Anxiety has become a common mental health concern in Singapore. Long working hours, high academic expectations, financial pressures and social demands can leave many people feeling worried, restless or overwhelmed.
While occasional stress is a normal part of life, persistent anxiety can take a serious toll on your health, work performance and relationships. Counselling offers a safe and supportive space to understand your feelings, manage symptoms and develop strategies to reduce anxiety and regain balance in your life.
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety involves excessive fear, nervousness or dread that persists over time. For some people, it feels like a constant undercurrent of unease; for others, it appears as sudden panic. Anxiety affects thoughts, bodily sensations and behaviour, and often becomes self-reinforcing if left untreated.
In many Asian societies, including Singapore, cultural values that emphasise resilience and self-reliance can make it difficult for individuals to seek counselling. Stigma surrounding mental health, worries about the cost of therapy, and the fear of being judged often create significant barriers, preventing people from getting the professional support they need.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety?
These symptoms are frequent or severe, as they can make daily tasks harder. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Racing thoughts or difficulty concentrating
- Trouble sleeping, such as difficulty falling asleep or frequent waking
- Physical tension, muscle aches, headaches or digestive problems
- Irritability or feeling restless
- Palpitations, trembling, sweating or shortness of breath during anxious episodes
What Are the Causes of Anxiety?
Anxiety usually arises from a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors. These may include:
- Family history or genetic predisposition
- Past trauma or adverse life experiences
- High stress from work, studies or caregiving responsibilities
- Personality traits such as perfectionism or high sensitivity
- Medical conditions or side effects of medication
How Anxiety Impacts Daily Life, Work, and Relationships
When left unaddressed, anxiety can affect both mental and physical health. In Singapore, where there is a strong focus on productivity and achievement, the impact of anxiety can be particularly significant across different aspects of life:
Workplace Challenges
Anxiety can make it difficult to focus, leading to reduced concentration and decreased productivity. It may also result in presenteeism, where individuals are physically present at work but unable to perform effectively, or absenteeism, where they frequently miss work due to overwhelming stress.
Relationships
Anxiety often causes people to withdraw from social interactions, leading to misunderstandings or conflicts with partners, family members or friends. It may also lead to avoidance of intimacy, creating emotional distance within relationships.
Daily Functioning
Persistent anxiety can lead to fatigue and a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Over time, it may make it challenging to meet everyday responsibilities, such as household tasks, errands or personal self-care.
The Role of Counselling in Managing Anxiety
Counselling offers a safe, confidential and supportive space where people can explore the root causes of their anxiety and learn practical coping strategies. For those looking for anxiety counselling in Singapore, it offers structured, evidence-informed tools to manage symptoms and reduce emotional distress.
A counsellor works closely with clients to set realistic, achievable goals while helping them recognise and change unhelpful thought patterns. Through this process, individuals learn practical coping strategies that improve their ability to function in daily life.
Here are some key ways counselling supports people with anxiety:
- Encourages self-awareness by helping individuals recognise personal triggers and patterns
- Teaches coping techniques such as grounding exercises, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and better sleep hygiene
- Reduces avoidance behaviours by gradually addressing feared situations to build tolerance and confidence
- Provides a non-judgemental space to express fears and emotions safely
- Strengthens problem-solving and communication skills, improving relationships and everyday functioning.
Although some may hesitate to seek help due to stigma or concerns about cost, counselling is a valuable investment in mental health and overall well-being. It not only helps with immediate symptom relief but also builds long-term resilience, leading to a better quality of life and greater confidence in handling challenges.
Common Counselling Approaches in Singapore
Counsellors in Singapore use a variety of evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage anxiety. The choice of method depends on the client’s unique needs, goals and preferences. Some of the most common approaches include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most widely used techniques for treating anxiety. It focuses on identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts and replacing them with healthier, more constructive ways of thinking. This approach also teaches coping strategies to reduce anxiety in real-life situations.
Mindfulness-based Therapy
Mindfulness approaches teach present-moment awareness and non-judgmental observation of thoughts and feelings. Simple exercises, such as breathing techniques and brief meditation, can reduce reactivity to stress and create space to choose responses rather than react automatically.
Talk Therapy / Psychotherapy
Talk therapy provides a space to explore deeper emotional patterns and past experiences. For some people, a less structured, more exploratory approach helps them understand recurring themes in relationships and emotional life. The therapeutic relationship itself is an important vehicle for change.
When Should You Consider Counselling for Anxiety?
Consider counselling services for anxiety when worry or fear becomes persistent and overwhelming, especially without a clear cause. Physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, rapid heartbeat or trouble sleeping can also indicate that anxiety is affecting your health. If anxiety disrupts work, relationships or daily life, professional support can help you regain control and prevent symptoms from worsening.
Counselling provides proven strategies, such as CBT and mindfulness, to manage anxiety and build resilience. While it won’t remove life’s challenges, it equips you to face them with greater calm and confidence.
If you’re ready to take the first step, speak with Dr Cassandra Chiu to explore personalised tools for managing anxiety and restoring clarity to your daily life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does counselling for anxiety usually take?
The first session is typically up to 90 minutes. This allows enough time to understand your concerns and begin working on strategies that can help you feel better quickly. Subsequent sessions are approximately 55 minutes. The total duration of therapy varies depending on the person and the therapeutic approach. Many people notice significant improvements within 8 to 12 sessions.
Can counselling be done online in Singapore?
Yes. Our clinic provides secure tele-consultation sessions, which make therapy more accessible for those with busy schedules or mobility limitations.
How often should I attend counselling sessions for anxiety?
Sessions are commonly weekly at the start of treatment. Frequency may be adjusted to fortnightly or monthly as progress is made and skills are established.
How much does counselling for anxiety cost in Singapore?
Fees vary according to the counsellor’s qualifications and the type of service. Our clinic charges $400 for the initial consultation, then $250 per 1.5 hours for the subsequent sessions. You may also want to see our services and the cost we offer here.
Our Counsellor
Dr Cassandra Chiu
Psychotherapist/Counsellor
Dr Cassandra Chiu is a well-regarded therapist in Singapore known for her compassionate and professional approach to mental health care. With years of experience as both a psychotherapist and counsellor, she has guided individuals, couples and families through a wide range of challenges—from stress and anxiety to relationship struggles and life transitions. Her expertise in various therapy modalities allows her to treat each client’s unique needs, offering a supportive and empowering space for healing and growth.
