PANIC ATTACK THERAPY
Have you experienced a sudden racing heart, dizziness, shortness of breath, or an overwhelming fear that something terrible is about to happen?
Panic attacks can be frightening, especially when they seem to come out of nowhere. You may begin worrying about having another attack or avoiding situations where you fear one might occur.
Fortunately, panic attacks are highly treatable, and you can learn to respond differently to the sensations and fears that keep the cycle going.
UNDERSTANDING PANIC ATTACKS
Panic attacks involve sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, trembling, dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
Although these sensations can feel dangerous, panic attacks themselves are generally not medically harmful. New or unexplained physical symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.
HOW CBT HELPS WITH PANIC ATTACKS
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for panic disorder.
Panic often develops into a cycle: uncomfortable physical sensations trigger frightening thoughts, which increase anxiety and intensify the sensations.
Using CBT and TEAM-CBT, I help clients:
- Understand the connection between thoughts, physical sensations, and anxiety.
- Recognize and change catastrophic interpretations of bodily sensations.
- Reduce avoidance and fear of future panic attacks.
- Gradually build confidence through evidence-based behavioral strategies.
Treatment may include exposure-based techniques to help reduce fear of anxiety sensations and previously avoided situations.
PANIC ATTACK THERAPY IN CARLSBAD, CA
I’m Dr. Cynthia Chapman, a licensed clinical psychologist providing in-person therapy in Carlsbad and telehealth throughout California.
My approach combines evidence-based CBT with compassion, collaboration, and individualized treatment. When appropriate, I also incorporate mindfulness and IFS-informed approaches.
You don’t have to keep organizing your life around the fear of another panic attack.
Contact me to schedule a consultation and explore how therapy may help.