Anxiety

Why We Need a New Approach for PDA Clients: Introducing the Low Demand Approach to Therapy

By Emma Spencer, Clinical Psychologist Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a profile on the autism spectrum characterised by an extreme avoidance of everyday demands, where overwhelming anxiety is triggered when the individual’s nervous system perceives a threat to their autonomy. PDA clients often experience anxiety as they feel threatened by external demands—whether it’s being asked … Read more

Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Symptoms, Treatment, and Support – by Emma Spencer Clinical Psychologist Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterised by unwanted and intrusive thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that trigger intensely distressing feelings. To alleviate these feelings, individuals engage in repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions). OCD affects people of … Read more

Don’t Let Unchecked Stress Slide into Anxiety or Depression

By: Clinical Psychologist, Emma Spencer FAPS It’s undeniable that we live in a fast-paced world where stress is a common experience for many people. It’s typical to experience some occasional stress in life. However, chronic and severe stress can lead to serious mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Understanding the connection between stress and … Read more

How to Manage Everyday Anxiety

Written by Jessica Lopes, Registered Psychologist Most people, including children, experience occasional anxiety or worry about things in life, such as family issues, health, financial concerns, etc. This is a normal part of our contemporary busy life. However, when these feelings are extremely overwhelming and negatively impact our daily lives, and stop us from doing … Read more