Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center (408) 384-8404
CBT for Anxiety & Related Problems • San Jose/Silicon Valley
Panic and Anxiety Attacks Therapy and Counseling in San Jose
Laura L.C. Johnson, MBA, MA, LMFT, Certified Cognitive Behavior Therapist
Panic and Anxiety Attacks - San Jose Therapy and Counseling
What is Panic?
A panic attack is a short, discrete period of time in which there is a sudden onset of intense fear, terror and/or impending doom. People may experience shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain or discomfort, choking or smothering sensations, and a fear of "going crazy" or losing control. Sometimes a panic attack is mistaken for a heart attack. When a person has recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and becomes concerned about the possibility of having another one, this is called Panic Disorder.
Treatment for Panic Disorder
Cognitive behavioral therapy is an evidence-based treatment shown to be effective for panic disorder. Therapy for panic disorder includes the following components: psychoeducation, breathing retraining, cognitive restructuring, and exposure to panic-like symptoms as well as situations you've been avoiding for fear of having a panic attack. For more information about treatment, visit my page on therapy for panic disorder.
How Long Is Treatment?
For a straightforward case of panic disorder, therapy generally involves 10-12 weekly sessions conducted over three to four months. However, if you have been experiencing panic attacks for a long time or you have other related problems (such as other anxiety disorders and depression), therapy will take longer to deal with these additional problems and to help you address the underlying core beliefs that might be maintaining your anxiety and panic. At your initial assessment session, we will discuss a general treatment plan for your problems and I can provide an estimate of how long I think we'll need to work together to reach your goals.
Common Goals of Therapy for Panic Disorder
- Learn about the cycle of anxiety and panic
- Identify triggers of your anxiety and panic attacks
- Decrease negative thinking and increase coping thoughts
- Learn breathing techniques to reduce anxiety and panic
- Learn not to fear panic-like bodily sensations
- Gradually start to approach situations that cause you anxiety to overcome your fear
Laura L.C. Johnson, MBA, MA, LMFT
Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center for Anxiety & Related Problems
Certified by the Academy of Cognitive Therapy
Certified by the Academy of Cognitive Therapy
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, MFC48807
1475 Saratoga Avenue, Suite 168
San Jose, CA 95129
(408) 384-8404