Philadephia Panic Attack Disorder Therapy

Interventions for Panic Disorders in Philadelphia, PA—Counseling and Therapy for Panic Attacks

Molly was sleeping deeply one moment when she was suddenly awake and having a panic attack. She doubled over with stomach pain, and her chest constricted. The room was spinning. Molly piled on the blankets but still felt cold. Molly almost felt as if she was out of her body, looking down on herself. These awful symptoms lasted for several minutes and then stopped as suddenly as they started. Even though the symptoms subsided, Molly felt exhausted and shaken. This was Molly’s second panic attack this month.

Attacks are debilitating and exhausting, and people reasonably want to avoid them. Many people change their routines in the hopes of avoiding anything that may trigger an attack. But rearranging daily life often means missing out on work opportunities, time with family, and connection to friends. Others try to soften the difficult feelings through self-medication. But drugs and alcohol make the attacks worse.

People who turn to psychological intervention, in contrast, are often able to maintain their normal routine while the discomfort they feel from the attacks subside. Over time, many people experience complete relief from panic attacks as these treatments bring healing and freedom.

The therapists and psychologists at Thriveworks Philadelphia love seeing their clients receive the holistic interventions they need for panic disorders. We regularly tailor treatment plans for clients that may include a combination of cognitive behavior therapy, exposure therapy, and/or medication to meet their particular symptoms and needs.

What Is a Panic Disorder?

Without warnings and without triggers, panic attacks can strike. If they occur more than once and if they obstruct normal, daily life, then they may be a panic disorder.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) outlines the criteria for diagnosing a panic disorder (DSM-5 300.01 [F41.0]):

  • When people experience more than one panic attack (at least two) that involves acute fear, anxiety, and discomfort that build for several minutes and then wane. For a panic disorder diagnosis to be made, the panic attacks cannot be the result of another medical condition, a different psychiatric disorder, or the physiological effects of a drug.
  • In particular, a minimum of four of the following symptoms must be present during the panic attack:
    • Numbness or tingling sensations
    • Feeling depersonalized or detached from oneself
    • Shaking or trembling
    • Feeling smothered or experiencing shortness of breath
    • A choking feeling
    • Chest pain or tightness
    • Palpitations or escalated heart rate
    • Fear of dying
    • Dizziness or faintness
    • Fear of going crazy or losing control
    • Hot flashes or chills
    • Sweating excessively
    • Abdominal pain or nausea
  • After one of the attacks, experiencing either or both of the following responses for at least one month’s time:
    • Relentless worry about having more panic attacks and/or that other, similar health problems will occur (e.g., stroke or heart attack).
    • Switching one’s personal or professional schedule in the hope of avoiding another panic attack.

Panic Disorders: Effective Interventions

There are more effective treatments for panic disorders than self-medication or missing out on life. Panic attacks and thus panic disorders are often soothed by psychological interventions that also allow people to maintain their normal, daily routine. Such interventions may include:

  • Exposure therapy: This intervention helps normalize the feelings and sensations of a panic attack, and then it empowers people with coping skills to handle them. Within a safe space and with a therapist’s guidance, people are exposed to a panic attack. As people understand what is happening to them during an attack and as they learn how to respond, the attacks often become less frequent and/or severe.
  • Medication: This intervention is almost always combined with other therapies, and it often increases their effectiveness. Antidepressants or benzodiazepines may relieve attacks so that people can focus upon healing instead of dealing with panic.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy: This intervention addresses and seeks to heal any root causes of the panic attacks. It may help people resolve through past trauma or abuse as well as any negative thought patterns that have resulted from those experiences.

Therapists and Psychologists for Panic Attacks at Thriveworks Philadelphia

As you read through the diagnostics for panic disorders, did you recognize any symptoms in your own life? Have you experienced one or more panic attacks? Are you ready to try an intervention? Thriveworks Philadelphia is ready to meet with you and help form an individualized treatment plan.
If you call our office to set up therapy for a panic disorder, it might be helpful to know that…

    1. We accept many insurance plans.
    2. Evening and weekend appointments are available.
    3. First-time clients often see their therapist with 24 hours of their call.
    4. A person—not a voicemail—answers our phones. You can also set up an appointment online.

If you have changed your routine to avoid panic attacks, it may be time to reclaim your life. Call Thriveworks today.

Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

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Overall Rating: 5★★★★★ based on 21 5 1 21 reviews. See all reviews
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

Happy

★★★★★
I look forward to speaking with Kameil each week . She's such a helpful & caring therapist & I'm happy she's accompanying me on my journey.
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

Great clinicians!

★★★★★
Tim Sosin is an exceptional clinician to work with and serve you. As someone that has worked with Tim, I can attest to his commitment to serving his clients. He works diligently to learn and become competent about evidence based and top notch approaches that insure the highest quality of care. Tim has a welcoming empathy that is expressed to all, and helps you feel all the more comfortable as you approach the counseling process. He willing comes alongside of you in your journey. Tim collaborates well with others, as being a trust source of knowledge. I have learned specifically about the EMDR modality from Tim, and have been encouraged by his passion about this approach. I whole heartedly trust recommend entrusting clients to work with and be treated by Tim. He is simply exceptional is his devotion to high quality care!
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

Book with Lavonda!

★★★★★
Lavonda is a great therapist - very patient and kind.
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

Council

★★★★★
I going to thrive works since March of 2018 I first I was like I am not sure if therapy was for me or not I use to go when I was a teenage so it’s been a while so I have my first session with Laura she was very laid back and easy to talk to she was like mother figure someone I can talk every thing went well until end of October of 2018 when she resign from Thriveworks I was sad cause I couldn’t see her no more but now I am see Jeanette Frye, she is very nice and helpful person at first I was really shy to talk to her cause I was like oh great a new therapist but as time went on I was able to open up and connect with Jeanette and she tell her what I needed help or how was I feeling
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

I am very happy meeting with Alan Goldberg.

★★★★★
I am very happy meeting with Alan Goldberg. The location is very convenient as well. I am comfortable speaking about all topics I desire
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

Abraham is very attentive

★★★★★
So far Abraham is very attentive and I am already feeling better and feel more in control of my life even after just three sessions. He has suggested I read a book and has helped me monitor my day which has been especially helpful
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

The best…

★★★★★
The best...
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

So far so good

★★★★★
So far so good
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

Great experience with individual therapy

★★★★☆
Great experience with individual therapy, but had a tough time scheduling couples therapy.
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

👍🏼

★★★★★
👍🏼
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

Thriveworks has been very accommodating in terms of scheduling

★★★★★
Thriveworks has been very accommodating in terms of scheduling and allowing me to meet with someone who fits my style of therapy. Based on seeing Mary and having her explain her style of therapy that address the foundation of particular issues, I’m very optimistic about a bright future!
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

Happy with how welcoming and supportive the group is

★★★★★
My comments may be limited to Mary specifically, but my onboarding and scheduling process was seamless. While relatively early on, I only have positive things to say. I’m very happy with how welcoming and supportive the group is. While waiting for my first session I was also greeted by another counselor to make sure that I was taken care of. The only point I would recommend improving about the process is ensuring the initial three months is automated from the date of first appointment and not the date of scheduling the first appointment. The latter may be significantly before the first session.
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

They made me feel very comfortable.

★★★★★
They made me feel very comfortable. I look forward to more sessions.
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

A nurturing team for couples and individual therapy.

★★★★★
A nurturing team for couples and individual therapy.
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

I loved my first appointment.

★★★★★
I loved my first appointment. Everything was on time and easy and I’m looking forward to being a part of a therapy plan in the coming months.
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

Natalie was awesome

★★★★★
Natalie was awesome and I felt very comfortable during my intake. I think she and I are going to work very well as therapist and client.
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

Great experience

★★★★★
Great experience
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

Natalie was great.

★★★★★
Natalie was great. She made me feel welcome and hopeful.
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

Easy to set up appointment

★★★★★
Easy to set up appointment and so far so good
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

The therapist I worked with

★★★★★
The therapist I worked with (Natalie) was very welcoming and attentive during our session. I feel that she understood the concerns I have been experiencing and communicated them back to me very effectively.
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

Great non-judgemental environment.

★★★★★
Great non-judgemental environment.
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Thriveworks Counseling

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  • 1518 Walnut St
    Philadelphia, PA 19102

  • Mon-Fri:7AM-9:30PM
    Saturday:7AM-6PM
    Sunday:8AM-5PM

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