Therapy for Panic Attacks – EMDR & Walk & Talk Support

Nicola, specialist therapist at Niche Therapists in Greenwich – professional headshot with branded border

Panic attacks can feel sudden, overwhelming and difficult to predict.

Racing heart. Breathlessness. Dizziness. Chest tightness. A sense of losing control.

For many professionals, these episodes appear unexpectedly, creating anxiety about when the next attack might occur.

Panic attack therapy in Greenwich offers structured, neuroscience-informed support to regulate the nervous system and reduce the intensity and frequency of panic episodes.

Based in Greenwich SE10, Nicola integrates EMDR, somatic therapy and Walk & Talk sessions in Greenwich Park, addressing both the physiological panic response and the underlying emotional drivers.

Understanding Panic Attacks

Panic attacks occur when the brain’s threat detection system becomes sensitised and activates the body’s fight-or-flight response – even when no immediate danger is present (LeDoux, 2015).

Typically, the cycle unfolds in stages:

• A sudden surge of physical sensations
• Fear escalating as the sensations intensify
• Anxiety about the attack happening again

Over time, the anticipation of another episode can reinforce the panic cycle (Barlow, 2002).

Therapy focuses on calming the nervous system and reducing the fear attached to these sensations.


EMDR & Emotional Processing

Panic episodes are sometimes reinforced by earlier experiences of stress, overwhelm or perceived loss of control.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) supports the brain in processing these experiences so they no longer trigger strong physiological responses (Shapiro, 2018).

Preparation and stabilisation are essential. Emotional regulation and internal resourcing are established before any deeper processing begins.

As emotional charge reduces, panic responses typically become less intense and less frequent.


Somatic Therapy & Nervous System Regulation

Panic attacks are physiological as well as psychological.

Somatic therapy supports:

• Recognition of activation patterns
• Increased tolerance of bodily sensations
• Reduced fear of physical symptoms
• Greater emotional regulation
• Stabilised nervous system responses

When the nervous system steadies, confidence and consistency begin to return.


Walk & Talk Therapy in Greenwich Park

For some individuals, movement supports emotional processing.

Walk & Talk sessions in Greenwich Park offer:

• Bilateral stimulation through rhythmic walking
• Reduced cognitive congestion
• Improved emotional processing
• A calm environment for reflection

The left-right movement of walking mirrors bilateral stimulation used in EMDR, supporting emotional integration and nervous system regulation


Regaining Stability

Panic attacks can create avoidance, anticipatory fear and reduced confidence.

However, with the right therapeutic support, the nervous system can recalibrate.

As emotional triggers are processed and regulation improves, many clients experience fewer episodes and greater confidence in their ability to manage stress.

Panic attack therapy in Greenwich offers a structured pathway toward steadier regulation and clearer thinking.


Delivered by an Experienced Specialist

Nicola, specialist therapist at Niche Therapists in Greenwich – professional headshot with branded border

Panic attack therapy in Greenwich is led by Nicola, MBACP (Accred), EMDR Practitioner and Clinical Lead of Niche Therapists.

With nearly two decades of experience, Nicola supports professionals experiencing panic attacks, anxiety and high levels of internal pressure.

Sessions are structured, paced carefully and tailored to individual goals.


Therapy for Panic Attacks in Your Area

We offer specialist therapy for panic attacks across our South East London locations.

Woolwich (SE18)
Hypnotherapy and EMDR-based support for panic symptoms with Sam.
→ Explore Panic Attack Therapy in Woolwich

Each approach is evidence-informed and tailored to your individual needs.

If your symptoms are more generalised — such as ongoing worry, rumination or chronic tension — you may also wish to explore:

Explore Therapy for Anxiety


Academic References

Barlow, D. H. (2002). Anxiety and its disorders. Guilford Press.
LeDoux, J. (2015). Anxious. Viking.
Shapiro, F. (2018). EMDR therapy. Guilford Press.