Dear Princess Bodhisattva Alopecia:

Because the breathing exercise you suggested to her caused her to  get even more anxious, I wouldn’t suggest guided meditation to  her at this time because they start and end with instructions to focus her attention on her breathing. What may work for her is daily aerobic exercise, such as fast walking or swimming. The physical exertion forces the person to breath naturally, getting the oxygen she needs  and the calming regularity of breathing, without paying attention to her breathing.

Attending exercises classes in a gym, including yoga classes can help her as well. While she follows a teacher’s instructions, focusing on her body movements/ her muscles/her postures, she gets a break from thinking. It is like taking the elevator down from the over-thinking, self critical brain–>  to the body and the brain gets a break.

Makes sense?

anita