Treatment for Panic Attacks in Hong Kong
What Are Panic Attacks?
Panic attacks are intense and overwhelming episodes that can deeply impact your daily life, relationships, and overall mental wellbeing. They often strike suddenly, bringing on feelings of fear, dread, or a sense of losing control – even when there’s no clear danger present. Many individuals who experience panic attacks may find themselves constantly worrying about the next episode of panic, leading to avoidance behaviours and a heightened sense of vulnerability.
What Causes Panic Attacks?
Panic attacks can feel sudden and intense, but they rarely come out of nowhere. In many cases, they are the result of a build-up of stress, emotional strain, or underlying vulnerabilities in our nervous system.
Some people experience panic attacks following a major life stressor, such as the loss of a loved one, relationship difficulties, or a sudden change. Others may find that long-term exposure to pressure, whether at work, school, or in caregiving roles, gradually overwhelms their capacity to cope.
There are also biological and genetic factors that may play a role. For example, having a close family member with panic disorder or experiencing imbalances in neurotransmitters (the brain’s chemical messengers) can make someone more sensitive to stress or anxiety.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience is different. Panic attacks are not a sign of weakness, and with the right support, many people find ways to understand, manage, and reduce them over time. You’re not alone, and help is available.
Panic Attack Symptoms
Recognising the signs of a panic attack is the first step toward understanding and managing what you’re experiencing. Common indicators include:
- Sudden Intense Fear: A surge of overwhelming anxiety that seems to come out of nowhere.
- Physical Symptoms: Rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness, or sweating.
- Fear of Losing Control: Feeling like something terrible is about to happen, or fearing you might faint, , or die.
If these symptoms feel familiar, know that you are not alone—and support is available to help you regain control and find relief.
Central Mind’s Approach To Working With Panic Attacks
Several effective treatments can help improve panic attacks These include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most evidence-based therapies for panic attacks. It helps individuals understand the cycle of anxiety and panic while developing healthier responses.
- Identifying Triggers: Recognising situations or thoughts that may lead to panic episodes.
- Challenging Catastrophic Thinking: Learning to reframe fearful thoughts like “I’m dying” or “I’m losing control.”
- Exposure Techniques: Gradually facing feared situations to reduce avoidance and regain confidence.
Psychodynamic Therapy
This approach explores the emotional roots of panic, often linked to unresolved inner conflicts or past experiences. By gaining insight into the emotional meaning behind the panic, individuals can experience long-term relief.
Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques
Mindfulness practices help anchor individuals in the present moment, reducing the intensity of panic symptoms. Grounding exercises like breathwork, body scanning, or focusing on the five senses can bring immediate calm during an episode.
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)
CFT helps reduce the shame or self-criticism that often follows panic attacks. By fostering self-kindness and acceptance, individuals build emotional resilience and lessen the fear of future episodes.
How Do You Know If You’re Ready To Start Addressing Your Panic Attacks
You might benefit from therapy for panic attacks if you recognise the following in yourself:
You’ve experienced sudden, overwhelming episodes of fear or discomfort.
If you’ve had moments where your heart races, breathing feels difficult, or you feel like you’re losing control – especially without a clear cause – these may be signs of panic attacks. Therapy can help you understand what’s happening and how to manage it.
You live in fear of having another panic attack.
Worrying about when the next episode might strike can create a constant state of anxiety. Therapy can help break this cycle and reduce the fear that fuels future attacks.
You avoid certain situations “just in case.”
If you’ve started steering clear of places, people, or activities because you’re afraid they might trigger panic, this avoidance can shrink your life. Counselling provides tools to safely re-engage with your world again.
Our Counsellors And Therapists That Can Work With Panic Attacks
Dr. Melissa Chan
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Chan is a UK trained Clinical Psychologist, who has worked in the field of mental health taking up clinical and research roles in the community and academic settings for ten years. She is experienced in treating people with symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders (e.g. social anxiety, bipolar tendencies etc). She also works with people who are struggling with low self-esteem, stress, grief and bereavement, adjustment difficulties and those…
Dr. Aurélie Comes
Clinical Psychologist & CBT Therapist
Aurélie is an experienced Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT) who trained and worked in the UK’s National Health Service. In addition to her CBT specialty, she also qualified as an Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Practitioner.
Dr. Edward Lam
Clinical Psychologist
Edward is a U.S.-trained and licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Massachusetts, now bringing his expertise to Hong Kong. With extensive experience across various settings, Edward has helped clients become stronger, more independent, and resilient in the face of challenges. He creates a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their struggles and engage more fully in life.
Teresa Chan
Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist
Teresa is a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist who has over 10 years of experience working in the field of clinical mental health. She has a background in Psychology at both an undergraduate and master’s level and completed her training in the UK, where she specialised in the field of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Dr. Elaine Ching
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Ching is a UK trained Clinical Psychologist, offering support to adults with difficulties around anxiety, low mood, stress and burnout, self-esteem, childhood or event specific trauma, interpersonal relationships, and life adjustments (e.g. relocation, grief, chronic physical health, third culture kids). She also has experience with individuals with individuals with emotional
Dr. Kaili Chen
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Chen has worked in the field of psychology since 2010 in several non-profit organizations and community mental health centers. Before settling in Hong Kong, she has lived in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, China, and the United States, and understands firsthand the stresses expats face living abroad and the intricacies of multicultural lifestyles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Panic Attack Treatment
Can therapy stop panic attacks completely?
Yes, therapy can be very helpful in managing panic attacks. While they may not disappear completely for everyone, many people find that therapy reduces their frequency and intensity. Most importantly, it helps build confidence and resilience in handling them when they arise.
How long will treatment take?
Most people begin noticing changes within 6 to 12 sessions, but treatment is always tailored to your pace and needs. Some people benefit from short-term support, while others choose to work longer-term for deeper emotional improvements.
Is online therapy available for panic attacks?
Yes. We offer secure online sessions for clients who prefer the comfort of their own space. Many people with panic symptoms find this a gentler way to begin therapy, especially if travel or leaving home feels overwhelming.
Do you offer sessions in English or Cantonese?
Sessions are available in English, Mandarin, French and/or Cantonese. You can choose the language that feels most comfortable for you.
