Therapy for Panic Attacks – Hypnotherapy & EMDR Support
Panic attacks can feel sudden, overwhelming and frightening.
Racing heart. Breathlessness. Dizziness. Chest tightness. A sense of losing control.
In reality, these episodes are intense physiological surges — not signs of weakness. Panic occurs when the brain’s threat detection system becomes sensitised and activates a fight-or-flight response, even when there is no present danger (LeDoux, 2015).
With the right support, therapy for panic attacks offers structured, evidence-based treatment to reduce the frequency and intensity of episodes while rebuilding a sense of internal stability.
Confidential. Professional. Structured support.
Understanding Panic at a Nervous System Level
Panic attacks are rooted in anxiety but are distinct in their intensity and sudden onset.
Often, the cycle unfolds in stages.
It begins with a sudden rush of physical symptoms.
Fear rises quickly as the sensations intensify.
Then anxiety about it happening again takes hold.
Over time, the fear of another attack can become part of the cycle itself (Barlow, 2002).
Effective therapy focuses on:
- Reducing fear of bodily sensations
- Regulating the nervous system
- Challenging catastrophic thinking
- Processing sensitising experiences
- Rebuilding confidence in physical safety
How Hypnotherapy & EMDR Work Together
Alongside this, hypnotherapy works with subconscious associations and conditioned fear responses. It helps interrupt automatic physiological reactions and strengthen internal calm (Hammond, 2010).
Where appropriate, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) supports the brain in processing experiences that may have sensitised the nervous system — such as the first panic episode, periods of high stress, or earlier experiences of overwhelm (Shapiro, 2018).
Importantly, preparation and stabilisation are foundational. Emotional regulation and resourcing are established before any deeper processing begins.
Panic and General Anxiety
While panic attacks sit within the broader spectrum of anxiety, they typically require targeted intervention focused on acute nervous system activation.
By comparison, if your symptoms are ongoing and generalised – such as chronic worry, rumination or sustained tension – structured anxiety therapy may be beneficial.
Panic & Anxiety Therapy in Your Area
We offer specialist anxiety and panic therapy across our South East London locations:
Greenwich (SE10)
EMDR, somatic therapy and Walk & Talk sessions with Nicola.
→ Explore Anxiety Therapy in Greenwich
Woolwich (SE18)
Hypnotherapy and EMDR-based anxiety support with Sam.
→ Explore Anxiety Therapy in Woolwich
Each approach is evidence-informed and tailored to your individual needs.
Regaining Stability
Panic attacks can create avoidance, anticipatory fear and reduced confidence.
As a result, daily life may begin to feel restricted or unpredictable.
However, with the right therapeutic support, the nervous system can recalibrate. As physiological reactivity reduces and fear responses are processed, episodes typically become less frequent and less intense.
Over time, panic attack therapy provides a clear and structured pathway toward steadier regulation and restored confidence.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a consultation to explore hypnotherapy and EMDR can help you reduce panic symptoms and regain control.
Academic References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
Barlow, D. H. (2002). Anxiety and its disorders: The nature and treatment of anxiety and panic (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
Craske, M. G., Rauch, S. L., Ursano, R., Prenoveau, J., Pine, D. S., & Zinbarg, R. E. (2014). What is an anxiety disorder? Depression and Anxiety, 31(6), 335–357.
Hammond, D. C. (2010). Hypnosis in the treatment of anxiety- and stress-related disorders. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 10(2), 263–273.
LeDoux, J. (2015). Anxious: Using the brain to understand and treat fear and anxiety. Viking.
McEwen, B. S. (2007). Physiology and neurobiology of stress and adaptation. Physiological Reviews, 87(3), 873–904.
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.