Online Anxiety Counselling · Portsmouth

Online Anxiety Counselling in Portsmouth

Online anxiety counselling for Portsmouth, by secure video. From a base in Hove I work with people across Portsmouth — from across Portsea Island, Southsea and Old Portsmouth to the streets around the Spinnaker Tower — with the same BACP-registered, confidential support as an in-person session, and no journey.

Online across the UKSecure videoFree 15-min consultation
BACP registered member25+ years of experienceLived experience
Bradley Riddell, counsellor in Brighton & Hove, introducing his approach to therapy
ConfidentialA safe, private space
Person-centredThe therapy fits you

In and around Portsmouth

Anxiety Counselling for Portsmouth, at a glance

Areas covered online
All of Portsmouth: across Portsea Island, from Southsea and Old Portsmouth to Fratton, Cosham and Copnor
Known for
The Spinnaker Tower, the harbour and the seafront
Region
London & South East (England)
Local NHS / support route
NHS Talking Therapies Hampshire (italk)
Format
Secure video, UK-wide. In-person also available on the Sussex coast.

Life in Portsmouth

Why people in Portsmouth reach out

Portsmouth is the most densely populated city outside London and a historic naval base, and the forces connection runs deep. Long deployments, frequent moves and the strain on families left behind leave their mark, and on a tightly packed island city privacy can feel in short supply. Reaching out here often means doing so quietly, without anyone needing to know.

With deep forces connections, deployments and frequent moves leave their mark; online counselling travels with you and stays consistent through postings.

Portsmouth is home to His Majesty's Naval Base Portsmouth (a principal Royal Navy base), the University of Portsmouth and Queen Alexandra Hospital.

The local picture

The local picture in Portsmouth

These figures are local context from official sources — not a description of you — but they show the scale of what people in and around Portsmouth are living with, and why local support matters.

Local data last reviewed June 2026. Each figure shows the year and links to the official source it was read on.

The anxiety counselling itself

Anxiety counselling here is practical and solution-focused: we work on the worry, panic, social anxiety and over-thinking that are actually affecting your day, and on simple ways to settle a nervous system stuck on high alert.

The approach is the same wherever you live, so rather than repeat it on every page you can read it in full — the methods, what each session covers and fees — on the main anxiety counselling page and on how I work.

How online sessions work

Sessions run over a secure, encrypted video link held to the same strict BACP confidentiality as meeting in person. After a free fifteen-minute call to check we are a good fit, you join each session from any private space using a phone, tablet or laptop — no software to install, no waiting room and no journey at either end.

Book a free 15-minute call

What I help with

How online anxiety counselling in Portsmouth can help

Panic attacks

Support for racing thoughts, panic episodes and chest tightness.

Social anxiety

Help with confidence, self-consciousness and fear of judgement.

Chronic worry

Support for overthinking, catastrophising and decision paralysis.

People-pleasing

Working with the need for control and approval.

Sleep and tension

Calming a nervous system stuck on high alert.

Responding differently

Tools for when anxiety starts to take hold.

Finding support in Portsmouth

My online counselling sits alongside the help available locally. In Portsmouth, you can refer yourself directly to NHS Talking Therapies Hampshire (italk) for free NHS talking therapy, with no GP referral needed.

Private sessions with me usually mean you can start sooner and stay with the same counsellor throughout; I am glad to work alongside any NHS or GP support you already have.

Other local and national support verified for this area includes:

If you need urgent help now

This is not a crisis service. If anyone is in immediate danger call 999. For urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option. The Samaritans are free, day or night, on 116 123, or text SHOUT to 85258.

Portsmouth questions

Online Anxiety Counselling in Portsmouth: common questions

Can I get online anxiety counselling if I live in Portsmouth?

Yes. I work with people right across Portsmouth, from across Portsea Island, Southsea and Old Portsmouth outwards, and anywhere else in London & South East, by secure video — no need to travel to Hove, and just as confidential as meeting in the room.

Can online counselling really help with panic attacks?

Yes. We work on what happens in your body when anxiety spikes and rehearse practical ways to settle it, which translates well to video sessions you do from a place you already feel safe.

What if my anxiety makes video calls themselves difficult?

That is common and completely workable. We can start with the camera off, keep early sessions short and build up at your pace; many anxious clients find home the easiest place to begin.

How long does anxiety counselling usually take?

It varies, but solution-focused work often makes a difference within a handful of sessions. We review together rather than committing you to an open-ended course.

Online Anxiety Counselling in Portsmouth, whenever you are ready

A free fifteen-minute call is the simplest place to start — no obligation, just a chance to see if we are the right fit.

Also available online across London & South East: Southampton, Chichester. See all of London & South East.

Other online support from Portsmouth: Addiction, Substance Use, Drinking, Depression, Relationship, Trauma.