
The Power of Anxiety – An Evening with Dr Sian Williams

Tuesday 6 October 2026
8-9.15pm
£14
Hazlitt Theatre
Join award-winning broadcaster, journalist and chartered psychologist Dr Sian Williams for an inspiring evening exploring one of the most misunderstood emotions we experience. In conversation with BBC South East presenter Ellie Crisell, Sian will discuss her bestselling book, The Power of Anxiety.
Anxiety can have an immense power, affecting the way we think, feel and behave. It keeps us inside, away from people, places and opportunities. Makes us question, doubt or criticize ourselves. Sends us into a sea of worry that threatens to overwhelm us. But what if we stopped trying to fight the waves and, instead, learned to ride them?
This compelling, warm and accessible book looks at anxiety differently. It helps us understand that rather than squaring up to anxiety, we should listen to what it is saying. And to start celebrating this unique sensitivity that makes us feel deeply and intensely. With tips, exercises, expert research and stories from those who've learnt how to ride the worry wave to thrive, this book will help you unlock the power of your anxiety.
'As a champion catastrophizer, I can confirm that this book is a godsend' Dawn French
'A must read and a great companion' Zoe Ball
'Terrific... If I could eat a book it would be this one' Derren Brown
'A wise, warm, compassionate guide to living well with anxiety' Emma Freud
'A chill pill in book form' Kathy Lette
''The perfect Anxiety Tool Kit. Sian's advice is accessible, soothing and spoken from the heart' Julia Bradbury
'A warm and comforting bundle of science, case studies and evidence-based tips' Professor Catherine Loveday
'A brilliant, thoughtful, generous human' Tim Minchin
DR SIAN WILLIAMS is an award-winning broadcast journalist and Chartered Counselling Psychologist. She's spent years supporting those living with anxiety, both in the UK's NHS and privately and has also worked with media organisations, governments and businesses to help prevent staff burnout.
Sian is also one of Britain's most trusted broadcasters, having spent four decades in TV and radio, including eleven years hosting BBC Breakfast. She now presents BBC Radio 4's Life Changing and BBC Radio 3 Unwind. Her first book Rise: Surviving and Thriving after Trauma was described by the Daily Mail as 'the book every woman MUST read'. Her second, The Power of Anxiety: How to Ride the Worry Wave was an instant Sunday Times bestseller. It is an empowering guide on how to live with anxiety well and harness your sensitivity as your strength.