Hypnotherapy for Panic Attacks in Central London, Reading and Didcot
Panic attacks can feel sudden, intense and frightening. A racing heart, breathlessness, dizziness or a feeling of losing control may appear without warning, leaving you worried not only about the attack itself but also about when the next one might happen.
I help people understand and change the thoughts, emotional responses and automatic fear patterns connected to panic using cognitive hypnotherapy, NLP, positive psychology and practical mindset techniques.
Sessions are available in Central London, Reading, Didcot and online throughout the UK and internationally.
Call 07807 540142 or email me to ask a question or arrange a session.
Do Any of These Sound Familiar?
- Sudden panic that appears to come from nowhere
- A racing or pounding heartbeat
- Shortness of breath or breathing very quickly
- Dizziness, nausea or feeling faint
- Sweating, trembling or tingling sensations
- Feeling detached from yourself or your surroundings
- Fear of losing control, fainting or dying
- Avoiding places in case an attack happens
- Constantly monitoring your body for warning signs
- Living in fear of the next panic attack
Panic symptoms are real physical and emotional experiences. They are not a sign of weakness or a failure to cope.
The Fear-of-Fear Cycle
A panic attack can activate the body’s threat response very quickly. The physical sensations then become frightening, which can intensify the response. A racing heart may lead to the thought that something terrible is happening; that thought creates more adrenaline, which makes the heart beat faster.
After an attack, it is understandable to become alert for signs of another one. You may check your breathing, heartbeat or surroundings. You may avoid travel, shops, meetings, social events or unfamiliar places “just in case”.
Avoidance can bring temporary relief, but it may also teach the mind that the situation really was dangerous. Gradually, the fear of panic can become as limiting as the attacks themselves.
This cycle frequently overlaps with anxiety, social anxiety, stress and overthinking.
What Can Trigger Panic Attacks?
There is not always one obvious cause. Panic may be connected to prolonged pressure, a frightening experience, bereavement, relationship difficulties, illness, work stress or a period of feeling trapped or overwhelmed. Sometimes the first attack appears unexpectedly and the ongoing difficulty develops from worrying about it happening again.
Lack of sleep, exhaustion, caffeine, alcohol, some medications and physical health conditions may also affect symptoms. Panic can occur alongside insomnia, depression or low mood, health anxiety, agoraphobia and other phobias.
New, severe or unexplained symptoms should not automatically be assumed to be panic. Speak to a GP or another appropriate healthcare professional, particularly if you are concerned about chest pain, fainting, breathing difficulties or another physical symptom.
How Hypnotherapy May Help with Panic
Hypnotherapy uses focused attention and relaxation to help settle mental noise and work with automatic emotional responses. You remain aware, in control and able to speak or stop throughout the session.
Rather than fighting the sensations or forcing yourself to “calm down”, we can explore how the panic pattern works for you and help your mind develop a different response.
- Reducing fear of physical sensations
- Interrupting catastrophic thoughts
- Calming automatic threat responses
- Changing associations linked to places or situations
- Building confidence in your ability to cope
- Reducing avoidance in manageable stages
- Preparing for travel, work or social situations
- Developing practical responses for future anxiety
Hypnotherapy, NLP and Practical Mindset Work
I combine cognitive hypnotherapy with NLP, positive psychology and practical mindset techniques. Every session is tailored to the individual; I do not use a generic script.
NLP can help us identify how thoughts, language, attention and interpretation turn a sensation into a threat. Hypnotherapy can help work with the automatic fear response beneath conscious thought. Positive psychology and coaching help strengthen confidence, resilience and the ability to apply change in everyday life.
The objective is not to promise that you will never feel anxious again. Anxiety is a normal human response. The aim is to help you stop interpreting every anxious sensation as dangerous and feel more able to choose what you do next.
What Happens During a Session?
- We discuss what has been happening and how panic affects your life.
- We identify triggers, sensations, thoughts and avoidance patterns.
- We explore what may be maintaining the fear response.
- We use hypnotherapy, NLP or mindset techniques suited to you.
- We develop practical responses for situations outside the session.
- We review changes and decide what support will be useful next.
Some people notice meaningful changes within a few sessions. More established or complicated difficulties may require longer or additional clinical support. There is no pressure to explain everything perfectly before we begin.
What a Client Said
“I had two sessions with Matthew to help deal with my anxiety. I feel that in just a short amount of time he has helped me and given me the tools to control my anxiety. I fully recommend Matthew if you need guidance and help with your wellbeing.”
Josh — five-star review, December 2023
Testimonials describe individual experiences. Results vary and no particular outcome can be guaranteed.
Sessions in London, Reading, Didcot and Online
- Central London: Mayfair and Westminster
- Reading: In-person sessions for Reading and the surrounding Berkshire area
- Didcot: In-person sessions for Didcot and the surrounding Oxfordshire area
- Online: Private sessions throughout the UK and internationally
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a panic attack last?
The NHS says most panic attacks last between 5 and 20 minutes, although some may last longer. Symptoms that concern you should be medically assessed rather than automatically attributed to panic.
Is hypnotherapy safe?
Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process. You remain aware, in control and able to stop at any time.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no fixed number. Some people notice useful changes within a few sessions, while complex or long-standing panic may require longer or support from several sources.
Can sessions help with fear of another attack?
Yes, this anticipatory fear is often central to the panic cycle. We can work with how you interpret sensations, situations and uncertainty while gradually rebuilding confidence.
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes. Sessions are available online as well as in Central London, Reading and Didcot.
Related Support
- Anxiety
- Social Anxiety
- Stress
- Insomnia
- Depression and Low Mood
- Phobias
- Therapy and Coaching for Overthinking
Start Feeling Safer and More in Control
If panic attacks or fear of another attack are restricting your choices, you are welcome to ask a question before deciding whether to book. We can discuss what is happening and whether my approach is appropriate for you.
Call 07807 540142 or email me today.
Important Information
Excel Mindset does not diagnose panic disorder and does not provide emergency mental-health or medical services. Hypnotherapy is complementary and does not replace assessment, medication, CBT or care from a GP or appropriately qualified mental-health professional.
If you are experiencing new or severe physical symptoms, seek medical advice. Call 999 or attend A&E if there is an immediate danger or medical emergency.
Read current NHS information about panic disorder.