A panic attack feels like danger. It isn’t.
Counselling for sudden waves of fear, a pounding heart and the dread of it happening again.
Written by Elza Berk, Founder & registered counsellor · ASCHP WCW/271 · 20+ years’ clinical experience · Updated 28 September 2026
A panic attack can feel like a heart attack, like you can’t breathe, or like you are losing control. It is terrifying — and it is not dangerous. It is the body’s fight-or-flight response switching on at full volume when there is no threat to fight.
After a few attacks, many people start to fear the fear itself: avoiding driving, shops, crowds or being alone in case it happens again. Life slowly gets smaller.
Counselling helps you understand what your body is doing, learn to ride the wave instead of fighting it, and gently reclaim the places and activities panic has taken away.
Need help right now? If you have chest pain or trouble breathing for the first time, please seek medical help or call 10111 / 112.
During panic people often feel
- A pounding or racing heart
- Shortness of breath or choking
- Dizziness, tingling or shaking
- A sense of unreality
- Fear of dying or losing control
- Dread of the next attack
You don’t need a diagnosis to reach out.
Free anxiety & panic tool →How we work with you.
Understand it
Knowing exactly what is happening in your body takes away much of its power.
Ride the wave
Breathing and grounding techniques to let panic peak and pass.
Reclaim your life
Step-by-step return to the places and activities you have been avoiding.
Choose who feels right.
Janika Cumpsty
Head of Supervision
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Specialist Wellness Counsellor
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Mimi Shirindza
Registered Counsellor
“Every person carries the capacity for growth and renewal. My role is to walk alongside you as you rediscover and strengthen those inherent gifts.”
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Hèlet Boustred
Registered Psychological Counsellor
“I have a strong passion for trauma work using Somatic Experiencing — a gentle, body-oriented approach that helps release stress and restore balance from within.”
- Trauma (Somatic Experiencing)
- Anxiety & depression
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Registered Counsellor
“I offer a safe space where clients feel heard and supported to better understand themselves, navigate life’s challenges, and move towards meaningful change.”
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Chris Theron
Registered Counsellor
“Life teaches us to keep it together even when we’re falling apart. I believe healing starts when someone walks beside you — not ahead of you.”
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Risimati Chauke
Social Worker
“I create a safe, non-judgemental space where clients can process their experiences and find practical pathways toward healing and resilience.”
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Talita Kondlo
Registered Wellness Counsellor
“I take a compassionate, client-centred approach — creating a safe space to explore emotions, heal from the past, and build healthier ways of coping going forward.”
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Jamie-Leigh Brickles
Registered Specialist Wellness Counsellor
“Counselling is collaborative, and at its core it’s about your heart. I believe we all have the answers deeply rooted within us; sometimes we just need the courage to reach for them.”
- Anxiety
- Grief & loss
- Trauma
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Elza Berk
Founder & CEO · Registered Counsellor
“I built MyTruth because I needed it then and it didn’t exist. Every counsellor here has been chosen for their capacity to sit with what is real.”
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- Trauma
- Eating disorders
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Common questions
Should I see a doctor first?
If you have never had your symptoms checked, please see a doctor once to rule out a physical cause. Then counselling can help with the panic itself.
How long does a panic attack last?
Most peak within about ten minutes and ease soon after, even though it can feel much longer.
Can I have a session if I panic about video calls?
Yes. Sessions can happen by WhatsApp message or voice call, whichever feels most manageable.
Your truth deserves to be heard.
Choose a counsellor who speaks your language and understands your world. Sessions are online, private and booked in minutes.