Anxiety Ireland

20/02/2024

Thrilled to share that our founder Michael Ledden recently had the opportunity to contribute to an article on phone call anxiety for the Irish Times Magazine.

It's incredibly rewarding to see such important topics being brought to the forefront of public discourse.

Anxiety affects many of us, and opening up dialogues around mental health is crucial for understanding and support.

We're grateful for the chance to share my insights and hope it helps in fostering greater awareness and empathy. Let's keep the conversation going.

Link to article in the link tree in our bio.

A fear of telephone calls may seem an unlikely condition - at least to people in their 40s and older. For millennials and Gen Zs, its all too common

16/02/2024

In the second post introducing our extended team may I introduce Tara 🤩🎊✨

Tara Morrissey,
Integrative Counselor

Tara Morrissey is a vastly experienced Integrative Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor with many years of experience helping people overcome anxiety and is passionate about work in this area. Tara has been a part of Anxiety Ireland since the beginning and leads CBT inspired workshops on the topic of stress and anxiety management and teaches clients tools from areas such as mindfulness, psychology and Cognitive Behavioural Theories..

Tara’s commitment to working as a therapist was born from working in Addiction and Trauma therapy for many years. Tara’s approach is individualistic and holistic and begins with skills to manage in the present day and encompasses an assessment of all domains of bio-psycho-social functioning.

Using a psychoeducation toolbox, together with CBT skills and creative mindfulness practices, that aim to bring some stability before addressing the deeper causes and driving forces of anxiety. Tara works through a developmental trauma lens and also has an interest in Menopause Anxiety: the impact of Menopause on women and the specific dynamics of that process as it impacts our mental health and well-being.

She invites clients male and female to an initial consultation to discuss their needs, what’s happening for them and to give them the opportunity to explore how they can move into a life without being overwhelmed by anxiety to thriving and enjoying a full and whole quality of life.

Tara charges €70.00 per session and works frequently with clients struggling with Menopause Anxiety, General Anxiety, Social Anxiety and Panic Attacks

To explore working with Tara you can visit her section on our website, visit the link in our bio or contact Ciara at admin@anxietyireland.ie to have a free explore call and discuss if she is the right therapist for you.

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15/02/2024

In the first of our posts on our expanded team of therapists we are delighted to introduce Sean 🎊✨🤩

Sean Thunder,
Psychotherapist

Seán Thunder MIACP specialises in supporting clients with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, bereavement, and addiction. Seán works from a person-centred approach using CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and Choice Theory to tailor a therapy treatment plan to suit each client. Sean has vast experience in workplace stress and the effects this can have on our mental health and wellbeing.

Sean charges €70.00 per session and works frequently online and in person (D22 & D12) with clients struggling with Work-related Anxiety, Gambling Addiction, General Anxiety, Social Anxiety and Panic Attacks.

To explore working with Sean you can visit his section on our website, visit the link in our bio or contact Ciara at admin@anxietyireland.ie to have a free explore call and discuss if he is the right therapist for you.

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13/02/2024

Ciara Madsen, Manager and Trainee Psychotherapist.

Ciara is a senior trainee psychotherapist and the manager of Anxiety Ireland. Ciara supports clients navigating the website.

If you are unsure which therapist would be best for you to work with she can have a quick call with you to explore the different options and match you to the best one for you.

To book a free 15 minute call back with Ciara you can book in with her online diary. Leave your name and number and she can ring you on your mobile at the time you choose.

She can also be reached via email to organize a call back outside of the times listed: admin@anxietyireland.ie.

Ciara's online calendar is in the scheduling link in the bio to organise a free explore call.

13/02/2024

Michael Ledden, Founder, Manager and Experienced CBT Psychotherapist

After gaining profound insights into his own over active mind and anxiety over ten years ago during his own therapy journey, Michael was driven to establish Anxiety Ireland in 2018 after qualifying as a psychotherapist. His motivation stemmed from a deep concern for what he perceived as a hidden epidemic: clients grappling with a myriad of anxiety-related challenges in their everyday existence. Michael writes all the blogs for Anxiety Ireland and works with clients with General Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Panic Attacks, OCD, PTSD, Phobias. Michael charges €80.00 per session for sessions of CBT and clients typically work with Michael for 6-8 sessions.

Michael approaches the treatment of anxiety in a holistic manner, commencing with the establishment of a nurturing rapport and a comprehensive understanding of the issue at hand. His therapeutic approach proceeds to delve into the intricate dynamics of anxiety, unraveling its effects on an individual’s mental, physical, emotional, and behavioral facets, as well as its potential to alienate us from our authentic selves.

Therapeutic sessions encompass a dynamic blend of authentic interpersonal connection, psychoeducational insights, personalized homework assignments, and additional behavioral challenges that clients willingly embrace. This multifaceted approach guarantees the cultivation of enduring and impactful transformations from one session to the next. Within Michael’s specialized treatment repertoire, he focuses on addressing a wide spectrum of issues, including General Anxiety, Health Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Perfectionism, Procrastination, physical manifestations of anxiety, inner critic/child work, boundaries, belief restructuring, and the transformation of our emotional relationships.

