What we are talking about
Anxiety covers very different experiences: constant worry that is hard to stop, permanent physical tension, fear of social situations, avoidance of certain contexts, or sudden episodes of intense distress — panic attacks.
A panic attack involves a rapid peak of physical symptoms and intense fear, often with a sense of loss of control. Although deeply uncomfortable, it is not in itself dangerous. What most limits daily life is often the fear that it will happen again.
How it can show up
- · Persistent worry that is difficult to interrupt.
- · Muscle tension, headaches, fatigue, sleep changes.
- · Palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest tightness.
- · Irritability, difficulty concentrating.
- · Avoidance of situations, places or commitments.
- · Constant anticipation of the worst possible outcome.
When it may make sense to seek support
When anxiety persists over time, interferes with work, study, sleep or relationships, leads to increasing avoidance, or when panic episodes start organising daily life around the fear of recurrence.
How assessment is carried out
Assessment begins with a careful clinical interview: history of the problem, precipitating and maintaining factors, functional impact, personal resources and life context. When appropriate, validated psychological assessment instruments may be used to characterise symptom intensity and monitor progress.
The need for complementary medical assessment is also considered whenever physical symptoms justify it.
What intervention may involve
- · A shared understanding of how anxiety works in each specific case.
- · Work on thought patterns that feed worry and anticipation.
- · Physiological regulation and stress management strategies.
- · Gradual, planned reduction of avoidance.
- · Specific work on the fear of panic attacks themselves.
- · Consolidation of relapse-prevention strategies.
What to expect from a first session
The first session is mainly about understanding the current situation: what brought you here, for how long, and how it is interfering with daily life. It is also a space to gather relevant history and context, clarify needs and expectations, and make an initial assessment of whether psychotherapy is a suitable response.
Next steps are defined together at the end. If psychotherapy is not the most appropriate answer, that is said clearly and alternatives are suggested.