Panic Attack and Panic Disorder Counselling in Sydney and the Sutherland Shire

Panic attacks can feel sudden, intense and overwhelming. Many people describe a racing heart, difficulty breathing, dizziness or a strong sense that something is wrong, even when there is no immediate danger.

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When panic attacks become unpredictable or difficult to manage, fear of another attack can begin to affect how you go about your day.

 

At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology in Menai, our experienced psychologists and counsellors provide panic attack counselling for children, adolescents and adults across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire. Appointments are available in person and online.

 

Signs and symptoms of panic attacks

 

Panic attacks can affect your body, thoughts and emotions. While symptoms can feel frightening, they can occur when the body's fight-or-flight system becomes activated, even when there is no immediate danger.

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People experiencing panic attacks may notice:

• A racing or pounding heart

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Chest tightness or discomfort

• Dizziness or feeling faint

• Trembling or shaking

• Sweating

• Tingling or numbness

• Feeling detached from yourself or your surroundings

• Fear of losing control, fainting or dying

• Ongoing worry about having another panic attack

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Some people experience panic attacks only occasionally, while others begin to worry about when the next attack might happen or change what they do to try to prevent another one.

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When should you seek support?

 

There is no right or wrong time to seek support. Some people seek help after a single distressing panic attack, while others reach out when panic begins affecting their confidence, relationships or the things they usually do.

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You may find it helpful to speak with a psychologist or counsellor if:

• Panic attacks are becoming more frequent

• You're avoiding places or situations because of fear of another attack

• Panic is affecting your work, study or relationships

• You feel constantly worried about when the next panic attack might occur

• Panic attacks are affecting your confidence or independence

• Night-time panic is disrupting your sleep

• Anxiety feels increasingly difficult to manage

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How does panic attack counselling help?

 

Panic attack counselling can help you understand the cycle of physical sensations, anxious thoughts and avoidance behaviours that can maintain panic over time.

 

Panic attacks can occur on their own or alongside anxiety, OCD, trauma and phobias. 

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Counselling may involve:

• Understanding the panic cycle

• Learning to respond differently to physical sensations

• Reducing fear of panic symptoms

• Gradually approaching feared situations where appropriate

• Reducing avoidance

• Building confidence in managing anxiety

 

Our psychologists and counsellors draw on a range of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), exposure-based strategies and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), depending on your needs and therapeutic goals.

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Panic disorder treatment

 

When panic attacks recur and fear of the next one starts shaping everyday decisions, this may be panic disorder. Panic disorder treatment focuses on the same cycle of physical sensations, anxious thoughts and avoidance, but places more emphasis on reducing avoidance and rebuilding confidence in situations that have narrowed over time.

 

How do I find panic attack counselling near me?

 

If you have been searching for panic attack counselling, panic disorder therapy or a panic attack therapist near you, our psychologists and counsellors work with children, adolescents and adults across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire.

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Appointments are available in person at our Menai practice and online across Australia. We work with people from Menai, Miranda, Caringbah, Cronulla, Kirrawee, Engadine, Bangor, Illawong and surrounding suburbs.

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If you’re unsure where to begin, our Client Care Team can assist. Call 02 8519 4197 or use the button below to request an appointment.