Therapy for Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)


Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is more than just feeling worried or stressed from time to time. It’s a condition marked by chronic, excessive, and difficult-to-control worry that occurs most days for at least six months. The worry can feel relentless, shifting from one concern to another, such as work, health, finances, or relationships – even when there’s no immediate reason for concern.
Unlike situational stress or occasional anxious thoughts, GAD involves a persistent mental preoccupation with “what if” scenarios, often making it hard to relax or feel present. Over time, this ongoing worry can take a toll on emotional wellbeing, sleep, concentration, and even physical health.
At The Victorian Psychology Clinic we recognise that recovering from generalised anxiety requires a tailored, evidence-based approach. In line with our values, we aim to work collaboratively with our clients, referrers and other professionals involved in our clients care including general practitioners, other allied health professionals and psychiatrists.
Signs and Symptoms of GAD:
GAD affects both the mind and body. While GAD involves physical symptoms like muscle tension or restlessness, the hallmark of GAD is persistent worry that feels difficult to control.
Common symptoms include:
- Excessive, ongoing worry that occurs most days for six months or longer.
- Feeling restless, keyed up, or constantly on edge.
- Difficulty concentrating due to racing thoughts.
- Fatigue or feeling mentally drained from worrying.
- Muscle tension, headaches, or general physical discomfort.
- Difficulty sleeping, such as trouble falling asleep or waking up with a busy mind.
- Irritability or feeling more easily frustrated than usual.
The worry in GAD isn’t just about one particular issue – it tends to jump between different topics, making it feel unpredictable and overwhelming. This ongoing cycle can make even minor daily stressors feel like bigger concerns, reinforcing the worry over time.






Treatment for Generalised Anxiety
The good news is that GAD is highly treatable, and many people see significant improvements with the right support.
- Psychotherapy: Therapy such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is the most effective psychological treatment for GAD. It helps individuals recognise patterns of excessive worry, challenge unhelpful thoughts and develop healthier responses to uncertainty. Since GAD often involves an intolerance to uncertainty, gradual exposure to uncertain situations can help retrain the brain to tolerate ambiguity with excessive worry. Other treatments used to treat GAD include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Worry Management Strategies, EMDR and Mindfulness Based Approaches.
- Medications: In some cases, Antidepressants such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRIs) or Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) may be recommended, particularly if GAD is significantly impacting a person's daily functioning. These options can be discussed with a GP or a psychiatrist.
- Combination Therapy: For some individuals, a combination of therapy and medication may be the most effective approach for GAD. Treatment plans should be tailors to each person's unique needs and circumstances.
How we can support you
At VPC, we offer evidence-based treatment for GAD, tailored to each person’s unique experience. We understand that chronic worry can feel overwhelming, but support is available.
- Our psychologists teach evidence-based techniques to reduce worry, improve relaxation, and build confidence in handling uncertainty.
- We help you recognise the patterns of excessive worry and develop strategies to manage them more effectively.
- We work collaboratively to ensure treatment aligns with your specific challenges and goals.
- Beyond reducing anxiety, we focus on helping you regain a sense of control over your thoughts and daily life.
If persistent worry is making life feel overwhelming, know that relief is possible. You don’t have to navigate it alone.








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