Stress - Anxiety | La Clinique Naturelle

Stress is a part of life and can, at times, be a normal reaction to a demanding situation. When it becomes too intense, lasts too long, or doesn’t give the body time to recover, it can affect sleep, digestion, muscle pain, concentration, emotions, and even quality of life.

At La Clinique Naturelle, we offer personalized care through a variety of complementary therapies. Depending on your situation, one or more approaches may be considered, always in conjunction with conventional medicine when necessary.

Online appointment

How can stress manifest itself?

Symptoms vary from person to person and may change over time.

These may include, among other things:

muscle tension or pain (neck, shoulders, back, etc.);
headaches;
persistent fatigue or a feeling of exhaustion;
difficulty falling asleep or poorer sleep quality;
digestive problems (bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, etc.);
heart palpitations or faster breathing;
difficulty concentrating or memory problems;
ruminations or intrusive thoughts;
irritability or increased emotional sensitivity;
a feeling of anxiety or of being overwhelmed;
a loss of motivation or difficulty making decisions.

Stress does not manifest itself the same way in everyone.

Stress can affect people in very different ways. Some experience mainly physical tension, while others experience digestive problems, sleep difficulties, anxiety, or persistent fatigue. For many people, several of these symptoms occur at the same time.

What are some possible causes of stress?

Stress occurs when a person perceives that a situation exceeds their ability to cope with it. There are many causes, and they vary from person to person. The same situation may be experienced as very stressful by some and much less so by others.

Stress can be related to, among other things:

a heavy workload or work-related difficulties;
family responsibilities or changes in one's personal life;
health problems or an illness affecting a loved one;
financial difficulties;
a lack of sleep or accumulated fatigue;
life events such as a move, a breakup, or the loss of a loved one;
an accumulation of several factors over an extended period.

In many situations, there is no single cause. Stress often results from a combination of several factors that develop gradually and can eventually affect one’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Our Approach at Clinique Naturelle

Stress is a unique experience for each individual. Two people facing a similar situation may react very differently and have different needs.

That is why we always prioritize personalized care. Depending on your situation, one or more complementary therapies may be recommended, and, when appropriate, several therapists may work together to provide you with a comprehensive care plan, always in conjunction with conventional medicine.

We're here to listen to you

We take the time to understand your situation.

We analyze your situation

Your symptoms, your lifestyle, and your goals.

We provide personalized support

One or more therapies, depending on your needs.

Therapists can collaborate

When applicable.

We tailor your care plan

Depending on your progress.

Complementary therapies that may be part of your treatment plan:

1. Promote a better overall balance

These approaches aim to address physical factors, lifestyle, and the body’s ability to adapt in order to restore a better physical and emotional balance.

Nutrition

To find a diet that's right for your situation.

Stress can alter eating habits, trigger sugar cravings, disrupt digestion, or increase fatigue. Conversely, a balanced diet helps the body and brain function properly.

Depending on your situation, nutritional counseling can help you identify certain imbalances, adjust your diet, and achieve a better balance in your daily life.

Learn About Nutrition

Naturopathy

To make changes to your overall lifestyle.

Stress is influenced by many factors, such as sleep, diet, physical activity, and emotional balance. Naturopathy offers a personalized approach that takes all of these factors into account to identify habits that may contribute to maintaining stress.

Depending on your situation, your naturopath can help you implement recommendations tailored to your lifestyle in order to support your body’s natural ability to adapt.

Discover Naturopathy

TCM

To promote a better overall balance.

In traditional Chinese medicine, stress is addressed holistically. Depending on your situation, acupuncture, Tuina, or herbal medicine may be recommended to help restore balance to the body.

The choice of techniques always depends on your situation and the therapist’s assessment.

Discover Traditional Chinese Medicine

2. Develop strategies to better manage stress

These support services can help you better understand the mechanisms of stress and develop practical tools for coping with it on a daily basis.

Sophrology

To develop tools to better manage stress.

Sophrology offers breathing, relaxation, and visualization exercises that can help people better manage their stress responses and develop coping strategies for everyday situations.

It can be offered on its own or as part of a more comprehensive support program, depending on your needs.

Discover Sophrology

Psychology

To better understand what you're going through.

Stress can have a significant impact on your emotions, relationships, and daily life. Psychological counseling provides a safe space for listening and discussion, allowing you to better understand what’s going on, identify specific stressors, and develop strategies tailored to your situation.

Our support is always personalized and tailored to your pace and goals.

Discover Psychology

Hypnosis

To tap into your resources when dealing with stress.

Hypnosis is an approach that can be offered to help certain people manage stress. It aims to foster a specific state of concentration that allows individuals to explore certain resources and work on mechanisms or habits that may contribute to stress.

Depending on your situation, it can be incorporated into a personalized support plan.

Discover Hypnosis

3. Alleviate the physical symptoms of stress

When stress manifests as muscle tension, pain, or a feeling of tightness, certain approaches can help improve physical comfort and promote relaxation.

Therapeutic Massage

To relieve physical tension caused by stress.

