Panic Attack Treatment in London & Online
Panic attacks are very common sharp increase in anxiety. Anxiety levels become very high but usually short-lived. They are often a scary and very overwhelming experience. After experiencing one panic attack, people may go on to worry they will have more panic attacks. When this occurs and the panic attacks arise with no known trigger then a person may be given the diagnosis of panic disorder. Panic attacks and panic disorder can have a significant negative impact upon people’s lives. If you are struggling with panic attacks, our London based and online therapists are highly experienced in helping people recover. We use the most evidence-based, effective approaches, such as CBT, for panic attacks/disorder. Treatment for panic attacks can enable you to combat this debilitating condition and not let it hold you back from living a full life.
Work with our qualified Panic Attack psychologists today.
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COVID-19 notice: Online Therapy & Counselling now offered for continued care
Discover Panic Attack Treatment
What are Panic Attacks?
Panic attacks involve a sudden strong increase in anxiety/fear/panic. We may be able to identify the trigger for panic attacks, but they can also occur when there is no identifiable trigger.
What are the Symptoms of Panic Disorder?
During panic episodes, people can experience the following physical symptoms:
- struggle to breathe
- feel dizzy
- feel nauseous
- have palpitations
- have an urge to go to the toilet
- feel numb
- have tingling sensations
- feel faint
These physical symptoms are the body’s response to a perceived threat and, although highly unpleasant, they are not dangerous. However, these physical symptoms can lead to fears that one may stop breathing, faint, have a heart attack, die, become out of control/crazy or vomit. These fears, in turn, can intensify the unpleasant physical symptoms, which can further fuel the fears.
After one or several panic attacks, a fear of having future panic attacks may develop. As a result, people may avoid situations altogether where they fear they are likely to experience another panic attack or go into feared situations whilst taking precautions. For example, if going into a group setting, an individual who fears they might have a panic attack may position themselves near to the exit so they can escape quickly should panic set in. Following experiencing one or many panic attack(s), a person may lose their confidence in situations where they may have previously not have had a problem with confidence.
What Causes Panic Attacks?
There is no single known cause of panic attacks for everyone. However, several factors are believed to be important in the development of panic attacks, with the impact of these being different from person to person:
Genetic Factors: Although no single gene has been identified to cause panic attacks, studies show that if you have a first-degree relative who experiences them, this makes it more likely that you will experience them at some point in your life
Psychological Factors: Various psychological factors, often looked at in panic attacks therapy are thought to lead to more likely developing panic attacks. These include:
- chronic stress
- being taught from a young age that internal physical sensations are worrying and should be paid close attention to
- being encouraged to rest and recover at the early sign of any different physical sensation
- having another existing mental health difficulty, such as depression, OCD, PTSD, phobias, generalised anxiety disorder and social anxiety
- having a strong internal focus/being hypervigilant to changes in your body
- low self-esteem
Environmental Factors:
- Experiencing a recent bereavement
- Facing a major stressful life event, e.g. loss of a job, moving home, breakdown in a relationship
- Having a physical illness
When Should I Get a Panic Attack Treatment?
It can be helpful to seek help for panic attacks, whether your struggle with these has just begun or whether you have been struggling with this condition for some time. If you relate to any of the signs of panic attacks outlined above, then it can be beneficial to seek psychological therapy so that they no longer have a hold on you.
Panic Attacks Therapy: What does it Involve?
Therapy for panic attacks is often based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT for Panic Attacks is supported by strong evidence of its effectiveness on adults, including from randomised control trials [1].
CBT for Panic Disorder often involves psychoeducation firstly. For instance, learning that the unpleasant physical sensations are your body’s normal response to a perceived threat and are not dangerous. It’s actually your body trying to protect you!
While progressing on your Panic Attack Treatment, relaxation techniques are introduced to help reduce the unpleasant physical symptoms. With your therapist, you will address your fears through questioning and challenging them using cognitive techniques. One way to challenge your fears is by testing them out via gradually confronting your fears. This phase of therapy for panic is one that includes behavioural and exposure techniques.
You will learn that although avoiding situations and taking precautions when entering feared situations help to ease anxiety in the short term, in the longer term, they keep the anxiety going. This is how a Panic Vicious Cycle is maintained. Your therapist will guide you to gradually confront these situations and rely less on precautions. This will help you improve your anxiety and confidence.
Confronting your fears may sound scary and is the opposite of what your brain and body are telling you to do. However, while working in therapy for panic attacks, you will see that this is will soon get you on the road to recovery. You are not alone. Your therapist will be by your side in helping you decide when it is the right time to take the next step.
What are the Benefits of Panic Attacks Treatment?
Research and clinical experience show that people can gain various benefits from therapy for panic attacks:
- Reduction in the frequency of panic attacks
- More control over anxiety and panic
- Ability to face previously feared situations with less anxiety and panic
- Improved quality of life
- Improved confidence
How Long does Therapy for Panic Attacks Last?
Some people can make a significant improvement during panic attacks treatment in around six sessions. However, others may need more sessions to allow more time to learn more tools to tackle this condition and ensure it does not return in the future, to prevent relapse. Usually, between six and sixteen sessions have shown to be highly effective to recover from panic attacks.
