Therapy
Therapy for Panic Attacks
A panic attack can feel like a heart attack, a faint or losing control. It is none of those, and therapy can teach you how to ride one out until they come less often.
What a panic attack is
A panic attack is a sudden wave of fear that peaks within minutes. The heart pounds, breathing gets fast and shallow, hands tingle, the room can feel unreal. Many people go to the emergency room the first time, and are told their heart is fine. That news is a relief, and it also leaves you wondering when it will happen again.
Signs panic is starting to run things
- You scan your body for the first flutter of a symptom
- You avoid driving on the freeway, crowded stores or long lines
- You carry water, medication or a phone charger just in case
- You sit near exits or skip events you used to enjoy
- You need someone with you to feel safe going out
Why the fear of fear matters
The attacks themselves pass. What keeps panic going is the fear of the next one, and the escape plans that come with it. Each time you leave a store early or pull off the road, your brain files that place as dangerous. Therapy works on that loop directly.
What sessions usually involve
- 1.
Learn the body's alarm
Your therapist explains, in plain terms, what adrenaline does and why the sensations are uncomfortable but not harmful.
- 2.
Slow the breath
You practice breathing that steadies the body instead of feeding the alarm.
- 3.
Test the scary thoughts
CBT tools help you question predictions like I will pass out or I am dying.
- 4.
Practice on purpose
With support, you bring on mild sensations and return to avoided places in planned steps.
Panic in the car, at work or at home
Some people panic only while driving, others in meetings or at night in bed. Your therapist builds practice around the places that matter in your week, whether that is the drive down US-59, the grocery store on a Saturday, or sitting through a long appointment.
When medication can help
Therapy alone helps many people with panic. If attacks are frequent or severe, a medication evaluation with our telehealth prescribers is an option, coordinated with your therapist.
Therapists for panic and anxiety
Dr. Kiran Mishra
Licensed Psychologist
Therapy for Adults
Diana Cantu, MA
Licensed Psychological Associate
Bilingual Therapy for All Ages
Naim Karabanoff, MS
LPC Associate
Therapy for Kids, Teens and Adults
Gloria Ntela, MA
Licensed Psychological Associate
Psychological Evaluations
Maggie Johnson, M.Div., LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Therapy for Individuals and Couples
Dr. Sunetra Martinez
Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Licensed School Psychologist
Therapy and Clinical Supervision
Michelle Mitchell, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Couples, Family and Individual Therapy
Dr. Sneha Desai
Licensed Psychologist
Therapy
Questions about panic attacks
Can a panic attack hurt me?
The sensations are intense but not dangerous for a healthy body. If you have new chest pain or have not been checked by a doctor, get a medical evaluation first.
Will I have to face everything at once?
No. Practice is planned with you, one small step at a time, and you agree to each step.
Can I do this by telehealth?
Yes. All of our therapists see clients by video anywhere in Texas, and some exposure practice works well from home.
What if I feel unsafe?
Call or text 988, or call 911 in an emergency.
Stop planning your life around panic
Request an appointment online, or call or text 832-876-3232 and we will help you choose a therapist.