Stress is often accompanied by muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, or back. Therapeutic massages can help relieve this tension, promote relaxation, and provide a moment of well-being.

Depending on your situation, these services may be offered on their own or as part of a more comprehensive support package.

Discover therapeutic massage

Foot Reflexology

To promote relaxation and stress relief.

Reflexology is a hands-on therapy based on the stimulation of reflex zones, primarily located on the feet. It can be used to promote relaxation, relieve certain tensions, and provide a moment of rest and relaxation.

Depending on your situation, it can complement other approaches as part of a personalized support plan.

Discover Reflexology

What Makes Our Support So Effective

Qualified and dedicated therapists,

ASCA- and/or RME-certified professionals who regularly consult with one another when appropriate to provide you with consistent support.

A wide variety of complementary therapies,

enabling us to develop a personalized support plan tailored to your specific challenges, needs, and progress.

An organization committed to a quality-focused approach,

with a common operating charter that ensures a rigorous working framework and respect for each therapist’s area of expertise.

A complementary approach to conventional medicine,

which is never a substitute for a medical diagnosis, follow-up, or treatment, and promotes coordinated care when appropriate.

When should you see a doctor?

If you experience severe symptoms, it is important to seek conventional medical care as soon as possible. This is necessary both to rule out an underlying condition (such as depression) and to avoid waiting until your condition worsens and leads to more severe symptoms or even a disease.

While we cannot avoid stressful situations, complementary therapies can serve as tools to help our bodies better cope with stressors.

What is stress?

Stress is a very broad concept. It refers to all our body's reactions (biological and psychological) to pressure/aggression from a physical, psychological or physiological agent.

These reactions are response mechanisms that vary for each individual and can lead to different emotions.

These response mechanisms are the body's physiological responses. They seek to maintain the body's biological balance through adaptation.

According to Dr. Hans Selye, endocrinologist at the Institute of Medicine and Experimental Surgery in Montreal, Canada, and a pioneer in stress research, the work of adaptation involves three phases connected to nervous pathways (sympathetic system) and hormonal pathways (hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands): alarm, resistance and exhaustion.

Stress affects both our mental and physical health.

As we saw earlier, there are many stress triggers, and they vary from person to person. There are two types of stress: positive and negative. “Good” stress can lead to finding new solutions and making progress. “Bad” stress puts us in a zone of risk and/or danger.

If the stressor persists, the body adapts and increases our resistance.

If we are able to manage the stressor, the body relaxes, and our internal rhythm returns to normal. We then gradually regain our vital energy.
When stress becomes chronic, the symptoms can become more serious, such as heart rhythm disorders, high blood pressure, ulcers, insomnia, skin conditions, and more…

FAQ – Stress and Anxiety

Does this support replace medical care?Alizée VincentJune 18, 2026, 5:51:04 p.m. +02:00

Does this support replace medical care?

No, it is complementary and can be incorporated into medical or psychological care.

Can I seek counseling for anxiety attacks?Alizée VincentJune 18, 2026, 5:50:44 PM +02:00

Can I seek counseling for anxiety attacks?

Yes, these therapies aim to reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures by addressing triggers and the nervous system.

How many sessions are required?Alizée VincentJune 18, 2026, 5:50:20 PM +02:00

How many sessions are required?

It depends on the intensity and duration of the stress. Some people feel relief as early as the first few sessions.

Can complementary therapies really reduce anxiety?Alizée VincentJune 18, 2026, 5:50:00 PM +02:00

Can complementary therapies really reduce anxiety?

Yes, by addressing the nervous system and physical tension, it is possible to achieve a lasting reduction in anxiety symptoms.

What does a stress assessment involve?Alizée VincentJune 18, 2026, 5:49:39 PM +02:00

What does a stress assessment involve?

The consultation consists of a 30-minute discussion with our therapist to understand your situation, followed by a recommendation for one or more treatments (acupuncture, sophrology, etc.) based on your needs.

Further information

Understanding the Topic

Educational articles written by our therapists to help you better understand this topic and answer the most frequently asked questions:

Additional Resources

Explore a selection of carefully chosen external resources to better understand this approach and related topics:

On Managing Emotions | A Podcast with Maud Ankaoua
Frédéric Lenoir: “Meditation is a very effective tool for combating stress and anxiety”

Do you have a question?

Contact our front desk

Are you unsure about a therapy?
Would you like to know how a session works, find out about rates and reimbursement from supplemental insurance, or get information about your treatment plan?

Our therapy coordinators are available Monday through Friday to answer your questions and provide guidance.

Call us

Would you like to be referred to the most appropriate therapy?

Free Career Assessment – 30 minutes

Are you dealing with a specific issue, or are you unsure which approach to take?

Take advantage of a free consultation with Marie-Anne Geiser, naturopath and founder of La Clinique Naturelle.

This consultation allows us to assess your situation, answer your questions, and, if necessary, develop a personalized treatment plan by referring you to the therapy or therapies best suited to your needs.

Request a Free Assessment

Stress: What complementary therapies are available to help you in Geneva?