Client Case
Presenting Issues
Alana sought therapy after experiencing recurring panic attacks that began during a particularly stressful academic term. She reported difficulty focusing on schoolwork, fear of public spaces, and an increasing sense of dread about daily tasks.
Background Information
A 27-year-old graduate student, Alana was balancing a heavy course load, part-time work, and family obligations. The onset of panic attacks left her feeling helpless, ashamed, and isolated. She had previously tried managing symptoms on her own but realized she needed professional help when she began avoiding classes altogether.
Assesment
Clinical assessment revealed symptoms consistent with panic disorder and generalized anxiety. Alana expressed distress about her inability to "turn off" her thoughts and rated her sleep quality and energy levels as poor. Her academic performance and social life were both being negatively impacted.
Treatment Plan
Goals
- Reduce frequency and intensity of panic attacks
- Improve sleep and reduce nighttime anxiety
- Increase self-awareness and emotional resilience
- Restore confidence in social and academic settings
Intervention Strategies
- Narrative Therapy to externalize anxiety and separate it from identity
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge catastrophic thinking and reinforce grounding strategies
- Breathing & Somatic Exercises to regain control during panic episodes
- Weekly reflection exercises to track patterns and identify emotional triggers
- Exposure Therapy to slowly reintroduce feared settings and reduce avoidance
Frequency and Duration
Weekly sessions over 12 weeks (3 months total)
Results
By Week 4: Alana could recognize early signs of panic and apply breathing techniques to prevent escalation.
By Week 8: She resumed attending classes and even participated in a group presentation.
By Week 12: Panic attacks had dropped to one every few weeks (from multiple times weekly), and she reported improved sleep, fewer racing thoughts, and greater overall confidence.
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Alana
Client
Sylvester has really helped me to stop fearing my anxiety and start understanding it. I never thought I’d feel calm again, but now I do — even in moments that used to paralyze me. I’m showing up for myself, and it feels amazing.
Case Details
Name
Alana (pseudonym)
Counseler
Sylvester Rankine
Symptomps Encountered
Panic attacks. Difficulty falling and staying asleep. Racing thoughts. Avoidance of social and academic situations.