THERAPY FOR PANIC DISORDER IN BERKHAMSTED
Panic attacks can feel sudden, intense, and overwhelming, often accompanied by strong physical sensations such as a racing heart, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Many people describe a fear of losing control, fainting, or even dying during an attack. At The Lotus Psychology Practice, we offer evidence-based psychological therapy to help you understand panic, reduce fear of these experiences, and regain a sense of confidence and control.
Understanding Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is characterised by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, alongside ongoing concern about having further attacks or their consequences. A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense anxiety, typically accompanied by physical symptoms such as:
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Rapid heart rate or palpitations
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Shortness of breath
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Dizziness or lightheadedness
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Sweating or shaking
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Chest discomfort
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Feelings of unreality or detachment
While these symptoms can feel alarming, they are not dangerous. They reflect the body’s normal fight-or-flight response being activated in the absence of real threat. Anxiety is an adaptive survival system designed to protect us from danger. In our brain, an area called the amygdala sets off an alarm system in response to perceived danger. Our amygdala sends messages around our body to prepare for danger; for example, we might get a racing heart, or breath quickly, as it pumps oxygen to our large muscles groups. This system is needed if we might walk in front of a fast car, or if we are being chased by a wild animal. In that way anxiety is our brain's way of telling us we are in danger, and trying to help us. We often conceptualise panic disorder as an overactivation of the brain’s threat detection system, particularly the amygdala, which can trigger rapid physiological changes even in the absence of actual danger. Panic disorder develops when individuals begin to fear the panic attacks themselves, leading to increased monitoring of bodily sensations and attempts to prevent or control future attacks. Panic disorder is maintained by a cycle of misinterpretation of bodily sensations, heightened attention, and avoidance or safety behaviours.
How Can Therapy Help Panic Disorder?
Psychological therapy for panic disorder focuses on breaking the cycle between bodily sensations, catastrophic interpretation, and avoidance.
In therapy, we work on:
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Understanding the physiological basis of panic
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Reframing the meaning of physical sensations
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Reducing fear of panic itself
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Gradually facing feared sensations and situations
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Reducing avoidance and safety behaviours
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Building confidence in managing anxiety
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At The Lotus Psychology Practice, all of our Psychologists are trained across multiple therapeutic modalities, and the approaches are often integrated based on an individuals unique needs. All therapeutic interventions are informed by scientific research and are and in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.​ The most effective treatments for panic disorder include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interoceptive Exposure (exposure to physical sensations), and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT). We are able to offer longer-term psychotherapy for individuals who may benefit from understanding and processing early life experiences that contribute to current difficulties.
Panic Disorder in Children & Young People
In children and adolescents, panic symptoms may be expressed through physical complaints, avoidance, or increased reliance on caregivers.
Common presentations include:
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Sudden episodes of intense fear or distress
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Physical symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or rapid heartbeat
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Avoidance of school, activities, or unfamiliar environments
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Seeking reassurance from parents or caregivers
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Difficulty separating from caregivers
Supporting young people often involves helping them understand the physical nature of anxiety, while also working with families to reduce avoidance and reassurance cycles.
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Within our Child & Adolescent Service, we are able to offer specialist assessment and evidence-based therapy to support children.
When to Seek Support
It may be helpful to seek psychological support if:
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You experience recurrent panic attacks
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You feel fearful of having further attacks
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You avoid situations due to fear of panic
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Physical symptoms cause significant distress or concern
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Panic is interfering with daily life or independence
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, you may benefit from psychological therapy. You can contact us for an initial consultation with one of our Psychologists. You do not need a diagnosis or referral to begin therapy.
Our Approach at The Lotus Psychology Practice
At The Lotus Psychology Practice, our team of HCPC registered Psychologists have specialist experience in supporting children, adolescents and adults experiencing panic disorder. We take a collaborative, formulation-led approach to therapy, working with you to understand how your difficulties have developed and what is maintaining them. This guides a structured, evidence-based and personalised treatment plan.
Prior to your first appointment, you will be asked to complete standardised and validated questionnaire measures, which are used to inform the assessment. A comprehensive psychological assessment is completed across the first two sessions. This helps us to develop a shared understanding of your current difficulties.​ Following an assessment, you will receive a full report, which includes individualised recommendations and resources, as well as an agreed therapeutic plan and individual goals.
Based on the assessment, we will agree the most appropriate therapeutic approach, tailored to you. Psychologists are trained across multiple therapeutic modalities, and the approaches are integrated based on an individuals unique needs. All therapies at The Lotus Psychology Practice are informed by scientific research and are and in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.
