Panic & agoraphobia therapy · Atlanta & virtual
Panic disorder and agoraphobia therapy
A racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, and the certainty that something is terribly wrong. Panic attacks are frightening, and the fear of the next one can start to shrink your life. Panic disorder and agoraphobia are very treatable. We use CBT with exposure, in person in Atlanta and virtually.
Who we see
Teens & adults
Approach
CBT & exposure
Sessions
In person or virtual
Location
Atlanta, GA
Does this sound familiar?
Panic disorder often starts with one unexpected attack. What keeps it going is the fear of having another, and the changes people make to avoid it.
Panic attacks feel dangerous, but they aren't. With the right treatment, your body's alarm system can learn to settle down.
The panic cycle
Panic attacks happen when the body's alarm system fires at the wrong time. The physical sensations are real, but they aren't a sign of danger. The trouble is that they feel like one.
After a few attacks, many people start watching their body for warning signs and avoiding places where an attack might happen. When that avoidance grows, it's called agoraphobia: staying away from places or situations where escape or help might feel hard to reach.
- 1A body sensation. A skipped heartbeat, lightheadedness, or feeling short of breath.
- 2A scary interpretation. "Something is wrong. I'm having a heart attack."
- 3Panic builds. Fear makes the sensations stronger, and they feed each other.
- 4Escape or avoidance. Leaving, avoiding, or relying on safety behaviors.
- ↻The fear grows. Your world gets smaller, and the next sensation feels more threatening.
How we treat it
CBT and exposure for panic and agoraphobia
Treatment helps you understand what's happening in your body, change how you respond to it, and gradually return to the places and activities you've been avoiding. The goal isn't to never feel anxious. It's to stop letting the fear of panic run your life.
01
Initial consultation
We learn about your panic attacks, what you avoid, and your goals.
02
Understanding panic
You learn what panic is, why it happens, and why the sensations aren't dangerous.
03
Facing sensations
Gradual practice bringing on body sensations safely, so they lose their power.
04
Reclaiming your life
Step-by-step return to the places and activities panic has taken from you.
Who we help
Therapy for panic and agoraphobia can help if you have:
Panic attacks
Unexpected attacks, or attacks in certain situations, that feel overwhelming.
Fear of the next attack
Constant worry, body-checking, or planning your day around avoiding panic.
Agoraphobia
Avoiding driving, crowds, stores, travel, or leaving home, or needing someone with you.
Panic and agoraphobia in teens
Panic disorder often begins in the teen or young adult years. In teens it may look like:
School avoidance
Missing class, leaving early, or visiting the nurse often because of panic or fear of panic.
Pulling back from activities
Quitting sports, skipping events, or avoiding friends and outings.
Frequent physical complaints
Chest pain, nausea, or dizziness that lead to repeated doctor visits. We involve parents to help.
Common questions
Can a panic attack hurt me?
Panic attacks feel terrible, but they aren't dangerous. They're your body's alarm system firing at the wrong time. If you haven't already, it's a good idea to have your doctor rule out medical causes.
What is agoraphobia?
Agoraphobia is avoiding places or situations where escape or help might be hard to reach, like driving, crowds, stores, public transportation, or being far from home. It often develops after panic attacks.
What if I can't leave home to come to therapy?
We offer virtual sessions anywhere in Georgia, which can be a good way to start. Over time, treatment helps you get back to the places you've been avoiding.
Is panic disorder related to health anxiety?
They can overlap. Both involve fear of body sensations. Panic is centered on the attacks themselves, while health anxiety focuses on worry about illness.
Will I have to face my worst fears right away?
No. Treatment is gradual. You and your clinician build a plan together and work up step by step, at a pace that's challenging but manageable.
Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes. We see clients in person at our Atlanta office and virtually.
How do I get started?
Fill out our short New Patient Screener Form and we'll reach out within 24–48 hours to schedule your free consultation. You can also call us at (404) 462-5533.
Panic doesn't have to run your life
Start with a short screener, and we'll follow up to set up your consultation.
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