wellbeing. When we experience prolonged periods of stress, our body’s physiological stress response can become persistently activated, affecting a range of bodily functions. This may contribute to difficulties with sleep, digestive problems, muscle tension, headaches, fatigue and changes in immune functioning.

Over time, these physical effects can affect our overall health, energy levels and ability to manage everyday demands. Recognising the relationship between psychological stress and physical wellbeing is an important part of understanding and addressing chronic stress. Counselling can help us explore and manage the psychological factors contributing to stress, while any new, persistent or concerning physical symptoms should also be discussed with a GP to ensure appropriate medical assessment and support.

How do I know if my stress has become a problem?

Stress is a natural part of life, and we all experience it in response to different pressures, demands and challenges. However, when stress becomes persistent, feels increasingly difficult to manage or begins to affect our physical health, emotional wellbeing or everyday functioning, it may be a sign that additional support would be helpful.

We may notice changes in our sleep, difficulties concentrating or making decisions, increased irritability, or feeling overwhelmed by situations that we would ordinarily manage more comfortably. We might also find that activities which previously helped us relax and recover are no longer as effective, or that we struggle to switch off even when immediate pressures have reduced.

If stress is beginning to affect our quality of life, relationships or general wellbeing, counselling can provide an opportunity to explore what may be contributing to these difficulties and develop more effective ways of managing them.

How long does it take to recover from chronic stress?

Recovery from chronic stress varies from person to person and is influenced by a range of factors, including how long we have been experiencing stress, the nature of the pressures involved, and our individual circumstances. There is no fixed timeframe for recovery, and improvements may happen gradually as we begin to understand and address the factors contributing to our stress.

For some of us, making changes to our circumstances, establishing healthier boundaries or finding more effective ways of managing everyday demands can help reduce stress levels. For others, particularly when certain pressures cannot easily be changed, recovery may involve developing a different relationship with those challenges and exploring how we respond to them emotionally and psychologically.

It is also important to recognise that recovery is not always a linear process. Allowing ourselves sufficient time to rest, make adjustments and gradually rebuild our capacity to manage life’s demands can support longer-term wellbeing. Counselling can provide a supportive space to explore these changes and develop approaches that are appropriate to our individual needs and circumstances.

What is the difference between stress and burnout?

Stress and burnout are closely related, but there are some important differences between them. Stress is a natural response to the pressures and demands we experience in our everyday lives. While some degree of stress is normal, prolonged or excessive stress can affect our physical health, emotional wellbeing and ability to cope with daily challenges.

Burnout, on the other hand, is associated with chronic stress that has not been successfully managed. It is typically characterised by emotional and physical exhaustion, increased feelings of detachment or negativity towards our work, and a reduced sense of professional effectiveness. Unlike periods of heightened stress, burnout can leave us feeling increasingly depleted, disengaged and unable to manage demands that we may previously have coped with more comfortably.

Although stress and burnout can share many symptoms, understanding the distinction can help us recognise the nature of our difficulties and identify appropriate support. If you would like to explore this further, you can find more information on our burnout page.

Can counselling help with stress?

Counselling can be an effective way of managing stress, particularly when it begins to affect our emotional wellbeing, physical health, relationships or ability to cope with everyday life. It provides a supportive and confidential space to explore the pressures we are experiencing, understand how they may be affecting us, and develop healthier and more effective ways of responding to challenging situations.

A range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches can help with stress, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Therapy can help us recognise patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving that may be contributing to our difficulties, while also exploring the wider circumstances and experiences that influence how we manage stress.

Through counselling, we can develop greater self-awareness, strengthen our coping strategies, establish healthier boundaries and identify meaningful changes that support our psychological wellbeing. The aim is not necessarily to eliminate stress altogether, but to help us manage it more effectively and improve our overall quality of life.

When should I seek counselling for stress?

It may be helpful to consider counselling or therapy when stress begins to affect our emotional wellbeing, physical health, relationships or ability to manage everyday life. We might notice changes in our sleep, mood or concentration, feel increasingly overwhelmed by everyday demands, or find that our usual ways of managing stress are no longer as effective.

It is important to recognise that we do not need to wait until stress becomes overwhelming or significantly disrupts our lives before seeking support. Sometimes, the pressures we experience can become so familiar that we begin to accept them as a normal part of everyday life, making it more difficult to recognise their impact on our wellbeing.

Counselling can provide an opportunity to reflect on our experiences, gain a better understanding of the factors contributing to stress, and explore ways of managing these pressures more effectively. Seeking support at an earlier stage can also help prevent difficulties from becoming more persistent or having a greater impact on our quality of life.

How much does stress counselling cost?

Fees for stress therapy and counselling vary according to the experience and specialism of the psychologist or psychotherapist you see, with the initial assessment charged separately. You can find our current fees in full on our fees page.

Before booking an appointment, we offer a complimentary 15-minute telephone consultation with our Clinic Director, Dr Steven Mahan-Taylor. This gives us an opportunity to understand what you are looking for, answer any questions, and carefully match you with the therapist best suited to your individual needs.