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LET COUNSELLOR KEREN LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD

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Can I tame my anxiety?

Q I've been working as a teacher for more than 15 years. Whenever I’m asked to take a different class or teach a new part of the curriculum, I find myself becoming anxious. Part of me knows that I can adapt my work, learn new things and teach well. Then the other part takes over. When I tell others how worried I am, they have little sympathy, as they know my skills. How do I stop this happening?

Jessica, Luton

A It sounds like you have a habit of catastrophising when you have something new to do. It’s always a bit anxiety-making when we're faced with a new task, but if we're aware of our inner resources, we can call on these and find a way through. I’m wondering if you need help to develop a coping strategy so your fear doesn’t limit you and invade your thoughts. I think you would benefit from a few coaching sessions to help you develop a new approach to tackling fresh challenges. A good place to look is lifecoach-directory.org.uk.

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