EMDR or hypnotherapy for panic attacks

Panic attacks can be overwhelming and frightening. They often come on suddenly and can make you feel like you're losing control, fainting, or even having a heart attack. Many people who suffer from panic attacks feel like their body is letting them down. Fortunately, there are effective ways to understand, manage, and reduce panic attacks. With this information, I'll help you understand exactly what panic attacks are, what their causes can be, and how I, as a psychologist and hypnotherapist, can support you in reducing or resolving these symptoms.

What is a panic attack?

A panic attack is an intense and sudden wave of fear or discomfort accompanied by physical and psychological symptoms. These attacks usually peak within minutes and can vary in duration. Physical symptoms of a panic attack may include:

• Palpitations or a racing heart
• Sweating
• To shake or tremble
• Shortness of breath or a feeling of suffocation
• Pain or pressure on the chest
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Tingling or numbness
• Nausea or abdominal discomfort
• Feeling of unreality (derealization) or disconnection from yourself (depersonalization)
• Fear of losing control, going crazy, or dying

Panic attacks can occur once, but some people experience repeated attacks. When this leads to a persistent fear of new attacks, it's called a panic disorder.

What causes panic attacks?

There's no single cause for panic attacks. They can be triggered by stressful situations, certain thoughts, trauma, or physical factors such as hormonal fluctuations. Possible causes and risk factors include:

• Chronic stress: Long-term stress increases the risk of panic attacks.
• Trauma and unprocessed emotions: Unprocessed negative experiences can manifest themselves in panic at unexpected moments.
• Genetic predisposition: Panic disorders may run more frequently in certain families.
• Hyperventilation: Incorrect breathing can contribute to feelings of panic.
• Caffeine and Stimulants: Excessive use of caffeine or other stimulants can trigger panic reactions.

How I can help you with panic attacks

As a psychologist and hypnotherapist, I offer various effective treatment methods to reduce and ultimately eliminate panic attacks. This is always tailored to your personal situation and needs.

1. Trauma processing with EMDR, Hypnotherapy and Havening

Many panic attacks originate from unresolved traumas or deep-seated fears. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), hypnotherapy, and the Havening Touch method are powerful techniques that help neutralize and process negative memories. By directly addressing the subconscious, we can lessen the impact of past experiences, thus reducing panic reactions.

2. Breathing techniques and relaxation exercises

Breathing plays a crucial role in panic attacks. Many people unconsciously start breathing faster and more shallowly, which can worsen panic. I'll teach you effective breathing techniques to calm your nervous system and reduce panic. Relaxation exercises like mindfulness and progressive muscle relaxation help bring your body and mind into balance.

3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Panic attacks are often triggered by negative thought patterns and fear of the fear itself. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches you to recognize these destructive thoughts and replace them with more realistic and positive beliefs. This helps break the cycle of panic attacks.

4. Medical Hypnosis

Medical hypnosis helps release deep-seated fears and tensions. During a hypnosis session, I'll guide you into a deep state of relaxation where we work directly with the subconscious mind. This allows limiting beliefs and fears to be addressed gently and permanently.

5. Exposure Therapy and Building Self-Confidence

Many panic attacks involve fear of certain situations, such as crowded spaces or driving. Exposure techniques teach you to approach these situations step by step, without letting panic take over. This also strengthens your self-confidence, allowing you to feel safe in your own body and environment.

What can you do yourself?

Besides therapy, there are also things you can do yourself to reduce panic attacks:

• Regular exercise: Exercise helps reduce stress and keep your nervous system balanced.
• Healthy diet: Avoid excessive caffeine consumption and eat healthy to support your body.
• Sleep optimization: Ensure a good sleep pattern, as lack of sleep can worsen panic attacks.
• Setting Boundaries: Learn to say no and avoid overload.

Your road to recovery

The good news is that panic attacks are highly treatable. You don't have to keep struggling with fear and uncertainty. Together, we'll explore the root cause of your panic attacks and address them with effective methods. Whether you choose hypnotherapy, EMDR, Havening, or cognitive behavioral therapy, there's always a solution that's right for you.

Want to know more about how I can help you with panic attacks? Feel free to contact me, so we can explore a treatment plan that best suits your situation. You deserve to experience peace and control in your life again.