Panic Attack Therapy
Reclaim your freedom from the recurring fear of panic. Specialized, evidence-based panic disorder treatment available through our central London rooms and secure online platform.
Panic attack therapy that works
Panic attacks are sudden, intense waves of fear that come with pounding heart, chest tightness, dizziness and a powerful sense that something terrible is about to happen. They affect around 1 to 2% of adults each year, and the fear of the next attack often leads to avoiding the Tube, lifts, meetings or crowded places. The good news is that panic is one of the most treatable anxiety difficulties. CBT with interoceptive exposure helps most people within 8 to 12 sessions.
Prevalence
Around 1–2% of adults each year
Gold-standard treatment
CBT with interoceptive exposure
Typical recovery
Often 8–12 structured sessions
NICE recommended
CBT is first-line for panic disorder
High response rates
Many clients regain confidence in everyday travel
10 min
A panic attack usually peaks within minutes
8–12
Sessions often needed for focused panic treatment
80%+
Strong outcomes are common with CBT for panic
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Clinically reviewed by
Dr Martina Paglia
Founder & CEO of Mind a Porter
HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist
Special interests include anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, burnout, workplace stress, relationship difficulties and high-performance mental wellbeing.
Last reviewed: 13 August 2026
All health information on Mind a Porter is clinically reviewed by our clinical lead. These resources are educational and do not replace professional advice.
AI-ready summary
Panic attack therapy in London helps people who experience sudden, intense waves of fear with pounding heart, chest tightness, dizziness and a powerful sense that something terrible is about to happen. The fear of the next attack often leads to avoiding the Tube, lifts, meetings or crowded places. Evidence-based treatment — usually CBT with interoceptive exposure — helps you learn that the sensations are not dangerous, so you stop being afraid of the attacks and they fade. Most people improve within 8 to 12 sessions.
Understanding the cycle
Why panic can feel so sudden and so convincing
A panic attack is a sudden, overwhelming wave of fear that comes out of nowhere. Your heart pounds, your chest tightens, you might feel dizzy or short of breath, and a powerful thought crashes in that something terrible is about to happen — that you're going to faint, lose control, or even die. It can feel so physical and so real that many people end up in A&E the first time it happens, only to be told their heart is fine. That's because a panic attack is not dangerous, even though it feels exactly like it is.
What turns a one-off attack into a pattern is the fear of the next one. You start scanning your body for the slightest flutter or change in breathing. You avoid the places where it happened before — the Tube, lifts, busy meetings, the middle of a supermarket. You carry water, sit near exits, and plan escape routes. Slowly, your life starts shrinking to make room for the fear. In a fast-moving city like London, where you're expected to be on top of everything, that shrinkage can be hard to admit, but it's incredibly common.
Therapy works by breaking the loop between body sensations and the frightening story you tell yourself about them. CBT with interoceptive exposure helps you learn, through experience, that the sensations are not dangerous — that you can feel your heart racing and still be safe. Most people don't just stop having panic attacks; they stop being afraid of them, which is what makes the attacks fade. The goal isn't to never feel anxious again. It's to move through London — and through your life — without needing an escape plan.
Understanding causes
What contributes to panic attack
Panic attack rarely has a single cause. It usually builds up from a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors, and understanding your own pattern is an important part of finding the right support.
Biological factors: Genetics, brain chemistry, physical health and sleep patterns can all play a role in how panic attack develops and is experienced.
Psychological factors: Thinking styles, past experiences, personality traits and learned coping patterns can maintain or worsen panic attack over time.
Environmental factors: Stress, relationships, work pressure, life transitions and broader social or cultural factors often contribute to when and how panic attack surfaces.
Benefits
The benefits of Panic Attack Therapy
A clearer understanding of what is keeping your panic attack going and why
Practical tools from cbt with interoceptive exposure to manage triggers and setbacks in daily life
Reduced intensity and frequency of panic attack symptoms as the work progresses
Better sleep, focus and energy as panic attack stops dominating your day
More confidence in social, work and relationship situations
A therapeutic relationship you can return to whenever things feel harder
What panic looks like
Signs you might need help with panic
Panic attacks are frightening, but the bigger problem is often the fear of the next one. These are the patterns that tell us therapy could help.
- Racing heart, chest tightness or sudden heat in the body
- Shortness of breath, hyperventilation or a choking feeling
- Dizziness, light-headedness or a sense of unreality
- Fear of fainting, going mad or dying in public
- Avoiding trains, shops, bridges, meetings or enclosed spaces
- Carrying water, medication or escape plans as safety behaviours
- Checking exits and sitting near doors or windows
- Worrying constantly about when the next panic attack will come
When to seek help
When is it time to seek therapy for panic attack?