Our therapists specialised in Panick Attack
All of our therapists are qualified psychologists, psychotherapists or counsellors registered with several professional bodies. These include the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the British Psychological Society (BPS), as well as, BACP, UKCP and BABCP.
Our therapists use CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), psychodynamic, humanistic and integrative approaches tailored around your needs to help you deal with your unique challenges and reach your goals.
Testimonials
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The Therapist l had was absolutely brilliant with me. He had patience with me and bit by bit l gained a little of confidence to try and get out and go on the buses.
He deserves an award and if l could l would in the beginning l thought how is this person going to get me back on public transport but he did he gave me the confidence l lost and now have back.
I will never forget him and what he has done for me. I wish him nothing but the best in his life.
(Patricia)
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My therapist was excellent. I highly recommend her and I am truly thankful for my sessions, I left feeling confident and positive.
The mental tools, systems and approaches I have been able to develop with her and use in my life have been hugely beneficial.
Thank you to all at Therapy Central.
(John)
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The Therapist really gave me the space to talk and express my feelings and fears in a very comforting environment.
She was there not only to listen, but challenge my thinking, guide me during the uncertainty I was experiencing and give me useful and practical tips to improve my mental health and wellbeing. Highly recommended!
(George)
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Working with the therapist has been a life-changing experience. Each session has been invaluable, helping me gain a good understanding of CBT methodology enabling me to incorporate ways to combat stress and anxiety in my daily life.
The Therapist shows that she really cares and has the ability to make you feel calm whilst discussing any personal issue.
(Richard)
Fees & Insurances
Therapy, Counselling and CBT sessions are 50 minutes long and are usually held at regular weekly time slots.
Free
15 Minute initial
Phone consultation
£95
Psychological Therapy/
Counselling (Self-funded)
£115
Couples Therapy/
Family Therapy
Covered by
Your Private Healthcare Insurance Provider
Panic Attack Treatment in London & Online
If you are looking for therapy for Panic Attacks in London or Online, at Therapy Central we can help you learn the strategies you need to start managing your symptoms and break the vicious cycles which maintain them. As a result, you’ll be able to make the crucial changes to bring balance and fulfilment back into your life. No one should face Panic attacks alone.
Get professional help and Panic Attack Treatment in London or Online today. Contact us for a free 15 min consultation with an expert Panic Disorder Therapist to see if our help would fit your needs. You can also get in touch via email at info@therapy-central.com or call us at (+44) 020 348 82797.
COVID-19 notice: Online and Telephone Panic Attack Treatment and CBT is now provided for continued care, support and safety. We’re here to help. No matter what.
FAQ
What happens after I make an enquiry?
After receiving your enquiry, we’ll contact you to organise a FREE phone consultation. You will tell us more about your specific circumstances and needs and ask any questions you have. Then, if you want to proceed with therapy or counselling, we’ll match you with the therapist(s) with the best expertise to help you with your challenges and send you a list of their available appointment slots. If you’re satisfied with one of these, we can then go ahead and book your first appointment. You can also request to work with a specific practitioner, and, depending on availability, we’ll try to accommodate this.
What happens at my first appointment with the therapist?
Your first session will likely be different from future appointments. You and your therapist will get to know each other and will begin to build a working alliance. It will be a chance to have the confidential space to express your circumstances, feelings and thoughts and being listened to with depth, attention, empathy and without judgement. Your therapist will likely ask you more about your reasons for seeking therapy and any symptoms you’re experiencing. You may also be asked questions about your past and the history of your issues, as well as how they currently impact your life in the present. Finally, your first session may be a powerful place to discuss what you would like to achieve with therapy and agree on the length, methods, and treatment approaches.
Is online therapy effective?
If you choose online over in-person therapy, rest assured that this has been proven to be just as effective as regular face to face therapy, and in some cases, even more effective. Also, choosing online therapy brings additional benefits, for example, avoiding long waiting times, greater flexibility with appointments, and you won’t need to travel to our practice. You can enjoy online therapy from the comfort of your home.
How long the Therapy/counselling sessions last?
Therapy/counselling sessions last 50 minutes and are held at regular weekly time slots. On occasions, we can allow some flexibility. You can discuss this with your therapist.
Do you offer reduced rates/concessions?
We offer low-cost rates at £60 per session to people with a low income, unemployed, students and NHS workers. Please highlight in your enquiry if you would like a concession rate and how you qualify for this. Depending on the availability of our therapists, we’ll do our best to accommodate your request.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
We have a 48 hours no-fee cancellation policy. However, you will be charged for sessions missed without giving the full notice.
Our Practice in Central London
Our comfortable and confidential therapy rooms are conveniently located 3 min walk from Oxford Circus station, in Central London (see map below). Change starts with Talking!
Authors:
Dr Amy Smith, Counselling Psychologist
Dr Raffaello Antonino, Counselling Psychologist
Learn more:
Other issues we work with at Therapy Central
Learn more about how CBT works
References:
[1] Otte, C. (2011). Cognitive behavioral therapy in anxiety disorders: current state of the evidence. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, 13(4), 413.
Credits:
