Anxiety / Panic Attacks

Feelings of anxiety can make life miserable. Yet people often feel that they are not 'sick' enough to get help somewhere. Only when these feeling amplify, perhaps turning into panic attacks, will they take action. Many of the people I see struggle with thoughts such as 'I'm going mad' or 'I'm going to die', feelings that often ensue when people ignore the first signs of anxiety.

As with stress, I welcome these fearful emotions as an invitation our body/ mind sends us to re-examine our lives. Are we really living well? Are we treating ourselves as well as we treat others?

Theories vary as to where these sudden feelings of fear come from. As an Integrative Psychotherapist I consider that there is some evidence to point to a genetic predisposition, but I would maintain that we learn how to be in this world from those closest to us, our immediate family first, then other environments we grow into.

Research has shown the effectiveness of working with CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), but I feel this effectiveness can be improved by taking the more humanistic, client-centred approach that is part of my work as an Integrative Psychotherapist. Relaxation work and time management skills go alongside more feelings-oriented exploration. It is important to explore how someone came to be as they are now - but it is equally important to look forward to where they might want to go next!

Participating in one of my Stress Management Seminars can help gain a better understanding fast and so facilitate the healing process. I work in SE1 and W1 and the seminars are always held in very very center of London.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) has been found to be effective with this illness, and I find some aspects of this approach very helpful, but as an Integrative Psychotherapist the centre of my enquiry is the individual who is with me at that moment.

I think it is essential to first enquire into their experience, hear their story, how they make sense of their lives, before I can offer strategies of how they might want to go forward. Working with both the client's thoughts and feelings seems the most appropriate way to honour their complexity and respect their wholeness.

For more information or to book an appointment contact Annegret on 0207 6 200 300 or via info@annegretodwyer.co.uk