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Psychotherapist and Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist in Chelsea, Central London

Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy for Panic Disorders in Central London

Panic disorder is a common anxiety disorder in which individuals experience at least two unexpected panic attacks followed by at least one month of worrying about having additional attacks, along with other mental and behavioural changes related to the attacks. People who develop panic disorder become highly avoidant of anything that might trigger anxiety sensations and might even end up being scared to leave their home or avoiding activities such as going to the gym or socializing. These actions actually maintain their anxiety response.

Some of the clients I work with often describe how, even if they haven’t had a panic attack for a while, the fear of having another attack adds more worry and anxiety which can start to rule their life.

What is the Difference between a Panic Disorder and Panic Attack?

A panic attack may be an isolated issue or a recurring symptom of panic disorder. A panic attack is a brief episode of intensely uncomfortable and distressing anxiety accompanied by a variety of specific physical and psychological symptoms

The attack usually begins abruptly (within 10 minutes or so) and rapidly builds to a peak the entire episode usually last less than half an hour.

What are the symptoms of Panic Attacks?

Panic attacks are diagnosed if four or more of the following symptoms occur:

Shortness of breath
Shaking or trembling
Hoy or cold flushes
Pounding heart
Nausea or abdominal discomfort
Blurred vision
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded

Sleep disturbance
Fear you might lose control or become insane
Feeling detached from yourself
Numbness or tingling sensations
Pain in the chest
Racing thoughts

“Approximately 50% of panic disordered clients also experience symptoms of agoraphobia, also 95% of agoraphobics report panic attacks.” — Antony and Swinson, 2000

But there is Hope…

Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (CBH) tailored for Panic Attacks has proven to be extremely successful and is widely considered the treatment of choice. I use CBT intervention techniques, such as cognitive, behavioural, experiential, and problem-solving approaches, combined with Hypnotherapy.

Helping clients understand their problem better is very empowering when dealing with panic attacks. I will help you discover and correct the negative and distorted thoughts you are experiencing, both through discussion and under hypnosis. You will learn that panic attacks are harmless and partly self-induced as a result of catastrophic cognition. For example, fainting is an adaptive mechanism, and the worst that can happen is a brief feeling of disorientation.

You will also gain insight into the factors that maintain panic attacks, such as Safety Seeking Behaviours. Additionally, you will practice deep relaxation techniques and Hypnosis, as achieving relaxation is fundamental to every aspect of anxiety treatment.

Furthermore, you will acquire the ability to practice Self-hypnosis for deep relaxation and to facilitate rapid positive change by incorporating specific positive and powerful hypnotic suggestions.