Treatment for Panic Attacks
-
Have you ever had a moment when you were overcome with fear?
-
Have you ever had a moment where you were sweating, hyperventilating, or your heart was racing so fast you thought you were going to die?
-
Do you have fears of dying, going insane or losing control?
-
Do you ever avoid situations like driving, crowds, being alone, or unfamiliar places?
-
Do you ever avoid exercise or other activities that make you feel like you’re having a panic attack?
If you have experienced any of the above, you may be suffering from panic attacks. Many people feel that there is nothing they can do about their panic, but that’s simply not true. While we know it’s scary, there is hope. Treatment for panic attacks is effective. Our caring therapists at Houston Center for Valued Living are ready to help you reclaim your life and break free from the debilitating nature of panic attacks. If you’re ready to get started, schedule your appointment here.
What is a panic attack?
The DSM-5, (what people in the mental health field use to diagnose disorders and gives us all a framework to communicate about and treat those disorders) describes a panic attack as an abrupt surge of intense fear or intense discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes, and during which time several additional symptoms may occur.
What does a panic attack feel like?
One thing’s for sure, a panic attack does not feel good! It usually has at least 4 of the following symptoms.
- Heart palpitations
- Pounding heart
- Accelerated heart rate
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling of being smothered
- Feeling of choking
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Nausea or abdominal distress
- Feeling dizzy
- Chills or feeling hot
- Fear of losing control
- Fear of dying
What causes panic attacks?
There is not one “known” cause for panic attacks. There is believed to be both biological and psychological factors that contribute to the development of panic but we still don’t know “the” direct cause. In most cases, panic does not develop from any kind of biological disease. There are certain medical conditions that can cause symptoms of panic attacks such as hyperthyroidism or adrenal tumors. This is why we always ask our patients to undergo an evaluation by their primary care doctor to rule out any underlying medical condition. However most of the time, people develop panic out of the blue, in a situation where they didn’t expect to be anxious and where there is no known danger. For example, you’re shopping at the grocery store going about your merry way and BAM an attack suddenly comes on strong.
How common is panic disorder?
This may surprise you, but it is estimated that one out of every 12 people has experienced panic disorder or agoraphobia within their lifetime. So you’re absolutely not alone in what you’re going through, and you’re not crazy either!
What is panic disorder?
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder. It is a diagnosis given to you when you have experienced multiple panic attacks that are often unexpected. In addition to having panic attacks, you must have at least one month or more of fear or worry of having another panic attack. This fear often creates changes in your behavior, like avoiding situations that might produce a panic attack (such as going out of the house alone, going to certain places, exercising, etc). If you find that you’re avoiding situations because of your fear of panic, you may also have what’s called agoraphobia.
What is Agoraphobia?
If you find that you are avoiding going to certain places or avoiding being alone in certain situations because you fear that you will have a panic attack or experience uncomfortable physical syptoms (diarrhea, light headedness, weakness, etc) then you may be experiencing agorphobia.
- Places with crowds (malls, grocery stories, concerts)
- Movie theaters
- Restaurants
- Elevators & escalators
- Driving
- Using public transportation like buses or trains
- Flying
- Being home alone
- Being far from home
- Wide, open spaces
- Closed spaces
What is the treatment for panic attacks?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a widely researched and supported treatment for panic disorder. There is a specialized type of treatment specifically for this, and it’s a lot more than just “talking about your problems.” You will receive a significant amount of information about the nature of panic attacks and the treatment plan your therapist has created for you. Most importantly, you will be actively involved in your treatment along with your therapist. You will be asked to monitor and track your anxiety levels and symptoms. Much of therapy will involve helping you understand the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behavior and how those related to your panic attacks. Additionally, because panic can lead to avoidance of situations (agoraphobia), you will learn step by step how to begin to confront these feared situations until you are no longer experiencing significant levels of anxiety. Your treatment may also involve a special type of therapy called interoceptive exposure, in which you and the therapist work together to help you face the feared physical symptoms of panic.
Houston Center for Valued Living’s Approach to Treating Panic Attacks
You don’t have to live with constant fear of panic or avoid situations where you feel anxious. Therapy can help you overcome panic and anxiety and get out of its constricting grasp. Anxiety treatment works. You can feel better.
We provide a comprehensive range of science supported psychological treatments to help you end the struggle with your anxiety. Some of these treatments include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Panic and Anxiety
- Interoceptive Exposure
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Compassion Focused Therapy
- Mindfulness
We are ready and willing to help you develop the tools to manage your anxiety and panic so that you can return your energy to the activities in life that you really care about. Schedule your appointment now.