Michael is a fully accredited psychotherapist (IACP, IAHIP, ICP Accredited, B.A., MPhil., Msc., Clinical Diploma in Integrative Counseling and Psychotherapy) with an interest in CBT, Mindfulness, Shamanism as well as Humanistic, Psychodynamic, Existential and Transpersonal Psychology.

Book with Michael through the linktree or calendar in the bio..

23/01/2024

How CBT helps Anxiety:

Breaking the Chains of Panic: Psychotherapy, Psychoeducation and CBT for Panic Attacks

Introduction:

Panic attacks, with their gripping intensity and seemingly unpredictable arrival, can cast a shadow over one’s daily life. Yet, amidst the chaos, there is hope. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychotherapy stand as formidable allies in the battle against panic attacks, offering a tailored approach to unravel the complexities of this debilitating condition. In this exploration, we delve into the transformative power of psychoeducation within the framework of CBT for panic attacks, empowering individuals to recognize their patterns and preemptively address panic attacks without succumbing to avoidance behaviors.

Understanding Panic Attacks:

Panic attacks are abrupt surges of intense fear and discomfort, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, and a sense of impending doom. The unpredictable nature of these attacks can lead to a cycle of heightened anxiety, creating a constant undercurrent of fear even between episodes. CBT, psychotherapy, and psychoeducation together provide a roadmap for understanding and breaking free from this cycle.

Recognizing if you are experiencing panic attacks:

This involves heightened self-awareness and an understanding of the distinctive features of these episodes. Panic attacks often manifest as sudden and intense surges of fear or discomfort, accompanied by a range of physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Importantly, panic attacks typically peak within minutes, distinguishing them from prolonged periods of anxiety.

Emotional and cognitive aspects also play a crucial role in identifying panic attacks. Feelings of impending doom, a sense of losing control, and an overwhelming fear of death are common emotional experiences during an attack. Additionally, individuals may report a detachment from reality or a feeling of unreality.

It’s essential to recognize recurring patterns and the impact of these episodes on your daily life. If you find yourself consistently avoiding situations due to fear of having a panic attack or experiencing persistent worry about future episodes, seeking professional guidance becomes paramount for accurate diagnosis and tailored interventions

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

CBT for panic attacks, a well-established therapeutic approach, addresses the cognitive and behavioral components that contribute to panic attacks. At its core, CBT helps individuals identify and restructure negative thought patterns that fuel anxiety. By examining the catastrophic interpretations of physical sensations and challenging irrational beliefs, individuals gain a renewed perspective on their panic triggers.

Behavioral interventions within CBT for panic attacks involve exposing individuals to situations that evoke panic-like symptoms in a controlled manner. Through gradual exposure, individuals learn to tolerate and cope with these sensations, diminishing the fear associated with them. This two-pronged approach empowers individuals to regain control over their thoughts and responses to panic, fostering resilience and reducing the frequency and severity of attacks.

Psychotherapy and the Therapeutic Alliance:

Beyond CBT for panic attacks, psychotherapy plays a crucial role in providing a supportive and empathetic space to explore the roots of panic attacks. The therapeutic alliance, formed between the individual and the therapist, becomes a sanctuary for unraveling the emotional complexities that underlie panic. Through open dialogue and introspection, individuals gain insights into the underlying triggers and develop coping strategies to navigate the emotional terrain surrounding panic attacks.

Psychoeducation: Illuminating Patterns and Encouraging Mindfulness

An integral component of the therapeutic journey involves psychoeducation—a process that empowers individuals with knowledge about the nature of panic attacks and equips them with tools to recognize and intercept the onset of anxiety. Through psychoeducation, individuals learn to identify their unique patterns of thinking and behaving that contribute to panic attacks. This heightened self-awareness becomes a powerful tool for early intervention.

In this phase, individuals not only comprehend the physiological and cognitive aspects of panic attacks but also learn to anticipate and disrupt the cycle. By understanding their triggers and recognizing the early signs of anxiety, individuals can proactively implement coping strategies, such as mindfulness techniques and relaxation exercises, to intercept panic before it reaches its full intensity.

Conclusion:

In the realm of panic attacks, CBT, psychotherapy, and psychoeducation intertwine to form a comprehensive approach that empowers individuals to break the chains of anxiety. By dismantling cognitive distortions, addressing underlying emotional complexities, and fostering self-awareness through psychoeducation, individuals gain the tools needed to preemptively navigate the onset of panic attacks without resorting to avoidance behaviors. The therapeutic journey becomes a transformative experience, guiding individuals toward a future where panic attacks no longer dictate the terms of their lives.

To explore if some of what you have been experiencing could be anxiety take our quiz or look to speak with one of Our Therapists Team for CBT for Panic Attacks. This blog is writen by our founder and therapist Michael Ledden.

To work with one of our therapists visit the link in the linktree or visit our website