Panic attacks can feel sudden, overwhelming, and frightening, especially when they seem to come out of nowhere.

You might feel your heart racing, breath tightening, dizziness, or a sense that something is seriously wrong. Even when you know you’re safe, your body can react as if it’s in danger.

I offer support for panic attacks and anxiety in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, with both in-person sessions near Huddersfield and online therapy across the UK.

What are panic attacks?

Panic attacks are intense surges of anxiety that trigger a strong physical response in the body.

They are part of the body’s natural “fight, flight, or freeze” system, which becomes activated when the nervous system perceives a threat, even if that threat is not actually present.

For some people, panic attacks happen in response to specific triggers. For others, they can feel completely unexpected.

Common symptoms of panic attacks

Panic attacks can include;

• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations

• Shortness of breath or tightness in the chest

• Dizziness or feeling lightheaded

• Sweating or shaking

• Nausea or discomfort

• A sense of losing control or “going mad”

• Fear of something terrible happening

• Sense of dread or unease

While panic attacks are not physically dangerous, they can feel extremely distressing and can begin to affect your confidence in daily life.

How panic attacks can affect you

You might find yourself;

• Avoiding certain places or situations

• Constantly worrying about when the next panic attack will happen

• Feeling on edge or hyper-aware of your body

• Struggling to relax or switch off

• Feeling disconnected or overwhelmed

Over time, this can create a cycle where fear of panic itself begins to maintain the anxiety.

How I can help

I am a trauma therapist specialising in anxiety, panic, and nervous system regulation.

My approach combines talking therapy with somatic (body-based) techniques to help you understand and work with your nervous system, rather than feel controlled by it.

We may work with;

• Grounding techniques to help you feel more present and safe

• Breathwork to support regulation of the nervous system

• Understanding triggers and patterns behind panic

• Gradually reducing the fear response associated with panic attacks

The aim is not just to manage panic attacks, but to reduce their intensity and frequency over time, and help you feel more in control of your body and responses.

What therapy for panic attacks can help with

Therapy can support you to;

• Feel calmer and more in control during anxious moments

• Reduce the intensity and frequency of panic attacks

• Understand what triggers your panic

• Build confidence in your body’s responses

• Break the cycle of fear and avoidance

• Feel safer in everyday situations again

• Reduce symptoms of IBS

Who I work with

I often work with people who experience anxiety and panic alongside feeling overwhelmed, constantly “on edge,” or unable to fully relax.

Many of the people I support are used to coping, pushing through, or keeping things together, even when internally things feel difficult.

About sessions

I offer;

• In-person therapy in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire (near Huddersfield)

• Online therapy for clients across the UK

Sessions provide a calm, supportive space where we work at your pace, with a focus on helping your nervous system feel safer and more regulated over time.

My background

Before becoming a therapist, I worked as an ICU nurse within the NHS, where I saw the impact of high stress and trauma on both physical and emotional wellbeing.

I went on to complete a Master’s degree in Person-Centred and Psychodynamic Counselling at the University of Edinburgh, alongside working in NHS staff counselling services and delivering workshops and teaching for healthcare staff and nursing students.

Since then I have trained in more body based, somatic therapeutic approaches. I use the Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM) and am SE, IFS & DBR informed.

I am an Accredited member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy.

Getting started

If you’re looking for therapy in Holmfirth or online, you’re very welcome to get in touch.

I offer a free initial consultation where we can talk through what you’ve been experiencing and see whether this feels like the right support for you.