Are you ready to begin treatment for panic attacks?
As a Houston based counseling clinic, we serve children, adults and families throughout the metropolitan area. If you are ready to work with one of our therapists who specializes in treatment of panic or panic disorder, reach out today by sending an e-mail to info@hcfvl.com.
Your appointment experience will begin in our cozy counseling office in the Montrose neighborhood of Houston. If you live in or around the Greater Houston area, you can schedule an appointment by booking online now, or calling or e-mailing any of our therapists today.
Distance doesn’t have to stop you from receiving the Houston Center for Valued Living therapy experience. We offer convenient telehealth sessions for any resident of Texas, whether you live in Houston or not.
Not sure if you’re ready to begin therapy?
We understand that taking the leap to begin treatment for panic can seem scary. We believe that once you choose to get help, you’ll be glad you did. Below are some common concerns that you might have about starting therapy.
I’ve heard treatment for anxiety takes a long time
The great news is that treatment for panic attacks does not take years. In most cases, you can experience significant improvement in your anxiety symptoms in just a few sessions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapies for panic are designed to specifically treat panic disorder and agoraphobia. We tailor treatment specifically for you and your concerns. If you’d like to know more about how therapy might help you, please call one of our dedicated therapists today for a free 20-minute phone consultation.
It’s hard to find the time to go to counseling
When you’re busy and life seems like it’s whirling around you in chaos, prioritizing yourself can be challenging. However, imagine life with your panic under control. How much more time would you have if your fear of having a panic attack wasn’t getting in the way of work, relationships, and fun?
Many individuals procrastinate starting therapy due to a multitude of questions, time constraints, fears and even financial concerns. We get it! We can answer questions that you may have, we have appointments available 6 days a week, some early morning and even weekends.
We know it can also be weird, odd or even just difficult to sit down with a stranger and talk to them about something that you may not share with anyone else. We hear that a lot, rest assured that we’ve heard it all and while holding it all in may seem safe, a lot of relief can be found by sharing your concerns with an educated/trained professional. So what about the financial concerns you may have? Well we have a solution for that too. We offer 3 tiers of therapists to choose from and even offer sliding scale fees for clients that qualify. So quit putting yourself on the back-burner and take your first step towards freedom from panic today.
I don’t have time for therapy
At Houston Center for Valued Living, we want to help you make the most of your time so that you can be living your best life today. For most individuals, finding one hour a week is doable. We offer telehealth sessions, for Houston locals because well… traffic. We also offer telehealth sessions to clients across the great state of Texas because Texas is a big place and you’re never too far away from help. You can attend therapy on your lunch break from your phone or laptop. You can attend therapy from the comfort of your home while your toddler naps.
Many of our clients enjoy taking a break from their lives and coming to meet with their therapist in our offices. If you’d prefer concierge therapy, this is also an option that you can discuss with one of our therapists. You don’t have to let time be barrier to giving yourself the gift of therapy.
I’m not sure I’m worth the cost of therapy
We understand that therapy is an investment. It’s an investment in the quality of your life, your health, and your relationships. Anxiety and panic can make you paralyzed with indecision and worry about every possible outcome. This is one area in which we believe investing in yourself is a step in the right direction. We work to make the most of your sessions so that you can get back to feeling like you again. If you are serious about getting treatment for panic attacks and serious about doing something that works, contact us today. Although we do not accept insurance at Houston Center for Valued Living, we do offer sliding scale services for individuals who qualify which can help offset the cost of therapy. For more information on the specific costs of therapy, please visit our rates page.
We don't only treat panic.
We can help with more than just panic.
As a Houston based counseling clinic, our caring therapists also offer therapy for symptoms of depression, anxiety disorders and anxiety treatment, obsessive compulsive disorder, maternal mental health, counseling for children and therapy for teens. We can also provide effective treatment for insomnia. We also offer tips for improving your overall mental health on our blog.
Send an email to: info@hcfvl.com to learn more about how Houston Center for Valued Living can help you take the next step toward creating your best life.
If you’re ready to get started today, choose one of our awesome therapists and schedule your appointment now by phone, e-mail, or our online scheduling system.
Want more information about anxiety treatment in Houston?
Below are some recent articles about anxiety that we have published on our blog.
Six Approaches to Support Your Anxious Spouse
Houston: We Have a Panic Attack