What is anxiety, and when is it worth asking for help?
Anxiety is the body's natural response to protect you: it puts you on alert and prepares you to act. The problem arises when that alarm stays switched on even when it isn't needed, or goes off in situations that aren't dangerous, and starts to take over your daily life.
It can show up in both body and mind. Some common forms:
- Palpitations, pressure in the chest or a feeling of shortness of breath.
- Tension in the neck and back, headaches or tiredness with no clear cause.
- Digestive discomfort: a knot in the stomach, heavy digestion or irritable bowel.
- Difficulty sleeping, or sleep that doesn't leave you rested.
- Thoughts that won't stop, constant worry or fear that something serious will happen.
- Avoiding places, people or situations for fear of feeling unwell.
It's worth asking for help when the distress keeps coming back, lasts for weeks or stops you from doing things you used to do. You don't need to wait until you feel "really bad", or to have a diagnosis. If you'd like to understand better how the body and anxiety are connected, Marina Rodríguez Conesa explains it in How anxiety affects our physical and mental health.
If your physical symptoms are new, intense or getting worse, please also see your doctor. Psychological therapy does not replace a medical assessment.
How do we work with anxiety in therapy?
We work mainly from brief systemic, solution-focused therapy. We look at what is happening to you, but also at your context, your relationships and the resources you already have, to build changes that are useful in your everyday life. Depending on what you need, we integrate third-wave therapies.
A therapy process usually has three stages:
- Understanding what is happening to you. In the first session we talk about what brings you here, when the anxiety appears and what you have tried so far.
- Agreeing on goals. Together with you, we define what you would like to change. The goals are yours, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
- Working and reviewing. We practise ways of coping with stress and worry, and review what helps and what doesn't, adjusting the pace as we go.
If your anxiety is closely linked to past experiences that still trigger distress, we can consider EMDR therapy with you, which Patricia Santos Durán offers within the team. If stress shows up mainly in your digestive system, Marina Rodríguez Conesa runs the psychotherapy and digestive health service.
What if I need a psychiatric assessment?
If your anxiety is persistent, seriously affects your sleep, or you already take medication and have questions about it, a medical assessment may help. At Elemental, psychiatry consultations are provided by Blanca García Montañés, a medical specialist in psychiatry with more than 25 years of experience, in coordination with psychotherapy within the same team.
A psychiatric consultation does not mean you will take medication: it is only considered when it may be of benefit.
Who will see you?
You don't need to know whom to book with: tell us what is going on and we'll help you choose. All of these team members work with adults in individual therapy:
- Carmen Márquez Espárraga · General Health Psychologist, registration no. AO-13515. Works from Brief Systemic Therapy; her areas include anxiety and emotional well-being.
- Marina Rodríguez Conesa · Psychotherapist with more than 15 years of experience, registration no. AO-06147. Systemic therapist, trained in third-wave therapies.
- Mark Mesa Oostlander · Psychotherapist, registration no. AO-04758. Works from Brief Systemic Therapy and has experience in crisis intervention.
- Miguel Blanes Arias · Psychotherapist, registration no. AO-08776, in practice since 2014. Specialised in brief systemic therapy.
- Alejandro Zea Roldán · Health Psychologist with a systemic approach.
- Patricia Santos Durán · Psychotherapist, registration no. AO10798. Works with EMDR, eating behaviour and family therapy.
- Lídia Algar Roldán · Psychotherapist and educational psychologist, registration no. AO-12499, with more than ten years of experience.
- Lisa Marie Edelkraut · PhD in Psychology, registration no. AO12129. She is the team member who offers sessions in English and German.
How much does it cost and how long does it last?
A session costs €80; in English or German with Lisa Marie Edelkraut, €100. A psychiatry consultation with Blanca García Montañés costs €150. Each session lasts approximately one hour, and the price is the same in person and online.
We can't tell you in advance how many sessions you will need: it depends on your goals and on how the process goes. We review this with you regularly.
In person or online?
Our practice is at Alameda de Colón 2, 3º H, 29001 Málaga, in the Soho district, close to the metro, the Cercanías commuter train and public car parks; here is how to get there. You can also have your sessions by video call, with the same team and the same approach. More details on online therapy.
We are open Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 21:00, and on Saturdays, 09:00 to 14:00.
Frequently asked questions about anxiety therapy
Do I need a diagnosis to book an appointment?
No. Just tell us what is happening to you. In the first session we explore your situation and advise you on the kind of help that fits best.
Does anxiety therapy include medication?
Psychotherapy does not include medication. If at any point a medical assessment would be advisable, you can consult the team's psychiatrist, who only proposes drug treatment when it may be of benefit.
How many sessions are needed?
It depends on each person and their goals, so it can't be known in advance. We work with specific goals and regularly review with you how you are doing and whether anything should be adjusted.
I have panic attacks. Can you help me?
Yes, panic attacks are one of the issues we work with. If at any point you feel you are in danger, remember that we are not an emergency service: call 112.
Can I have therapy online if I live outside Málaga?
Yes. Anxiety therapy can be done by video call, at the same price as in person: €80 per session, or €100 in English or German with Lisa Marie Edelkraut.
Take the first step
You can book an appointment online, message us on WhatsApp or call 629 359 443. If you're not sure who to start with, tell us briefly what is going on and we'll help you find the right person. You can also take a look at couples therapy or our other services.
We are not an emergency service. If you or someone else is in danger, call 112 or Línea 024, the suicide prevention helpline.
Content reviewed by Alberto Moreno Gámez, health psychologist, registration no. AO-5524 · 17 October 2026