Panic Disorder Therapy in Long Island, NY
Evidence-based therapy for panic disorder using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
What is Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder involves recurrent, unexpected panic attacks — sudden surges of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest tightness. After experiencing a panic attack, many people develop persistent worry about having another one and begin avoiding situations they associate with panic.
While panic attacks themselves are not dangerous, the cycle of fear and avoidance that develops around them can become extremely limiting over time.
Panic Attacks
- Sudden, intense episodes of fear with physical symptoms including racing heart, shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness, or feeling of unreality.
Avoidance & Safety Behaviors
- Actions meant to prevent or escape panic, such as avoiding exercise, crowds, driving, or situations associated with past attacks.
The Panic Cycle
- Fear of panic leads to hypervigilance about body sensations, which triggers more anxiety — making future attacks more likely and gradually narrowing life.
Panic Disorder Treatment in Long Island, NY
Panic disorder is highly treatable with evidence-based therapy. CBT for panic disorder has a success rate of 70–90% and is the gold-standard approach.
Treatment often focuses on:
- Understanding the panic cycle and what keeps it going
- Gradual exposure to physical sensations associated with panic
- Reducing avoidance and safety behaviors
- Learning to respond differently to anxious body sensations
- Building confidence that panic, while uncomfortable, is not dangerous
I also incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients develop a more flexible relationship with anxious thoughts and physical sensations, rather than fighting them.
You can read more about CBT on our CBT page and ACT on our ACT page.
Working with a Panic Disorder Therapist
Panic disorder can make everyday situations feel unpredictable and unsafe. Many people find themselves planning their lives around avoiding anything that might bring on a panic attack — driving, exercise, crowds, or even certain physical sensations.
Therapy focuses on helping you gradually step back into the situations you’ve been avoiding, while learning that panic sensations — though intensely uncomfortable — are not dangerous and do not need to be escaped.
Over time, most people find that panic attacks become less frequent, less intense, and far less frightening, even when they do occur.
Common Panic Attack Experiences
- Fear it's a heart attack: "My heart is racing — something must be seriously wrong."
- Fear of Losing Control: "What if I completely lose control or go crazy?"
- Fear of fainting: "I feel so dizzy, I'm going to pass out."
- Fear of Dying: "I can't breathe — what if this is it?"
- Fear of Embarassment: "What if I have a panic attack in public and people see?"
- Fear of the Fear: "What if the panic never stops and I can't escape?"
Common Avoidance Patterns in Panic Disorder
- Situation Avoidance Avoiding places or activities associated with past attacks, like driving, exercise, crowds, or being far from home.
- Carrying Safety Items Keeping medication, water, or phone nearby at all times "just in case."
- Exit Seeking Always sitting near exits, planning escape routes, or leaving situations early when anxiety rises.
- Needing a Safe Person Only going places with a trusted person present who can help if panic occurs.
- Reassurance Seeking Checking symptoms online, asking others if you seem okay, or calling doctors after attacks.
- Body Monitoring Constantly scanning for physical sensations like heart rate, breathing, or dizziness.
Panic Disorder and Related Conditions
Panic disorder shares features with several other anxiety conditions. Some people with panic disorder also experience health anxiety, particularly when they become focused on physical sensations and fear they indicate a serious illness.
Others experience agoraphobia — a fear of situations where escape might be difficult if panic occurs — which can develop as avoidance becomes more entrenched over time.
Because panic disorder involves avoidance and safety behaviors, many of the same evidence-based approaches used for OCD and health anxiety are effective here too.
You can learn more about health anxiety therapy here and OCD therapy here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Panic Disorder
Answers to common questions about panic disorder and evidence based treatment.
What is panic disorder?
Panic disorder involves recurrent unexpected panic attacks and persistent worry about future attacks, often leading to avoidance of situations associated with panic.
Are panic attacks dangerous?
No. Although panic attacks feel frightening, they are not medically dangerous. The physical symptoms — racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness — are produced by the body’s normal stress response and will pass on their own.
What does therapy for panic disorder involve?
Treatment typically uses CBT to help you understand the panic cycle and gradually face feared situations and sensations. ACT helps you relate differently to anxious thoughts and physical discomfort.
How long does treatment take?
CBT for panic disorder is typically structured and time-limited. Many people see significant improvement within a few months with consistent practice between sessions.
Do you offer telehealth for panic disorder therapy in New York and New Jersey?
Yes. Telehealth is available for clients in New York and New Jersey, and in-person sessions are available in the Nassau County, Long Island area.
Still not sure what your symptoms mean? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to clarify your symptoms and next steps.
Panic Disorder Therapy in Rockville Centre, Long Island
Evidence-based treatment for panic disorder, available in person and by telehealth
Panic disorder can make the world feel smaller over time as more and more situations get associated with fear. Many people spend years avoiding rather than realizing effective treatment is available.
I offer therapy for panic disorder in Rockville Centre and telehealth across New York and New Jersey, using CBT and ACT in a warm, practical way.
Ready to Begin?
The first step is a brief 15-minute phone or video consultation to clarify fit and next steps.