Hypnotherapy for Panic Attacks in Croydon & Caterham
Proven Hypnotherapy & CBT Techniques to Overcome Panic Attacks
Understanding Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder
Panic lives at the extreme end of anxiety. And if you’ve experienced one you know how terrifying they can be. As a specialist panic attack hypnotherapist and CBT practitoner in Croydon, Caterham and South London, I help people break free from the panic cycle using evidence-based Hypno-CBT. Fortunately I’ve been here myself, so I totally understand first hand what you’re going through. Together we’ll identify your triggers – the whos, wheres and whens – and introduce bespoke hypnotherapy, CBT and mindfulness techniques to help you regain calm, composure and control. Understanding what happens during a panic attack is really helpful. Please do read my blog.
How Hypnotherapy & CBT Help with Panic Attacks
Resetting your breathing patterns can made a significant difference when panic strikes. With hypnotherapy and CBT, we work on settling the fight or flight response and calming the autonomic nervous system. We’ll examine your thinking – how you’re interpreting events and the catastrophic predictions your mind creates during panic. Using evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy combined with clinical hypnotherapy, relaxation techniques and breathing exercises, we’ll retrain your brain’s threat response. These are the same techniques that have helped many of my clients across Croydon, Caterham and Surrey move from living in fear of panic to feeling confident and in control.
Panic Attack Support Croydon, Caterham and South London
If you need any panic disorder help, it’s always best to consider a panic attack specialist. Someone who offers the best natural treatment for panic attacks and anxiety – so that when that feeling arises, you know how to calm down quickly, with evidence-based tools to relieve panic that are known to work – including hypnotherapy and CBT, self hypnosis, mindfulness and ACT.
Remember, you’re not alone and help is available. Regain control of your life. Contact me to start today.
Types of Panic Attack I Treat
∙ Social panic attacks — panic triggered by social situations, gatherings or being around others
∙ Panic around swallowing — a distressing form of panic often linked to health anxiety
∙ Exam panic attacks — overwhelming panic before or during tests and assessments
∙ Night-time panic attacks — waking suddenly in a state of terror, often with racing heart and difficulty breathing
∙ Public speaking panic attacks — intense fear and physical symptoms when presenting or speaking in front of others
∙ Panic in closed spaces and while travelling — claustrophobia-related panic on trains, planes, lifts or in crowded areas
Frequently Asked Questions about Panic Attacks
I get really panicky like I might die. Will I have a heart attack?
It won’t happen unless you have an existing heart condition. Panic attacks are very common and the heart tends to race due to the panic. This creates more panic and you end up in a loop. The heart is built to withstand a lot of tension when running and under extreme exercise conditions. In panic mode it sometimes feels like it will burst or break in some way, but it is just your heart racing due to the thoughts and feelings you are experiencing.
What actually happens during a panic attack?
During a panic attack, your body’s flight or flight system activates as tyhough you;re in genuine danger – even though you’re not. Your heart reaces, breathing becomes rapid and shallow, you might feel dizzy, sick or experience tingling in your hands and face. You may feel like you’re losing control or that something terrible is about to happen. These symptoms are frightening but they are not ultimately dangerous. They’re caused by a surge of adrenaline and cortisol, and they will pass – usually within 10 to 20 minutes.
What's the diffference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack?
They’re often confused but there are important differences. Panic attacks tend to come on suddenly and intensely, often without an obvious trigger, and peak within minutes. Anxiety attacks typically build more gradually in response to a specific worry or stressor. Both are treatable with Hypno-CBT, and understanding which you’re experiencing helps us tailor the right approach for you.
Can hypnotherapy stop panic attacks for good?
Hypnotherapy combined with CBT is one of the most effective treatments for panic attacks and panic disorder. Rather than just managing symptoms, Hypno-CBT addresses the root causes – the thought patterns, beliefs and learned responses that trigger and sustain the panic cycle. Most of my clients see significant improvement within 3-6 sessions, with many finding their panic attacks stop altogether.
I feel like I'm going to faint during a panic attack. Will I?
It’s very unlikely. I want you to know that although fainting is one of the most common fears during a panic attack, it’s extremely rare. Fainting is caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure, whereas panic attacks actually increase your blood pressure. The dizziness you feel is caused by rapid breathing (hyperventilation), which is very treatable with the breathing techniques we practise together.
Can panic attacks happen at night while sleeping?
Yes – noctural panic attacks are more common than people realise. You may wake up suddenly with a racing heart, shortness of breath and intense fear. They can be particularly distressing because they feel so unexpected. Hypnotherapy is especially effective for night-time panic as it works directly with your subconscious mind to calm the threat response even while you sleep.
What if I can't get to you due to panic?
It’s not uncommon for people to feel panic about leaving home and coming to a session. If that’s the case, we can work remotely – on Zoom, Teams or Facetime. The processes, tools and session talks are just as effective and you will benefit just as much.
Contact DOCwellness - Hypnotherapy in Croydon & Caterham
Ask a question or book an appointment below. For emergencies call 111 or 999, or visit your nearest hospital
Ready to take the first step? Whether you're looking for help with anxiety, stress, insomnia, stopping smoking or any of the other issues I treat, I offer a free 20-minute consultation to discuss whether Hypno-CBT is right for you. I'm based at 20 Westway, Caterham CR3 5TP, serving clients across Croydon, South London and Surrey. I also offer online sessions via Zoom and other platforms. Fill in the form below, call me on 07778 613268, or email help@docwellness.co.uk.