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.

Did you know that regular exercise can reduce your chances of developing an anxiety disorder by up to 60%? Not only does it lower the long-term risk of anxiety, but it also provides immediate relief from stress and anxiety symptoms. Let’s dive into the science behind how exercise impacts anxiety and what kind of workout routine gives you the most benefits.

When it comes to overcoming panic attacks, some people seem to bounce back faster than others. One striking pattern I’ve noticed in my practice is that athletes and go-getters—those driven, high-achieving individuals who tackle challenges head-on—often recover much more quickly from panic disorder than the average person. Why is that?

Anxiety and panic can feel overwhelming, often triggered by sensations within the body that spiral into catastrophic thoughts. For those struggling with panic disorder or anxiety, interoceptive exposure is a groundbreaking technique designed to address and overcome this fear. But what exactly is interoceptive exposure, and why is it so effective? Let’s dive in.

If you’ve been battling panic attacks, you might have tried countless strategies to stop them. But have you considered that the problem may not be the panic itself, but your relationship with it? Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a fresh perspective, focusing not on eliminating panic, but on changing how you respond to it. In combination with exposure therapy, ACT provides a comprehensive solution to the panic problem. Let’s explore why ACT is so effective for panic and how you can start applying its principles today.

If you’ve been battling panic attacks, you might feel trapped in a cycle of fear and avoidance. The idea of breaking free can seem overwhelming, but there’s a powerful concept that forms the foundation of recovery: willingness and acceptance. These principles can help you regain control of your life and overcome the grip of panic. Let’s explore why they are so crucial and how you can start applying them today.

If you're struggling with panic attacks, panic disorder, or even agoraphobia, you might be wondering: Why did this happen to me? While everyone's story has its nuances, the underlying mechanism is surprisingly similar for most people. Here's a breakdown of how panic attacks develop and what likely led to your first experience.

Agoraphobia and panic disorder are often misunderstood because they share a key feature: both involve an attempt to avoid or minimize the occurrence of panic attacks. However, they are distinct conditions, and understanding the difference between them is important for finding the right approach to manage and overcome these challenges.

One of the biggest challenges for people with panic attacks is explaining what it feels like to someone who’s never experienced it. Loved ones often struggle to understand why we act the way we do during or after a panic attack, and this can make us feel even more isolated.

If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “You just don’t get it,” here’s a way to help them empathize with what you’re going through.

The best way to understand how a panic attack functions is to think of it as an escalating spiral. This spiral captures the way panic exists and perpetuates itself within you. Let’s break it down step by step.