Counselling for panic attacks
Counselling for panic attacks – learn how to manage your panic attacks, identify the root cause, its symptoms & triggers
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Counselling for panic attacks explained
Everyone experiences feelings of anxiety and panic at certain times; it’s a natural response to stressful or dangerous situations. But if you experience severe feelings of anxiety, stress and panic regularly at any time, often, and for no apparent reason, you are likely to be suffering from a panic disorder.A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. Panic attacks often occur without warning and start for no apparent reason or can be triggered by something specific such as a large social event. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you’re losing control, having a heart attack or, in most extreme cases, dying. An attack can usually last for 5 or 10 minutes, though some come in waves over an hour or so.Panic attacks are usually accompanied by a range of symptoms such as:● Palpitations● Shortness of breath or choking● Sweating, trembling, feeling sick, dizzy or faint● Numbness or pins and needles● Chest pains● Fear of dying or going mad, seeming unreal or detached● Hyperventilating
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Hyperventilating in more detail
Hyperventilating is a typical response that can lead to new symptoms, such as confusion or cramps, as well as more of the same symptoms; making them worse and making you hyperventilate even more and become more panicky.
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Our approach to treating panic attacks and how a panic disorder specialist can help
Feelings such as worry, anxiousness, fear or panic can be mild, moderate or severe. The emotions of panic and anxiety can be constant, long term and can affect people’s daily life. At Pinnacle, you’ll work collaboratively with a trained panic disorder specialist who will help guide you through your therapy. You’ll learn how to manage your panic attacks, identify the root cause, its symptoms and triggers.
A panic attack therapy case study
This female client suffered from panic attacks and anxiety, particularly when dealing with stressful situations such as work presentations, queuing in supermarkets or travelling on the tube. She had experienced these feelings regularly though the symptoms seemed to become particularly acute on a cyclical basis, approximately every two to three years.The client was referred by her doctor after having been signed off work for two weeks with stress. She had previously been prescribed anti-depressants but, whilst they seemed to reduce the level of her anxiety, they had never fully eradicated it. She wanted to deal with her problems for the long-term.We recommended eight sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy focused on teaching her practical coping techniques, challenging her prevailing beliefs and behaviours, and setting regular homework in between sessions to gradually desensitise her to the original stimuli. We also undertook two sessions of hypnotherapy to deal with the blushing she experienced when anxious. She is now able to travel comfortably on public transport and has not reported any feelings of anxiety or blushing in over six months since completing the therapy.
Together, our network of therapists have treated thousands of patients
Client success stories
“I just wanted to thank you for all your help. I really feel like I’m getting better and starting to become the person who I really am.”
“I’m so grateful to Pinnacle for giving me the chance to get rid of my fears and for my new found confidence.”
“The best investment I have ever made, how can you put a price on quality of life? Would recommend for anyone suffering from anxiety.”
How we treat panic disorder treatment therapy
We know that ‘one size doesn’t fit all’ and that each of our clients is different and has their own set of unique needs and circumstances. We treat panic attacks holistically and often blend therapies together. Typically we use a combination of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and hypnotherapy, EMDR as well as psychotherapy and counselling techniques. This is called integrative counselling, and is used so every client gets the treatment that works best for them.
What can you expect from a counselling for anxiety and panic attacks session
Our panic and anxiety counselling sessions are tailored to suit your needs. We work with individuals, couples, and teens. Our sessions usually last from 30 minutes to an hour; and our courses usually consist of around 6 to 12 sessions.
“I had suffered from panic attacks for 10 years, they were ruining my life. I never believed I would lead a normal life. I was too scared to go out of the house, unable to work and lost touch with all my friends because they didn’t understand what was wrong with me.
I saw Richard because I was recommended to him, and didn’t really expect too much, but was pleasantly surprised… Even after the very first session I felt a lot better, and for the first time I actually had hope, he actually understood me and knew what I was going through, he specialises in this field…
Now six months later I am leading a normal life… I have Richard to thank for giving me back normality, and I now appreciate life every day. This was the best investment I have ever made – how can you put a value on quality of life – and would recommend him to anyone suffering from anxiety. Thank you Richard.”
Nicola, Teddington, London
