Lawyer: Experiencing Extreme Stress and Panic Attacks

Why Steve Came to Therapy:

Steve, referred by his doctor, came to therapy stressed and exhausted. His doctor recommended counseling due to the frequent panic attacks he was having.

Steve was reluctant to attend therapy as he didn’t see how it would help. However, he was at his breaking point. His anxiety was intense, and he was desperate for relief.

Steve sometimes worked 60 hours or more per week. Steve also hated his job. He dreaded going to work in the mornings.

He made good money but felt trapped because of it.

Steve had a massive mortgage on his DC row house and a six-figure student loan debt from law school.

He couldn’t imagine how he could leave his job. He needed the income and didn’t know what else he would do.

Steve was also lonely. During his entire life, he’d had unsuccessful relationship after unsuccessful relationship.

He was tired of the stress and conflict in his relationships and the pain he experienced when they ended.

The Outcome of Therapy with Steve:

Using Emotion Focused Therapy, I helped Steve begin to trust his emotions and what they were telling him.

Steve came to see trying to meet everyone else’s expectations by working longer hours and fitting himself into relationships that didn’t work amplified his stress and feelings of panic.

As we worked with Steve’s anxiety, he became aware of the deep insecurity underlying his panic. Fearing that he was incapable or weak led to constant striving and trying to prove himself to others.

By acknowledging and attending to his underlying vulnerability, Steve began to feel more relaxed and was able to think more clearly.

He realized he had to discuss cutting back his hours with the head of the law firm. Fortunately, when Steve did speak to him, his boss agreed to hire another lawyer to take some of the load.

Steve began to slow down and take better care of himself. He decided to take time out from seeking a relationship and concentrate on looking after himself, get his debt under control, and engage in activities that gave him pleasure.

When therapy ended, Steve felt more optimistic about his job and his life. He started dating with caution – something he had never done in the past.

Steve wanted to get to know a woman before jumping into a relationship and risking another painful ending.