Panic attack during a hypnosis session

Hi Avia

Have you ever used a hair dryer for a while and noticed after you switch it off that your hand is buzzing or vibrating? You can get the same effect from using a food mixer. Or a lawnmower. And it's like when you get home from a party and notice that your ears are ringing even though everything is now quiet all around you. But after a while your body adjusts and you lose the after effect.

This may be what you are experiencing as you sit down and begin to relax as you listen to the tape - an after effect of the feelings that you used to experience when you had panic attacks. So now you need to trust the process and the ability of your own body to adjust, given the time. Just listen to the tape. If you notice any panicky feelings, just notice them and wait. You know you are safe in your chair or bed, nothing can really happen to you, it is just a feeling. Keep listening and pay particular attention to what you hear on the tape as you notice that the feelings are fading and disappearing.

Stay determined to learn everything you can.

All the best

Kathleen

Kathleen, thanks a lot for your reply.
I think I do realise that I am safe in the bed/chair, the problem is that sometimes I feel I will loose control, or go crazy. After I opened my eyes after listening the tape first time, I just saw a blue object, it took me couple of secs to realize it is my CD player and the place I am in is my living room. I was already paniced. So, in my mind it's the same quesion : what if I loose contact with the world and I cann't control the situation any more? I know it is absolute stupid, but part of me acts strange. Still, I had a great feeling during that day .
Anyway, your message gave me a lot of confidence, I will try again in the week-end and let you know about my second atempt .
I would be more confident I think if I will do this with a therapist. Unfortunatelly, coming in London regularly is imposible for me. I live far away in North, near Manchester ( in Halifax ), do you know or can anyone help me to find a therapist in our area, BUT a therapist which was trained and applies the same methods as the ones on this site?
Best wishes ,
avia

Hi Avia

I think that is some great advice that Kathleen gave you there. Your aim has to be to be able to stay calm with any sensation within your own body, and to be able to 'bear with it' if things feel a little strange for a while.

If you are able to remind yourself (again and again) that nothing really bad is happening, even if you feel strange, the unpleasant feelings will continue to diminish.

You said:

Still, I had a great feeling during that day

Remember that feeling! Remind yourself of it, regularly, and look forward to more days like that.

To find a good therapist or counsellor, give the European Therapy Studies Institute a call on 01323 811440 or visit their website at: http://www.humangivens.com/register/

Remember to interview a few therapists by phone and pick the one you like the sound of!

Best of luck

Roger