Hypnotherapy for dealing with panic attacks and panic disorder

Are you living with the fear of having another panic attack out of the blue? Do you restrict where you go, or what you do, in case you have a panic attack and put yourself and others in danger?

Are you afraid that you'll have a heart attack when you panic? Do you worry when you notice physical symptoms you associate with a panic attack eg shortness of breath, trembling, shaking, sweating, nausea or dizziness?

What is a panic attack?

You are not alone. About 10% of the UK population suffer from panic attacks, and they are twice as common in women between the ages of 15 and 35. In addition, 30% of panic attacks are associated with phobias. Panic attacks are sudden episodes of acute apprehension and intense fear, which last no more than a few moments, though it often feels like much longer when you're having one.

The official definition of a panic attack is four episodes in a four week period, experiencing four of the classic symptoms (eg heart palpitations, trembling, shaking, sweating, faintness, dizziness, nausea, feeling of being out of control).

It often seems as if they happen out of nowhere, with no apparent cause. Contributing factors can include being under stress for a long period of time, alcohol or drug misuse, or having an existing phobia eg agoraphobia (fear of being in open/public spaces) or emetophobia (fear of being sick/vomiting).

How hypnotherapy can help with panic attacks and panic disorder

Hypnotherapy is very effective for fear-based issues because it works with the subconscious mind to revise the thoughts, feelings and experiences that can contribute to panic attacks. It is also an excellent way to achieve deep relaxation, reducing the negative effects of adrenalin and fear on the mind and body, making you less fearful and reactive.

First, we use the deeply relaxed hypnotic state to help you learn to relax physically and mentally, so that you reduce your core levels of anxiety. This helps you to be more in control and less reactive in situations you find uncomfortable or frightening. Then, hypnotherapy can help you to safely and easily work with thoughts and experiences which trigger panic symptoms, including any previous instances of panic attacks.

The relaxed hypnotic trance is also a powerful tool to rehearse coping confidently with panic, so you can gradually begin to deal with real life situations of increasing difficulty. Hypnotherapy can also help you make necessary changes to your lifestyle, as these significantly impact your coping ability eg managing stress better, getting enough exercise, proper nutrition, good sleep, and realistic expectations around control and perfection.

The result is that with between 2 and 5 sessions, you feel better about yourself generally, and prove to yourself that you can cope. You find that you can be more in control whenever you encounter situations you were previously afraid of, and that you can start to live your life fully again, because the increasing ability to cope has a positive effect on your general health and well being.

For more information about hypnotherapy for panic attacks and panic disorder, or to book an appointment, contact Sian on 07725 732810 or email.

...I cannot thank Sian enough for helping me overcome my fear of speaking French. This resulted in me being able to enjoy a great holiday, unmarred by any major worry about speaking the language when required. I never thought that would be possible!...
[read more]

...I have to say that my recent therapy achieved far more than my expectations. After only three sessions, I have managed to put some very negative past experiences behind me, and I can already see huge positive changes in my outlook and ability to cope with anxiety and stressful situations...
[read more]