Anxiety disorders and panic attacks

What is it?

Anxiety is a natural and necessary feeling that prepares us for danger. Nerves before an exam or tension before a big decision usually pass. But when anxiety becomes constant, shows up when there is no real threat, or clearly affects your sleep, work and relationships, support can help.

A panic attack is a wave of intense fear that builds within minutes. A racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness or a sense of losing control are common. After an attack, fear of having another one can lead people to avoid certain places or situations. This is exhausting to live with, but you are not alone and it is something that can be worked on.

Common signs

Frequent worries that are hard to stop
Sudden racing heart, breathlessness or intense fear
Avoiding places for fear of another attack
Muscle tension, restlessness, tiring easily
Trouble falling asleep or concentrating
A constant sense that something bad is about to happen

These signs alone do not mean a diagnosis; an assessment takes place in an in person or online session.

How can therapy help?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on noticing the thought and behaviour cycles that keep anxiety going, and on relating to them differently. Understanding the body's signals, reviewing catastrophic thoughts and gradually approaching avoided situations, at your own pace, can all be part of this work.

Psychodynamic (psychoanalytically informed) therapy looks at what lies behind the anxiety: past experiences, relationship patterns and feelings that are hard to notice. Together we try to understand what the anxiety may be telling you. In the first sessions we decide together which approach, or which combination, suits you.

Approaches I use in this area

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

A structured approach that looks at the link between thoughts, feelings and behaviour and works on changing unhelpful cycles.

Psychodynamic (psychoanalytically informed) therapy

An approach that explores how past experiences, relationship patterns and feelings outside our awareness shape the present.

When is extra support needed?

Symptoms of anxiety do not on their own mean a diagnosis, and a proper assessment can only be made in a session. If symptoms such as chest pain or breathlessness appear for the first time, it is important to see a doctor first to rule out physical causes. When anxiety seriously affects your daily functioning, medication may also be needed, and in that case I will refer you to a psychiatrist. If you feel that you or someone else is in danger, call 112 right away.

Frequently asked questions

Are panic attacks dangerous?

The physical sensations during a panic attack can be very frightening, but the attack itself usually settles within minutes. If you are experiencing symptoms for the first time, it is a good idea to see a doctor to make sure there is no physical cause.

Will I need medication for my anxiety?

That decision is made by a psychiatrist. For some people therapy alone is enough, for others medication and therapy work together. If I think it would help, I will refer you to a psychiatrist.

Will my anxiety go away completely?

Anxiety is a natural part of life. The aim is not to remove it entirely but to build a relationship with it where it no longer runs your life. Every process is different and no specific outcome can be guaranteed.

Every process is personal. Therapy does not guarantee a specific outcome, but it offers a safe space for change.