Panic Disorder
I have had panic attacks before. I have Panic Disorder, right?
Not necessarily. Panic Disorder involves more than occasional anxiety — it's the experience of sudden, intense panic attacks that often seem to come out of nowhere. These episodes can feel terrifying, with symptoms like a racing heart, chest tightness, dizziness, and a sense that something is very wrong. Many people even think they’re having a medical emergency the first time it happens.
If you’ve been there, you’re not alone, and you’re not “crazy.” Your nervous system is just sounding a false alarm.
Over time, the fear of having another panic attack can become just as distressing as the attacks themselves. You might find yourself avoiding certain places or situations “just in case,” which can start to shrink your world in really frustrating ways. Some people begin to avoid places or situations where they fear a panic attack might occur. When this avoidance becomes significant, such as avoiding driving, crowded spaces, or being far from home, it can develop into agoraphobia.
Common Symptoms of Panic
During a panic attack, individuals may experience:
Rapid or pounding heartbeat
Chest pain or discomfort
Shortness of breath or a choking sensation
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint
Sweating or chills
Trembling or shaking
Nausea or stomach upset
Numbness or tingling (especially in hands or feet)
A sense of unreality or detachment from oneself (derealization or depersonalization)
Fear of losing control, going crazy, or dying
Sudden overwhelming fear or dread without a clear trigger
Here’s the good news: Panic Disorder is very treatable. In our work together, we’ll take a practical, compassionate, and even occasionally lighthearted approach to helping you feel safer in your body and more confident in your daily life. We'll use tools rooted in science (like CBT and exposure) but tailored to your symptoms.
You don’t have to tiptoe through life anymore. Let’s build a roadmap back to your freedom.
Interoceptive Exposures for Panic Disorder
Interoceptive exposures are a powerful and effective part of treatment for panic disorder. They involve intentionally triggering physical sensations—like dizziness, racing heart, or shortness of breath—in a controlled, safe way so your brain can learn that these sensations aren’t actually dangerous.
People with panic disorder often fear the sensations of anxiety even more than the situations that cause them. You might avoid exercise, caffeine, or even laughing too hard because you worry those feelings will lead to a panic attack. Interoceptive exposure helps break that fear cycle.
How It Works
In sessions, we recreate the physical sensations you fear most using simple exercises. For example:
Dizziness: spinning in a chair or shaking your head side to side
Shortness of breath: breathing through a straw or holding your breath briefly
Racing heart: running in place or doing jumping jacks
Tight chest or lightheadedness: hyperventilating (in a safe, short burst)
We then sit with the sensations without trying to escape or neutralize them—no deep breathing, no checking your pulse, no avoiding. Over time, your brain learns: I can feel this and still be safe.
What to Expect
Exercises are always done with your consent and at your pace
I’ll guide you step-by-step and debrief with you after each exposure
We’ll celebrate each moment of courage—big or small
Interoceptive exposure is about reclaiming trust in your body and reducing the fear of fear itself. And you don’t have to do it alone—I’ll be right there with you.
(608) 618-6696brianne@beautifulmindstherapyandconsulting.com
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