What to Do When Panic Strikes—Advice from Caroline Goldsmith
What to Do When Panic Strikes—Advice from Caroline Goldsmith
Blog Article
For those who have experienced it, panic can feel like a thief—stealing your confidence, your independence, and even your sense of identity. A sudden rush of fear, a pounding heart, shallow breath, a dizzying loss of control—these are more than just symptoms; they are barriers that can keep you from living the life you deserve. But with the right support, panic doesn’t have to define you.
At ATC Ireland, Caroline Goldsmith, a Chartered Psychologist with years of experience in anxiety and panic disorders, helps clients not just cope with panic, but move beyond it. Her expert, compassionate approach combines the science of psychology with a deep understanding of the human experience, offering clients real, lasting change.
Understanding the Nature of Panic
Before you can change your relationship with panic, you need to understand what it is—and what it isn’t.
A panic attack is an intense episode of fear that comes on suddenly, often without a clear trigger. It can involve a range of physical symptoms: rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, nausea, and chest pain. Many people feel like they are dying or going crazy. These symptoms are terrifying, but they are not dangerous.
“Panic attacks are the result of your body’s fight-or-flight system being activated unnecessarily,” explains Caroline Goldsmith. “They’re a false alarm—but your body and mind react as though you’re under real threat.”
For many, the fear of another panic attack can be just as disabling as the attack itself. This fear often leads to avoidance—of driving, social settings, public transport, or even leaving the house. Over time, panic can shrink a person’s world.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Caroline Goldsmith’s Approach: Calm, Clarity, and Control
Caroline Goldsmith’s treatment approach is rooted in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), the gold standard for treating panic disorder. She also incorporates mindfulness-based stress reduction, nervous system regulation, and psychoeducation to help clients understand and gradually change their experience.
Her process is practical, personal, and always at the client’s pace.
1. Demystifying the Panic Response
The first step in Caroline’s process is helping clients truly understand what is happening in their mind and body during a panic attack.
“When people realise they’re not actually in danger, and that the symptoms are part of a temporary biological reaction, they start to feel less afraid of the experience,” she says. This understanding immediately reduces the power panic holds.
By learning about the physiological response—how adrenaline affects the body, how the breath and heart rate change, and why certain thoughts emerge—clients gain insight. This alone is often a game-changer.
2. Interrupting the Cycle of Fear
Panic thrives in a cycle: a sensation (like dizziness) sparks a fearful thought (“I’m having a stroke”), which triggers more adrenaline, creating more intense sensations. Caroline helps clients break this cycle using CBT techniques.
Together, they identify catastrophic thinking patterns and work to reframe them. For example, changing “I’m going to pass out” to “This is uncomfortable, but it will pass.”
These small cognitive shifts, reinforced over time, lead to big changes in how panic is experienced.
3. Building a Toolkit for Calm
In addition to working on thoughts, Caroline Goldsmith teaches clients practical tools to manage the physical aspects of panic. These include:
- Breathing techniques to calm the nervous system
- Grounding exercises to stay present during moments of anxiety
- Progressive exposure to slowly re-engage with situations that have been avoided
This holistic approach empowers clients to handle panic wherever and whenever it arises—not by avoiding life, but by meeting it with confidence.
Stories of Success
One of the most rewarding aspects of Caroline’s work is seeing her clients not just survive, but thrive.
“I had stopped driving and even avoided family events,” one client shared. “After working with Caroline, I understand what’s happening in my body. I have tools now. I’m back on the road, back at work, and back to being myself.”
These outcomes are not unusual. Caroline’s structured yet compassionate approach helps people return to the things that matter most—relationships, hobbies, careers, and freedom.
Why Choose Caroline Goldsmith?
Caroline brings more than clinical training to her sessions—she brings genuine care. Clients describe her as calming, intuitive, and deeply knowledgeable. She listens carefully and tailors treatment to each individual, making therapy feel safe, supportive, and effective.
Whether you’re dealing with a recent panic attack or a long-standing anxiety disorder, Caroline Goldsmith offers a path forward—one grounded in evidence, empathy, and real progress.
Take the First Step Today
You don’t have to live with the fear of panic. Recovery is not only possible—it’s well within reach. With the right guidance and support, you can rebuild your confidence, expand your world, and live freely again.
Book a confidential consultation with Caroline Goldsmith today at ATC Ireland and begin your journey back to calm.
Contact Information:
Caroline’s practice is easily reachable through her website, email, or phone, ensuring clients have multiple ways to Connect and Resources. Report this page