Panic Attack Counselling in 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. Many people seek panic attack counselling when these experiences feel unpredictable or difficult to manage.

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​At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology in Menai, our psychologists and counsellors provide panic attack counselling for children, adolescents and adults across the Sutherland Shire.

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​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. 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. This can create a pattern where panic feels more frequent or harder to interrupt.

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This cycle is often maintained by a heightened sensitivity to physical sensations and the meaning we attach to them, which can make panic feel unpredictable or out of control.

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Panic attacks often occur alongside experiences such as anxiety, OCD or trauma, 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.

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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

 

Panic attacks may occur on their own, or as part of panic disorder. When panic attacks occur repeatedly, they may develop into panic disorder, and some people begin to avoid places, activities or situations due to fear that another panic attack may occur.

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In these cases, panic disorder therapy may be helpful in addressing both the attacks and the patterns that maintain them.

 

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

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Panic Attack Counselling in Menai and the Sutherland Shire

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

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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 and Response Prevention (ERP)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Other approaches suited to your needs

 

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

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If you’re exploring different experiences related to anxiety, you can also read more about social anxiety.

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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.