Counselling for Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder 
in Menai 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.

 

​At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology in Menai, our psychologists and counsellors work with children, adolescents and adults across the Sutherland Shire experiencing panic attacks at different stages of life.

​

Counselling provides a space to understand what is happening and begin to respond to these experiences in a way that feels more manageable.

 

Understanding panic and the panic cycle

 

Panic can become a cycle over time. After an initial panic attack, it’s common to become more aware of physical sensations such as changes in breathing, heart rate or dizziness.  

 

This can lead to increased anticipation or fear of another attack, which in turn makes the body more reactive. Over time, this can create a pattern where panic feels more frequent or harder to interrupt.

​

Panic attacks often occur alongside experiences such as anxiety, OCD, low mood, trauma, autism or ADHD, which can influence how symptoms present.

 

For some children and adolescents, panic may also emerge in contexts such as school attendance, particularly when anxiety becomes overwhelming.

​

Panic attacks at night

 

Some people experience panic attacks during the night or wake suddenly with intense physical sensations such as a racing heart, shortness of breath or dizziness. These experiences can feel confusing or distressing, particularly when they occur without an obvious trigger.

 

When panic becomes panic disorder

 

When panic attacks occur repeatedly, they may develop into Panic Disorder. Some people begin to avoid places, activities or situations due to fear that another panic attack may occur.

 

For some people, panic may also overlap with social anxiety, particularly where concerns about judgement or embarrassment increase fear of panic symptoms occurring in public.

​

Therapy for Panic Attacks in Menai and the Sutherland Shire

​

Our clinicians have experience working with panic across different stages of life.

​

Therapy focuses on understanding the panic cycle, including how physical sensations, thoughts and behaviours interact, and developing strategies to respond differently to these experiences.

 

Approaches may include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Exposure-based approaches

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Other approaches suited to your needs

 

Over time, therapy may involve learning to better understand physical sensations, gradually approaching feared situations, and building confidence in managing panic symptoms.

​

You can also explore the range of presentations we work with on our Conditions We Work With page.

​

Getting started

 

Appointments are available in person at our Menai practice and via secure online appointments across Australia.

 

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.