Hypnotherapy for Panic Attacks in London
Panic attacks can feel overwhelming. Many of the people who contact us describe a sudden surge of fear or discomfort that seems to arrive without warning. Some tell us they feel as though they are having a heart attack, while others describe dizziness, trembling, difficulty catching their breath, chest tightness or a feeling that they may lose control.
Although the experience can be frightening, many people have already been medically assessed before they come to see us and are looking for additional psychological support to help them understand and manage what they have been experiencing
What We Often See in Practice while Hypnotherapy for Panic Attacks
At City of London Hypnotherapy by The Clerkenwell Group, we see people from many different backgrounds who are experiencing panic attacks. Some have lived with them for years, while others have only recently begun experiencing them following a period of stress, illness, bereavement or a significant life change.
We often notice that panic attacks may begin to affect much more than the attack itself. Some people tell us they have started avoiding trains, meetings, supermarkets, restaurants or busy public places because they worry another panic attack might occur. Others describe becoming increasingly focused on physical sensations, constantly checking whether another episode is about to begin.
Over time, this cycle of anticipation and avoidance may begin to affect confidence, work, relationships and everyday life.
One of the questions clients often ask us is, “Why is this happening when I know I’m safe?” Others tell us, “It seems to come out of nowhere,” or “I’m frightened that I’ll have another panic attack.”
In our experience, many people understand logically that they are not in immediate danger, yet their body can still respond as though there is a threat. This can be confusing and frustrating, particularly when they cannot identify an obvious cause.
How Cognitive Hypnotherapy May Help
At our practice, we use Cognitive Hypnotherapy, an approach that combines hypnosis with evidence-informed psychological models. Rather than following exactly the same programme for everyone, we aim to understand the individual sitting in front of us and tailor therapy to their particular experiences, goals and circumstances.
Depending on the individual, sessions may involve:
Exploring possible triggers that could be contributing to panic
Identifying patterns of thinking, emotion and behaviour that may be maintaining the problem
Developing practical strategies that may help reduce feelings of overwhelm
Using hypnosis to encourage calmer and more helpful responses
Building confidence in situations that have become difficult
Reducing the fear of future panic attacks
Encouraging new ways of responding to anxious thoughts and physical sensations.
Many people describe panic as a cycle where the fear of the symptoms can sometimes become almost as distressing as the symptoms themselves. One area we may work on is helping clients develop a different relationship with those sensations so they may feel less intimidating over time.
Every Person's Experience Is Different
There is no single cause of panic attacks. For some people they may be linked with prolonged stress or anxiety, while for others they might appear following a specific event or without any obvious explanation.
For this reason, we believe it is important not to make assumptions. We take time to understand your own experiences, what has been happening in your life and what you would like to achieve from therapy before discussing the approaches that may be appropriate for you.
How Can We Help You Change?
Take the first step towards positive change. Fill in the contact form or call +020 750 30118 now. Your journey to a better you could start here!
Call us
+020 750 30118