Therapy for Panic Disorder In Naperville, IL

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurring and unexpected panic attacks—sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that can include physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, or a feeling of losing control. While it’s normal for anyone to experience occasional anxiety, panic disorder involves repeated attacks and ongoing worry about when the next one might occur.

Therapy for panic disorder focuses on helping individuals understand the nature of panic attacks, reduce fear around the symptoms, and develop effective coping strategies. With the right treatment, most people are able to significantly reduce or even eliminate panic attacks, allowing them to regain confidence and control in their daily lives.

A panic attack is a sudden, intense surge of fear or discomfort that often peaks within minutes and can feel overwhelming. During a panic attack, a person may experience physical symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, nausea, or a sense of detachment from reality. Many people also fear they are “going crazy,” losing control, or even having a heart attack.

It’s common to confuse panic attacks with anxiety attacks, but they’re not exactly the same. Panic attacks are abrupt, often occur without warning, and reach peak intensity quickly. They can happen even when you’re calm. Anxiety attacks (a less formal term) typically build gradually in response to a specific stressor and involve ongoing worry, muscle tension, and restlessness rather than sudden, overwhelming fear.

While both involve intense distress, panic attacks are a hallmark feature of panic disorder, whereas anxiety attacks are more often tied to generalized anxiety or situational stress.

Common symptoms of a panic attack often include a combination of intense physical and emotional sensations. According to clinical guidelines (such as the DSM-5), an episode is generally considered a panic attack if four or more of the following symptoms occur suddenly and peak within about 10 minutes:

• Rapid heartbeat or pounding heart (palpitations)
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking
• Shortness of breath or feeling smothered
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Nausea or abdominal distress
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint
• Chills or hot flashes
• Numbness or tingling sensations (paresthesia)
• Feelings of unreality (derealization) or detachment from oneself (depersonalization)
• Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
• Fear of dying
  

Panic attacks typically peak within minutes and then gradually subside, though the emotional aftereffects can last much longer. They can happen unexpectedly or be triggered by certain situations. While experiencing a few of these symptoms doesn’t always mean it’s a panic attack, having four or more that appear suddenly and intensely meets the common clinical definition.

Discuss the circumstances under which someone may seek therapy (e.g., frequent panic attacks, avoiding certain places/situations, worsening symptoms, etc.) Someone might seek therapy for panic disorder when panic attacks or related fears begin to interfere with daily life. 

Common circumstances include:

• Frequent or worsening panic attacks that cause significant distress
• Avoidance of certain places or situations for fear of triggering an attack (e.g., crowded stores, driving, public transportation)
• Constant worry about having another panic attack, even when feeling calm
• Changes in daily routine to minimize risk, such as avoiding exercise or social events
• Physical symptoms causing concern (e.g., chest pain, shortness of breath) that medical tests cannot explain
• Impact on work, school, or relationships, such as missed commitments or withdrawing from loved ones
• Fear of leaving home (agoraphobia), which can develop in some people with untreated panic disorder
  

Seeking therapy can be especially important when these symptoms are persistent, distressing, or limiting your quality of life. A trained therapist can help identify triggers, teach coping strategies, and guide you toward regaining a sense of safety and control.

Here’s a list of benefits of therapy for panic disorder that you could adapt for your specialty page:

• Learn grounding techniques – Develop practical tools to calm your body and mind during a panic attack, such as focused breathing, sensory awareness, or muscle relaxation.
  
• Change unhelpful thought patterns – Identify and challenge the fearful or catastrophic thoughts that fuel panic, replacing them with more balanced and realistic thinking.
  
• Reduce avoidance behaviors – Gradually face and re-engage with places or situations you’ve been avoiding, helping you reclaim your daily life.
  
• Increase emotional awareness and control – Understand your body’s stress response and how to manage it more effectively.
  
• Gain a sense of mastery and confidence – Build trust in your ability to handle anxiety symptoms without fear of losing control.
  
• Prevent future panic attacks – Learn long-term coping strategies to reduce the frequency and intensity of panic episodes.
  
• Improve overall quality of life – Restore your ability to work, socialize, travel, and participate in activities without constant fear of panic.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps you identify and change the unhelpful thoughts and interpretations that fuel panic attacks. For example, you learn to reframe catastrophic thinking (“I’m going to die”) into more realistic perspectives, which reduces fear and panic intensity. CBT also teaches practical coping skills to manage symptoms in the moment.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Focuses on accepting the presence of anxious thoughts and bodily sensations without trying to fight them, while committing to actions that align with your values. For panic disorder, ACT can help you stop struggling against panic symptoms and instead move toward living a meaningful life even when anxiety shows up.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) / Exposure Therapy – Gradually and safely exposes you to feared sensations or situations (such as increased heart rate, crowded places, or driving) while helping you resist the urge to avoid or escape. This reduces your fear response over time, retraining your brain to see these triggers as safe rather than dangerous.

At Gryzbek Therapy Services, we have extensive experience helping individuals overcome panic disorder and regain control of their lives. As licensed psychologists and trained mental health professionals, we specialize in evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and Exposure Therapy—proven methods for reducing panic attacks and anxiety. We understand how overwhelming panic can feel, and we provide a supportive, judgment-free space where you can learn practical skills and strategies to feel safe and confident again.

If panic attacks are holding you back, you don’t have to face them alone. Your next step is simple—reach out to schedule a consultation. Together, we can create a personalized treatment plan to help you reclaim your freedom and live without fear of your next attack.