Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder: Finding Relief

Imagine your heart suddenly races, your chest feels tight, your hands shake, and you can’t seem to catch your breath. It feels like something terrible is happening—sometimes even like you’re dying. These intense waves of fear are called panic attacks, and when they happen repeatedly, they may signal Panic Disorder.

Many people in quietly live with panic attacks, avoiding situations that might trigger them. But panic is treatable—and therapy can provide real relief.

What Are Panic Attacks?

Panic attacks often come on suddenly, without warning. They can last just a few minutes but feel overwhelming. Common symptoms include:

• Rapid heartbeat or chest pain

• Shortness of breath or choking sensation

• Dizziness or feeling faint

• Sweating, trembling, or chills

• Nausea or stomach upset

• A sense of detachment or unreality

• Fear of losing control or dying

Because panic attacks are so intense, people often worry about having another one. This can lead to avoiding places, activities, or situations—sometimes shrinking daily life to avoid triggers.

What is Panic Disorder?

When panic attacks become frequent and the fear of having another one takes over, this may be diagnosed as Panic Disorder. Left untreated, it can interfere with work, relationships, and independence.

How Therapy Helps with Panic Attacks

Therapy offers tools to both reduce the frequency of panic attacks and lessen their intensity. In our Colorado Springs counseling practice, we use approaches such as:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you reframe catastrophic thinking that fuels panic.

• Breathing & Relaxation Techniques: Calm the body’s physical fight-or-flight response.

• Exposure Therapy: Safely and gradually face feared sensations or situations, so panic loses its power.

• Education & Support: Understanding what panic is—and isn’t—can take away some of its control.

  
  

Life Beyond Panic

It’s possible to live without the constant fear of panic. Many clients find that with the right therapy, panic attacks become less frequent, less intense, and eventually manageable. Life can open back up—whether that means driving without fear, attending events, or simply trusting your body again.

Panic Attack Therapy in Colorado Springs

If you’ve experienced panic attacks or suspect you may have Panic Disorder, you don’t have to face it alone. Therapy can help you regain confidence, reduce fear, and take back your life.