Therapists for Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks

This directory page lists counsellors and therapists who specialise in panic disorder and panic attacks. You can browse practitioner profiles below to compare approaches, credentials and languages offered.

Use the listings to learn about common methods and to choose a clinician who feels like a suitable fit for your needs.

Understanding panic disorder and panic attacks

Panic attacks are intense episodes of fear or discomfort that often come on quickly and peak within minutes. You may experience a rapid heartbeat, breathing changes, dizziness, trembling, sweating or a sense that something terrible is about to happen. When these attacks happen repeatedly and lead you to change your behaviour in order to avoid future episodes, clinicians may describe this pattern as panic disorder. The experience varies widely from person to person - some people have single isolated attacks while others experience multiple episodes and ongoing worry about further attacks.

The emotional impact can be significant. You might feel anxious between attacks, withdraw from situations that you associate with panic, or worry about losing control in public. Because panic affects both body and mind, it can also influence daily routines such as work, relationships and sleep. Understanding that panic is a common, treatable concern can help you approach support with realistic expectations and practical steps.

Signs you might benefit from therapy

You might choose to explore therapy if panic attacks interrupt your daily life, make you avoid places or activities, or lead to persistent fear of having further episodes. If you notice that you are frequently checking your breathing, avoiding public transport, cancelling social plans or changing routines to reduce the chance of an attack, these are signs that support could help. Persistent worry between episodes, difficulty sleeping because you dread another attack, or a growing sense that panic is limiting your independence are also common reasons people seek a counsellor or therapist.

Therapy can be helpful even if your episodes are infrequent but distressing. If panic leads to physical symptoms that are hard to manage emotionally, or if you feel stuck using the same coping strategies without relief, a trained practitioner can work with you to develop alternatives. You do not need to wait until symptoms become severe; early engagement often makes it easier to learn new skills and rebuild confidence in daily life.

What to expect in therapy sessions

Initial assessment and goal-setting

When you first contact a counsellor or therapist they will usually carry out an initial assessment to understand your experience, medical history and what you hope to achieve. This conversation helps set priorities and identify any immediate safety or wellbeing needs. You and the practitioner can agree on practical goals - for example reducing avoidance of certain situations, managing the intensity of physical symptoms, or developing tools to cope when an attack starts.

Session structure and skill-building

Therapy often combines education about panic with practical strategies you can apply between sessions. You can expect to learn how your thoughts, physical sensations and behaviours interact, and to practise techniques that directly address those links. Sessions typically include time for reviewing how strategies worked in the real world, refining approaches and setting small, manageable steps for practice. Many people find that the combination of understanding what is happening and rehearsing new responses reduces the frequency and intensity of attacks over time.

Common therapeutic approaches for panic disorder

Evidence-informed methods and how they are described

There are several approaches that people commonly encounter when seeking help for panic. You will find practitioners who list cognitive behavioural therapy among their approaches - this method focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviour, and often incorporates exposure-based exercises to reduce avoidance. Other clinicians may list acceptance and commitment therapy among their approaches, which emphasises values and acceptance of physical sensations rather than fighting them. Breath-focused techniques and mindfulness practices are also commonly used to help you observe sensations without immediately reacting.

It is important to note that a therapist’s profile may list multiple approaches. Profiles differ in how they describe practical methods - some emphasise gradual exposure to feared situations, others highlight relaxation and breathing strategies, and others focus on exploring emotional patterns that maintain panic. You can look for practitioners who explain how they work and which practical tools they typically use so you can choose a match that fits your preferences.

How online therapy works for panic disorder

Formats and practicalities

Online therapy for panic disorder is offered in a range of formats including video sessions, telephone appointments and text-based messaging. Video calls allow for face-to-face conversation while you are in a familiar place, which some people find helpful when working on exposure tasks or practising breathing techniques. Telephone sessions remove the visual element while still enabling real-time coaching. Messaging can be useful for brief check-ins or to record progress between sessions. Each format has different strengths; you might prefer direct interaction for skills practice or messaging for ongoing reminders and reinforcement.

Working online with symptom-led interventions

When you work online you can still practise in your everyday environment, which many people find useful for translating skills into real-world situations. A therapist can guide you through graded exposure exercises while you are at home or in the public places that feel difficult, and can help you reflect on what happened afterwards. Online work may also make it easier to involve family or household members in planning supportive steps when that feels appropriate. It is helpful to agree with the practitioner how to manage moments when distress increases during remote sessions, and to have a clear plan for immediate wellbeing if you need it.

Choosing the right therapist for panic disorder and panic attacks

Registration, experience and approach

When you compare profiles, look at registration and professional membership so you can understand a practitioner’s professional framework. Many counsellors and psychotherapists are registered with bodies such as the BACP, and psychologists are commonly registered with the HCPC. You may also encounter practitioners who list NCPS affiliation. Registration indicates that a practitioner works within a recognised professional code of conduct and ongoing oversight, which can be helpful when you are selecting someone to work with.

Practical tips for making a match

Consider which language and explanatory style feels most comfortable to you. Some people prefer a practical, skills-focused approach that emphasises breathing and exposure, while others value a reflective approach that explores wider life patterns. Note what a therapist says about session length, fees and the kinds of people they typically support, and choose someone whose description matches your needs. It can be useful to read several profiles so you can compare how practitioners describe their work and the practical exercises they commonly suggest. Trust your judgement about fit - a positive working relationship is an important part of effective support.

Seeking help for panic disorder and panic attacks is a personal decision and there are many routes to support. By learning about common approaches, what sessions typically involve and how online formats operate, you can make an informed choice. Use the listings to explore practitioner profiles, consider professional registration and pick a counsellor whose approach and communication style feel right for you.