A panic attack is a sudden and intense feeling of terror, fear, or apprehension, without the presence of actual danger. The symptoms of a panic attack are very intense with sudden onset. Panic attacks usually peak and subside within 10 minutes. Physical responses in the body include palpitations, dizziness, sweating, choking, trembling or shaking and breathlessness.
During a panic attack, a person may feel as though they are suffocating, having a heart-attack or indeed dying. Sufferers of panic attacks feel their symptoms so intensely that they call emergency services for help and following physical examination paramedics can find nothing wrong.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)
A panic attack is characterised by a “surge of intense fear or intense discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes”
Symptoms of Panic Attacks
The experience can vary from one person to the next, but some of the most common symptoms include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Chills or hot sensations
- Feeling of choking
- Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint
- Fear of dying
- Fear of losing control or going crazy
- Feelings of being detached from oneself
- Nausea or abdominal distress
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
- Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
Treatment for Panic Attacks
Evidence based clinical hypnotherapy and psychotherapy is effective in the treatment of panic attacks. It focuses on:
– Alleviatingthe underlying anxiety triggering panic attacks
– Minimising the occurrence of panic attacks
– Reducing the persistent worry about having additional panic attacks
– Removing the need for avoidant safety behaviours and activities
Record Numbers of Students Seek Emotional Support for Anxiety and Depression
The emotional health and well-being of students is being tested since COVID-19 arrived. The pandemic has impacted many factors of their educational experience leaving some students feeling stressed, anxious, lonely and depressed.
Ordinarily, students embrace the new experience of living and studying away from home with great enthusiasm and excitement. Students enjoy growing and developing as they find their feet in a whole new world of education. They learn to budget and cook as well as many other life skills.
The unexpected challenges students are experiencing with online studies, lack of normal supports as well as financial pressures are immense. Not only that, they too are afraid of contracting the virus or being in quarantine.
The shine has certainly been taken off the experience of going to college. It should be about new opportunities, new friends and positive experiences not distance learning and isolation, leaving them feeling emotional, alone and vulnerable.
Many student quit college or university because they do not get off to the best start. This academic year, it is more important than ever that students understand themselves and how they respond to stress and pressure. They need to know that many others are feeling the same way. The pandemic is triggering intense emotional experiences for many of us. Students are not alone.
Self care is essential; sleep, exercise and routine have never been more important. Keeping in touch with friends and family is important. Engaging in hobbies and online social gatherings can help.
Colleges and universities may provide support services which you can access. If not, please do not hesitate to contact me. I may not be in your area, however we can use video calling facilities or I can put you in touch with a qualified and registered therapist in your local area.
Gain Freedom from Social Anxiety
What Is the Best Therapy for Social Anxiety?
It’s completely normal to want to make a good impression in social settings. In fact, mild anxiety in social situations is part of being human. But when the fear of being judged, rejected, humiliated, or embarrassed becomes overwhelming, it may be a sign of social anxiety disorder.
Free from social anxiety. Live calmly, confidently and authentically you
For many, social anxiety doesn’t just cause discomfort — it can disrupt everyday life. It can prevent people from forming relationships, attending events, or progressing in their careers. The good news is, with the right approach, social anxiety is highly treatable.
What Does Social Anxiety Feel Like?
- Excessive fear of negative judgment
- Avoidance of social situations
- Physical symptoms such as blushing, sweating, or trembling
- Overthinking before, during, and after social interactions
- Low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy
Many would prefer to be anywhere else than at a party, a work event, or even a small group gathering. The internal stress can be exhausting, and over time, these patterns can lead to isolation, burnout, and shame.
The Roots of Social Anxiety
It is important understand our conditioning in the critical years of youth. People often suppress their true feelings to please others in childhood. It may have been used as a survival mechanism when younger, a way to please the adults in our lives, but it can result in lifelong patterns of social anxiety, people-pleasing and emotion disconnection.
“We develop social anxiety when we believe that who we are is not acceptable to others. We become afraid to be seen.”
What Is the Best Therapy for Social Anxiety?
The most effective outcomes come from an integrated blend of therapies suited to each person.
As someone who has worked with people for over 20 years, I understand how unique every person’s story is. No two people are the same — and so no two approaches should be either. Whether your anxiety began in childhood or has been triggered more recently, your experience with be heard, understood, and gently supported.
If you’re searching for social anxiety help near me, here are the therapeutic approaches I combine to support lasting change — based on what will suit you best.
“When we suppress our unique selves growing up in order to fit in, we experience anxiety, depression, and a loss of self.”
Top Therapies for Social Anxiety
1. Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy helps quiet the inner critic and tap into your subconscious patterns. It’s a gentle yet powerful way to:
- Reduce automatic fear responses
- Reframe limiting beliefs
- Build calm, confidence, and ease
2. Psychotherapy
Sometimes we just need a safe space to talk — without judgment. Psychotherapy offers just that, and helps you to:
- Understand the roots of your anxiety
- Rebuild your sense of self-worth
- Feel seen, validated, and supported
3. Analytical Hypnotherapy
This is deeper work — especially valuable when social anxiety is linked to old emotional wounds. Together we can:
- Access the origin of long-standing fears
- Release emotions that no longer serve you
- Strengthen your authentic sense of self
4. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
If you’re someone who constantly overthinks or expects the worst, CBT can help you:
- Recognise and shift unhelpful thinking patterns
- Respond to social situations with more ease
- Develop practical tools to manage anxiety
5. Counselling
Sometimes, what we need most is to feel truly heard. Counselling provides a supportive space to:
- Explore what’s going on beneath the anxiety
- Receive gentle, consistent support
- Discover your own wisdom and strength
Looking for Social Anxiety Help Near Me?
If you’re ready to overcome the fear of being judged and start living with more confidence, connection, and calm — I’m here to help.
With two decades of experience as a therapist, I’ve worked with so many people who felt just like you do now — anxious, overwhelmed, and afraid to be seen. It’s my privilege to help you understand where your anxiety comes from, release the fear, and step back into your life feeling more grounded and whole.
If you’re searching online for “social anxiety help near me”, know you’ll be met with warmth, respect, and a therapy approach designed for you and how you want to be.
Whether you’re dealing with social anxiety for the first time or have struggled with it for years, help is available — and healing is possible. Get in touch today to take the first step toward a more confident, authentic you.
Reclaim your authenticity