Anxiety and panic attacks from a person-centred perspective

For over 30 years, as a person-centred therapist, the repeated refrain in many quarters that CBT is 'the' treatment for anxiety has been something of surprise! Prior to training as a therapist, I had trained with the Health Education Council as a Look After Yourself Tutor, working with Cardiac rehab, people with Asthma and with anxiety difficulties. This understanding was a part of me which naturally came into my practice as a therapist. As part of the relationship with our clients, the person-centred therapist does not need to fear supporting clients who are debilitated by anxiety and panic attacks. Worry and anxiety can absorb vast amounts of energy every day, and can sometimes lead to panic attacks. These can be terrifying, bringing feelings of ‘out of control-ness’, powerlessness and sometimes even the feeling of going mad. Feelings of anxiety and panic can lead to isolation, as individuals either need to stay within the safety of a known environment, or hide the fact that anxiety and panic overwhelm them sometimes, for fear of being seen as somehow failing and/or weak. Why is it that some people are prone to these distressing states? Is drug therapy the only solution? This study day will explore the underlying causes of anxiety and panic. Simple and effective ways of empowering sufferers to take control of these distressing states will be taught and practiced.