Anxiety Disorders I Treat:
Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder involves experiencing severe panic attacks (also known as anxiety attacks) along with a significant fear that they will happen again. Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical sensations like a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, shaking, or nausea.
Panic attacks may seem to come out of nowhere, or be triggered by specific situations or bodily sensations. Panic Disorder develops when you begin to fear the panic itself. If you’re constantly on high alert for signs of another attack, or worried about what might happen if one occurs again — that anticipatory fear is what defines Panic Disorder. It is the fear of fear itself.
Panic attacks are not dangerous — but they feel terrifying and often convince you that something is seriously wrong. The reality is, nothing is actually wrong with you, even though it feels like it is. Your internal alarm system — the one designed to flood your body with adrenaline in a true emergency — is simply firing by mistake.
Anxiety tricks you into believing you’re in danger, so your mind scrambles for explanations: “I must be having a heart attack. I’m going to pass out. I think I’m dying.” But as intense as it feels, panic attacks don’t cause the catastrophes your brain predicts.
Common Symptoms of Panic Disorder
Recurrent and unexpected panic attacks — sudden rushes of intense fear and physical discomfort that seem to come out of nowhere.
Physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, chest tightness, nausea, dizziness, or numbness/tingling.
Fear of losing control, having a heart attack, going crazy, or dying during an episode.
Relying on “safety behaviors” — avoiding certain sensations, closely monitoring your body, or carrying items like water or medication “just in case.”
Persistent worry about when the next attack will happen
Why does panic feel so bad
Panic becomes so distressing because of the cycle it creates. It often starts with a single sensation — a skipped heartbeat, a tight breath, a dizzy spell, or even a sudden thought. Your brain interprets it as dangerous and hat interpretation triggers a rush of adrenaline. Your body enters fight-or-flight, which intensifies the original sensation — confirming the fear that “something is wrong.”
The symptoms peak and you’re convinced you’re about to pass out, lose control, or die — even though panic always ends, every time. Relief comes… but only briefly. Soon after, you start worrying about the next attack — and that anticipation keeps the cycle going.
Treatment Options for Panic Disorder
Treatment isn’t about pushing you into panic — it’s about helping you feel safe in your own body again. You’ll learn how to retrain your brain and body using approaches like:
Interoceptive Exposure — intentionally bringing on physical sensations so they stop feeling dangerous.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — identifying catastrophic thinking patterns and learning to question fear-based predictions.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) — facing triggering situations gradually without using avoidance or escape strategies.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — Learning to move toward what matters — even when anxiety shows up.
Not sure what you need?
That’s exactly what the free consult is for
I offer several ways to get support — from Standard Individual Sessions to Extended Sessions and Intensive Treatment options for more severe symptoms. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Your next step is simple — fill out the online inquiry form to schedule a free consult. We’ll take it one step at a time — together.