CAYA Psychology
Geelong

Therapy for children, teens & adults with anxiety

Joe Lewsey,
Psychologist
Joe is a registered psychologist with over a decade of experience supporting kids, teens, and adults with anxiety, depression, and stress.

He works collaboratively with clients to understand their difficulties and develop practical, individualised strategies that support wellbeing and day-to-day functioning

Anxiety can take many forms, and it doesn’t always look like panic attacks or constant nervousness. I work with children, teens, and adults experiencing anxiety that interferes with daily life, including generalised anxiety, social anxiety, and specific fears or phobias.

Many people live with anxiety for years before seeking help, often assuming it’s just “how I am.” Therapy can help you understand what’s driving your anxiety and reduce its hold on your life.

What anxiety often looks like

Anxiety isn’t only about feeling scared — it often shows up as persistent tension, mental overload, or avoidance.

Common experiences include:

  • Ongoing worry that feels difficult to control
  • Overthinking conversations or decisions
  • Constant mental “what if” scenarios
  • Physical tension, fatigue, or restlessness
  • Avoiding situations that feel uncomfortable or risky
  • Difficulty relaxing, even when things are going well

Your anxiety doesn’t need to look dramatic to be valid.

Combo Chart

Qualified

  • Masters Level Trained
  • AHPRA Registered
  • Advanced Education & Developmental Training
Historical

Experienced

  • 7,700 hours + Therapy & Assessments provided
  • 12 Years of practice
  • Board Approved Clinical Supervisor
Helping Hand

Trusted

  • Trusted by 400+ clients since 2016
  • Provides supervision & training to schools & clinics across Victoria

How therapy can help with anxiety

Therapy helps you:

- Understand how anxiety is maintained through avoidance and mental habits
- Learn how to respond differently to anxious thoughts and sensations
- Gradually face feared situations at a manageable pace
- Build confidence in your ability to cope with uncertainty and discomfort

The goal isn’t to eliminate anxiety entirely, but to reduce its influence and help you live more freely.

My Approach

Client centred: We focus on what matters most to you

Practical and Grounded: not overly technical or jargon heavy

Collaborative: You are not pushed faster than you are ready to go

Evidence Based: Uses principles of Exposure-Response Prevention (ERP) in a flexible, supportive way

Is therapy right for you?

You might consider support if:

  • Worry or fear is taking up significant mental space
  • Anxiety is limiting your choices or confidence
  • You feel stuck in cycles of avoidance or overthinking
  • You’re exhausted from managing things on your own

You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy.

Therapy details

  • Therapy is available for children, teens & adults
  • Sessions are offered in person and via telehealth
  • Appointments are confidential and paced to your needs

If you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing is anxiety, we can explore that together.

Taking the next step

If anxiety is affecting your life or someone you care about and you’d like support, you’re welcome to get in touch to discuss whether therapy might be a good fit.

Begin with the form below

Step 2: Intake Call
One of our team will call you within 24 hours (Mon-Fri) to discuss your needs
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Frequently asked questions

What does a psychologist actually do?

A psychologist provides a structured space to talk through thoughts, emotions, and patterns that may be contributing to stress or difficulty. Sessions focus on understanding what's going on, identifying unhelpful patterns, and developing practical strategies to manage challenges more effectively

Why aren't there reviews of you/your clinic or testimonials?

In Australia, psychologists (and other health professionals) are not allowed to use client testimonials. This rule is to protect clients' privacy and to avoid creating unrealistic expectations about outcomes.

Instead of reviews, it can be more useful to focus on the connection with your therapist. The first session is an opportunity to get a sense of how we work together and whether the approach feels right to you.

Do I need to have a clear problem before I book?

No. Many people start therapy without a clear explanation of what's wrong. Part of the process of therapy is working together to clarify concerns and priorities over the first few sessions.

What happens in a first appointment?

The first session usually focuses on understanding your background, current concerns, and goals. You can ask questions about the process and discuss what you would like to get out of therapy. There is no expectation to share everything all at once.

How is therapy different from talking to friends or family?

Therapy is a confidential, structured conversation guided by professional training. The focus is on patterns, strategies, and practical change rather than informal advice or reassurance.

What do we actually talk about in sessons?

Sessions focus on current challenges, relevant past experiences, and patterns that affect how you think, feel and respond. The content is guided by your priorities and what feels most useful to address

Will you tell me what to do?

Therapy is collaborative. Rather than giving instructions, the aim is to help you understand your options, learn about your experience of symptoms, develop skills and strategies to try, and make informed decisions about your situation.

How structured are sessions?

Sessions are purposeful and guided by agreed goals. Some people prefer a more structured approach with specific strategies, while others benefit from open exploration. The approach can be adjusted over time.

Do I have to commit to long-term therapy?

No. Some people attend for a small number of focused sessions, while others choose to work together for longer. This can be reviewed regularly.

What if I don't know what to say?

That's common. Your psychologist helps guide the conversation. You don't need to prepare or organise your thoughts beforehand.

Does coming to therapy mean something is wrong with me?

No. Many people attend therapy to navigate stress, changes in life, or improve coping skills. Seeking support is a practical step rather than a sign of failure.

Will therapy make things feel worse before they get better?

Talking about difficult topics can sometimes feel uncomfortable. Sessions are paced carefully to keep the process manageable and focused on constructive change.

What if therapy doesn't work for me?

Fit is important. If something is not helpful, it's discussed openly and the approach can be adjusted. You are not obligated to continue if it doesn't feel useful.

How long does it take to see results?

This varies depending on your goals and the issues involved. Some people notice useful shifts within a few sessions while more complex concerns can take longer. Progress is reviewed regularly.

What kind of results can I expect?

Therapy aims to increase understanding, reduce distress and build practical coping strategies. Outcomes differ between people and depend partly on engagement with the process.

How much effort is involved outside of sessions?

Some approaches include practising strategies between sessions. Consistent attendance and active participation tend to support better outcomes.

How often are sessions scheduled

Many people start with weekly or fortnightly sessions and adjust frequency over time depending on their needs and availability

How long is a therapy session?

50 minutes (plus 10 minutes for your therapist to write notes and complete any administrative tasks).

How do I know if therapy is working?

Your progress towards your goals is reviewed at the beginning and end of each session. Some signs that therapy is helping include clearer understanding of patterns, improved coping, less stress, and changes in how challenges are managed day-to-day.