Our providers offer panic attack disorder therapy in Woodbridge, VA

Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder in Woodbridge, VA—Therapists and Counselors

There is not always a clear reason or a warning that a panic attack will be sparked. They can strike without a trigger, and when they occur repeatedly and when they disrupt people’s normal routine, they may develop into a panic disorder.

Psychological treatments, however, have proven effective in treating panic attacks and/or panic disorder. That is why Thriveworks Woodbridge offers counseling for panic disorders. We want everyone to live free from panic.

How Do Panic Disorders Develop?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) outlines what a panic disorder (DSM-5 300.01 [F41.0]) is and how it develops:

• If people experience multiple (more than one) panic attacks that include feeling severe physical and emotional discomfort that builds for several minutes and then abates, then they may have panic disorder. The panic attacks must have at least four of these symptoms:
  • Chest discomfort/pain
  • Fear of going crazy or losing control
  • Fear of dying
  • Excessive perspiration
  • Palpitations or abnormally rapid heartbeat
  • Shaking or trembling
  • Feeling detached from oneself
  • Numbness or tingling sensations
  • Dizziness or faintness
  • Hot flashes or chills
  • A choking feeling
  • Shortened breath or feeling smothered
  • Abdominal pain or nausea
• Following one or more attacks, also engaging in one or both of these behaviors for at least one month.
  • Switching up one’s normal work or personal schedule, trying to evade another panic attack.
  • Experiencing constant worry about having another panic attack, stroke, or heart attack.

Panic attacks, unfortunately, can be caused by many different disorders or behaviors, and for a panic disorder to be diagnosed, the attacks cannot be caused by another physical health problem, mental health disorder, and/or drug use.

Treatments for Soothing Panic

Instead of missing opportunity, fun, and connection to avoid panic attacks, what if there were a better way? What if panic subsided and daily life flourished? Panic attacks have been responsive to several psychological treatments, and a skilled therapist may even combine treatments to meet people’s individual needs and diagnoses.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy examines foundational causes of panic attacks and seeks to resolve them. Often, childhood abuse or life trauma can disrupt people’s lives and allow negative thought patterns to take hold. Therapy may teach people how to work through the trauma and equipment them with healthy coping skills.
• Medication may alleviate or control symptoms. When combined with other therapies, medicine often increases their effectiveness.
• Exposure therapy allows people to feel a lessened form of panic attack but within a safe space and with the supervision of a trained therapist. People can then get used to the feelings and sensations. They can also build coping skills. When the feeling of panic is normalized and when people are equipped with healthy responses, the attacks often subside if not completely cease.

Setting Up Counseling at Thriveworks Woodbridge for Panic Attacks

Living with a panic disorder is hard enough; scheduling therapy should be easy.

That is why many new Thriveworks clients see their therapist within a week of their first call. We work with most major insurance providers and most insurance plans, and also offer weekend and evening appointments.

Call Thriveworks Woodbridge, VA today or book online to get started.