Overcome Fear & Anxiety With Exposure Therapy

Meditation, breathwork, and relaxation techniques are often suggested as ways to manage anxiety and panic attacks. But do they actually work? The surprising answer is no—at least not in the way you might think.

If you’ve ever dealt with panic attacks, you might be familiar with a frustrating in-between state: not quite a full-blown panic attack, but still trapped in intense, uncomfortable anxiety. I call this a subthreshold panic—a state where you remain stuck in a cycle of heightened anxiety without it culminating in a full panic atta

Panic attacks on subways, trains, and other enclosed spaces can be one of the most challenging forms of anxiety to treat. Unlike other fears, where exposure can be adjusted gradually, public transportation is an all-or-nothing situation—you’re either on the train or off. Because of this, tackling subway anxiety requires a strategic approach.

Panic attacks can bring a wave of terrifying thoughts and sensations. Among them, derealization preoccupations—thoughts like “I think I’m going crazy” or “What if I lose control and do something reckless?”—are particularly distressing. In this article, we’ll explore how to effectively address these fears using exposure therapy, reality testing, and eliminating safety behaviors to help you regain confidence and control.

Panic attacks while driving are a common and distressing experience. Many people who struggle with panic disorder find that driving—especially on highways or in traffic—can trigger intense anxiety. In this article, we’ll explore how to effectively tackle this issue through exposure therapy, the role of safety behaviors, and reality testing, helping you regain confidence on the road.

One of the most common questions I get asked is: “Are panic disorder and agoraphobia genetic?” It’s a great question because it highlights an important distinction between genetic predisposition and learned behavior. So, let’s break it down.

One of the most common questions people have when dealing with panic attacks is: How long will it take for me to get better? The recovery process follows a predictable pattern, with rapid improvements at first, followed by a gradual slowdown over time.

Gestalt therapy is a well-known modality focused on awareness, personal responsibility, and present-moment experience. But can it effectively treat panic disorder and agoraphobia? The answer is complex—it depends on how Gestalt therapy is applied.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is widely known as a powerful treatment for trauma, but can it be effectively used to treat panic attacks? The short answer is sometimes—but not always. Let’s dive into how EMDR can be leveraged for panic disorder and agoraphobia, and when it may not be the best approach.

Panic attacks can feel overwhelming, leading many to develop habits or behaviors intended to prevent or reduce their intensity. These habits, known as safety behaviors, might seem helpful in the moment, but they often play a significant role in sustaining and even exacerbating panic over time. To truly break free from the cycle of panic, it's essential to recognize, address, and gradually let go of safety behaviors.