Fareham Counselling Centre · Hampshire
Counselling for Panic Attacks & Anxiety in Fareham
Steady support when panic takes over — in person in Fareham, or online across the UK.
When panic comes out of nowhere
A panic attack can feel terrifying. Your heart races, your breathing changes, and you may feel sure that something is badly wrong. Afterwards, many people start to worry about the next one, and begin avoiding places where it happened.
Panic attacks are very common, and they are not dangerous, even though they feel it. With the right help, most people learn to stop fearing the fear. Our therapists offer CBT, hypnotherapy and counselling for panic attacks and panic disorder in Fareham, and online across the UK.
What a panic attack can feel like
People from Fareham, Portsmouth, Southampton and Gosport often describe some of these. A panic attack usually peaks and passes within 5 to 20 minutes.
If you have chest pain or symptoms for the first time, or you are not sure what is happening, call 999 or NHS 111. It is always right to get checked. Once a doctor has ruled out a physical cause, therapy can help with the panic.
What your body is really doing
Panic is your body's alarm system going off when there is no real danger. Tap a feeling to see what panic tells you, what is actually happening, and something you can try.
Breathe with the circle
Breathe in as it grows, and slowly out as it shrinks. A longer out-breath helps calm your body.
The more you understand panic, the less power it has. In therapy you practise this until your body learns that the alarm is false.
The panic cycle
Panic attacks keep going because of a loop between your body and your thoughts.
A sensation
You notice something in your body, such as a skipped beat or feeling warm.
A scary thought
"What if something is wrong?" Your mind treats the feeling as a danger.
More adrenaline
The fear releases adrenaline, which makes the sensations stronger.
Avoiding and watching
You avoid places and keep checking your body, so the fear stays switched on.
When the fear of another attack starts to shape your life, this is often called panic disorder. Some people also start avoiding shops, driving or busy places (sometimes called agoraphobia). Therapy helps with all of this.
Therapy and your GP
Your GP can check your physical health and talk to you about all your options, including medication. Therapy can work alongside this, and many people find it gives them tools they keep for life. If you ever feel you cannot cope, you can call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time.
How therapy helps with panic
Every plan is different, but most people move through steps like these.
Understand panic
Learn what happens in your body, so the sensations stop feeling like a threat.
Calm your body
Practise breathing and relaxation you can use anywhere, even mid-attack.
Stop fearing the fear
Gently face the feelings and places you avoid, at your own pace.
Feel confident again
Get back to the things panic took away, and know what to do if it comes back.
Treatment for panic attacks in Fareham
On your free call we will help you choose the right approach, and the right therapist, for you.
CBT
The most researched treatment for panic disorder, recommended by NICE. Practical tools to break the panic cycle.
About CBT
Hypnotherapy
Deep relaxation to calm your nervous system, often combined with CBT as Hypno-CBT.
About hypnotherapy
Counselling
Space to explore the stress, change or loss that may sit behind your panic attacks.
About counselling
EMDR
Helpful when panic began after a frightening or difficult experience.
About EMDRYou may also find our pages on anxiety, health anxiety, social anxiety and stress helpful.
★★★★★“She's also helped me with my health anxiety and I couldn't recommend her enough. I've managed to control my anxiety and emotions thanks to her.”
Questions about panic attacks
What is a panic attack?
What is panic disorder?
Can a panic attack hurt me?
What should I do during a panic attack?
What is the best treatment for panic attacks?
Can hypnotherapy help with panic attacks?
How many sessions will I need?
How much does it cost, and can I have sessions online?
You can feel calm and in control
A free, confidential 15 minute call. Tell us a little about what is happening, and we will find the right therapist for you.