What’s the Best Counselling for Anxiety? Understanding Therapy, CBT, and How to Choose the Right Counsellor
What’s the best counselling for anxiety? Is it called counselling or therapy? And what is CBT, exactly?
These are some of the most common questions I hear when people start looking for support with anxiety or ADHD. It can be confusing; there are so many terms, approaches, and acronyms that it’s hard to know where to begin.
The good news? The most important part of counselling for anxiety isn’t the label or even the specific therapy method. It’s something much simpler, and more human.
Counselling or Therapy; Does It Matter?
To a large degree, the definitions (anxiety counsellor, anxiety therapist) don’t matter much. What research consistently shows is that the quality of the relationship between you and your counsellor has the biggest impact on how effective counselling will be.
That means the connection you feel with your counsellor often matters more than the modality (the specific therapeutic approach).
You want someone you feel safe with; someone you can be real with, who helps you feel heard, supported, and understood. That sets the foundation that you can work and build on together; counselling is a collaboration.
What About CBT and Other Approaches?
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is often referred to as the “gold standard” for anxiety. It focuses on understanding how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours interact, and how to break out of unhelpful patterns that can keep the cycle of anxiety going.
Under the CBT umbrella are other approaches that are also well-supported by research, such as;
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) - helps you notice and accept your thoughts and feelings while taking action guided by your values.
DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) - builds skills for emotional regulation, mindfulness, and managing distress.
While CBT is highly effective for anxiety, different approaches suit different people. For example, ACT is often a great fit for high-functioning women with anxiety or ADHD, as it blends compassion, working with your strengths, and practical tools, without rigid thinking rules. It’s my favourite way to support clients with anxiety and/or ADHD and is also the approach I use myself to get ‘unstuck’.
How to Choose a Qualified Counsellor
Before you dive into modalities, I recommend you check that your counsellor is qualified and registered with a professional body. In Australia, that includes:
ACA (Australian Counselling Association)
PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia)
AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers)
Registration means your counsellor meets national training standards, engages in ongoing professional development, and receives regular clinical supervision, all of which protect you and ensure quality care.
If you’re searching online, you might look for terms like counselling for anxiety, ADHD counselling, or therapy for stress and overwhelm. These can help you find practitioners who focus on your specific needs. While many counsellors and therapists work across a broad range of clients & concerns, personally, I find that having a particular focus a few key areas, like ADHD, anxiety, stress and anger, means that the clients who find me are really well aligned with my energy and approach, leading to good rapport and great outcomes.
What Counselling Is (and what it isn’t)
Counselling is a safe, supportive space where you can:
Be heard without judgment
Bring your whole self (and your coffee!)
Bring your dog (especially if we’re doing a walk and talk session)
Laugh, cry, curse, or sit in silence - all of it is welcome
Work through what’s keeping you stuck or holding you back
Process stuff from the past that’s painful, and weighing you down
Learn the importance of self-care and self-compassion
Make small changes that add up, or big changes (it’s not linear)
Become more you
Counselling is also a space where feedback is encouraged - counselling is collaborative; you and your counsellor work together as a team.
What it isn’t:
A sign of weakness or being “broken” - in fact, seeking support is a sign of strength.
The same as chatting with a friend (even though Cara means “friend” in Irish – I literally called my practice ‘Friend Counselling’!).
Good friends are invaluable, but a counsellor’s role is different. Part of your counsellor’s work is to gently challenge you, help you spot patterns in your thoughts and behaviours, and support you in identifying and moving towards the life you want.
So, What’s the “Best” Counselling for Anxiety?
There isn’t one universal best type. The best counselling is the one that feels right for you:
Where you feel understood and safe
Where the approach matches your personality and goals
Where you can build momentum toward the version of yourself you want to be
Whether you’re exploring CBT, ACT, or simply starting with a first conversation, remember: you don’t have to figure it all out before you begin. The first step is often just reaching out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Counselling for Anxiety and ADHD
1. What’s the best type of counselling for anxiety?
There’s no single best approach for everyone. The most effective counselling for anxiety is the one that fits you—where you feel safe, supported, and understood. CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) are both well-researched and commonly used, but the relationship you build with your counsellor matters most.
2. Can counselling help with ADHD as well as anxiety?
Yes. Many people experience both ADHD and anxiety, and counselling can help you understand how they interact. Therapies like ACT and CBT teach emotional regulation, self-compassion, and practical tools for managing stress, overwhelm, and procrastination.
3. How long does anxiety counselling take?
It varies. Some people notice changes after a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term work. Together with your counsellor, you’ll set goals and check progress regularly so you can see what’s helping.
4. What’s the difference between counselling and therapy?
In Australia, the words counselling and therapy are often used interchangeably. What matters most is that your counsellor is qualified and registered with a professional body such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or PACFA, and that you feel comfortable working together.
5. How do I choose a qualified counsellor?
Look for someone registered with ACA, PACFA, or AASW who offers counselling for anxiety, ADHD, or related concerns. Read their website to see if their tone and approach feel like a good fit. Trust your gut—connection and comfort are key ingredients in good therapy.
6. What happens in an anxiety counselling session?
Sessions usually involve talking through what’s worrying you, learning new tools to manage anxious thoughts and physical symptoms, and building awareness of patterns that keep you stuck. It’s a safe, supportive space to explore what’s going on and move toward calm, confident living.