Panic Disorder
Support for Panic Disorder at Cognitive Counselling
Panic attacks can feel overwhelming—sudden waves of fear, racing heart, shortness of breath, or a sense of losing control. When these episodes happen frequently or unexpectedly, they may signal Panic Disorder, a treatable mental health condition that can deeply affect your sense of safety and freedom.
At Cognitive Counselling, we provide expert support for individuals experiencing panic attacks or living with Panic Disorder. Through personalized, evidence-based therapy, we help you understand your symptoms, reduce their intensity, and regain control over your life.
What Is Panic Disorder?
Panic Disorder is marked by recurring and unexpected panic attacks, followed by persistent worry about future attacks or changes in behaviour aimed at avoiding them. It can develop gradually or suddenly, often leaving individuals feeling anxious, confused, and isolated.
Without support, Panic Disorder can limit daily activities, cause avoidance of certain places or situations, and impact relationships, work, and overall well-being. The good news? With the right therapy, recovery is possible.
Common Symptoms of Panic Disorder
Physical Symptoms:
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Rapid heartbeat or chest pain
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Shortness of breath or feeling like you’re choking
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Dizziness, lightheadedness, or nausea
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Sweating, trembling, or chills
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Feeling detached from your surroundings (derealization)
Emotional and Cognitive Symptoms:
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Intense fear or sense of impending doom
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Fear of dying or “going crazy”
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Persistent worry about when the next attack might happen
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Avoidance of places or activities linked to previous attacks
How Therapy Can Help
At Cognitive Counselling, our therapists use proven, individualized approaches to help you break the cycle of fear, reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks, and rebuild your sense of safety.
Therapeutic strategies may include:
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Learn how your thoughts, feelings, and physical symptoms interact. CBT helps you challenge fear-based thinking and develop healthier coping strategies. -
Interoceptive Exposure
Gradually face and become more comfortable with physical sensations that trigger panic, helping you reduce fear and avoidance of symptoms. -
Psychoeducation
Understand the biology of panic attacks and how anxiety affects the body, which can help normalize your experience and reduce fear. -
Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques
Learn how to stay present during moments of anxiety and practice calming tools such as deep breathing, visualization, and muscle relaxation. -
Lifestyle and Stress Management
Explore how sleep, exercise, nutrition, and other daily habits influence panic symptoms, and build a routine that supports nervous system balance. -
Relapse Prevention and Confidence Building
Develop tools to manage future anxiety, rebuild trust in yourself, and return to activities you may have avoided out of fear.
Reclaim Your Calm
Panic Disorder can be frightening—but it doesn’t have to define your life. With the right support and tools, you can move beyond the fear and regain confidence in yourself and your body. At Cognitive Counselling, we walk alongside you as you rediscover calm, clarity, and emotional safety.
Ready to begin your journey toward healing? Contact us to book a session or learn more about how we can help.
