Lay summary
Anxiety disorders are very common in New Zealand, affecting up to 25% of the population over a lifetime. However, only a small percentage of people living with anxiety receive adequate treatment, and the development of affordable interventions in primary care is a national priority. Sensory modulation is an innovative practice which supports the self-management of anxiety using sensory-based tools and strategies. The full study will evaluate a six session sensory modulation intervention compared with a cognitive-behavioural intervention, for primary care patients with anxiety. The feasibility study will trial aspects of the research design and intervention to address issues related to recruitment, acceptability and utility of intervention, cost of intervention resources, measurement of secondary impact and sample size. The study will contribute to the development of sensory modulation as an affordable and promising intervention for anxiety in primary care.