It is worth reaching out when panic attack is starting to affect your daily life, relationships or wellbeing. You do not need to wait until things feel unmanageable. These are the signs that professional support could help.
- racing heart, chest tightness or sudden heat in the body
- shortness of breath, hyperventilation or a choking feeling
- dizziness, light-headedness or a sense of unreality
- fear of fainting, going mad or dying in public
- avoiding trains, shops, bridges, meetings or enclosed spaces
- carrying water, medication or escape plans as safety behaviours
Recognise any of these signs?
You don't have to figure it out alone. A 15-minute £1 discovery call can help you make sense of what's happening and what kind of support might help. Therapy for panic attack is available online or in person in London.
Associated clinical patterns
Conditions often present alongside panic
Panic rarely exists in a vacuum. Effective treatment requires an integrated approach that addresses the secondary behaviors and overlapping conditions that frequently reinforce the cycle.
Agoraphobic avoidance
Steering clear of environments where escape might be difficult, such as public transport, supermarkets, or crowded events.
Explore this areaGeneralised anxiety
A persistent, low-level background tension that keeps the nervous system primed for a full-blown panic response.
Explore this areaHealth anxiety
The tendency to interpret bodily sensations as evidence of a hidden, serious illness, which compounds the fear cycle.
Explore this areaWorkplace stress
Chronic high-pressure environments that drain emotional reserves and increase your susceptibility to sudden panic spikes.
Explore this areaClinical treatment pathways
How panic treatment loosens the cycle
Our approach moves beyond basic coping strategies to focus on permanent structural change, helping you reclaim your agency through active, collaborative treatment.
CBT for panic disorder
Structured cognitive work that challenges the catastrophic beliefs fueling your fear and provides tools to reframe your internal experience.
Learn moreInteroceptive exposure
Graded behavioral work that helps you desensitize to physical sensations like breathlessness, stripping them of their threat value.
Learn moreMindfulness for fear of sensations
Cultivating a steady, observant mental state that prevents you from instantly categorizing body changes as impending catastrophe.
Learn moreACT for panic-related avoidance
Psychological flexibility training that empowers you to engage with life, travel, and social situations even when anxiety feels present.
Learn moreFees & booking
Transparent pricing for panic attack therapy
Clients never pay more with us than going direct, and our therapists offer their best rates.
What to expect
What does a first panic attack therapy session look like?
A first panic session usually starts by mapping what your attacks actually look like: the body sensations, the thoughts, the situations where they happen and what you do afterwards to feel safer. Your therapist will ask about the fear of body sensations themselves, whether you avoid places like the Tube or lifts, and what safety behaviours you carry, such as water, medication or always sitting near an exit.
You may also talk about when the panic started, whether it followed a stressful period, a medical scare or a traumatic event, and how much of your day is now organised around avoiding the next attack. Health worries, work pressure and caffeine or sleep patterns often come up because they can keep the nervous system primed for another surge.
By the end of the session you should have a clearer understanding of what is keeping the panic cycle going, why your body is producing these surges and what a structured plan involving CBT and interoceptive work would involve. Most people leave feeling more understood, less frightened of the sensations and more confident that the pattern is treatable.
Ready to take the first step?
Book a £1 discovery call, or browse therapists near you for panic attack therapy. Online and in-person sessions across London.
Why Choose Us
What makes panic treatment different from general anxiety support
Our specialists offer a high-standard clinical environment where your experience is validated, understood, and treated with cutting-edge psychological expertise.
Qualified clinicians
BACP, HCPC and UKCP-registered therapists with strong experience in anxiety, mood and relationship-related work.
Flexible sessions
Online and in-person sessions that can fit around work, family life and the pace of London.
Meaningful progress
The work is practical, thoughtful and aimed at changes you can actually feel in daily life.
Real-world understanding
Many of the therapists on Mind a Porter understand the pressures facing London professionals, founders and expats.
Panic Specialists
Online via Google MeetMs Aanu Jide-ojoClinical Psychologist
I am an HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist with seven years of professional experience. My academic background includes a B.Sc. in Psychology, an M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology, and an M.Sc. in Organisational Psychiatry and Psychology. I provide a comprehensive range of clinical services, including individual therapy, couples and family counselling, and autism assessment. My practice is informed by an extensive breadth of modalities, such as CBT, ACT, DBT, Internal Family Systems, the Gottman Method, and Somatic Therapy. I work with a diverse client base, supporting teenagers, adults, and seniors through complex challenges including PTSD, personality disorders, neurodivergence, and relationship dynamics. By integrating trauma-informed and LGBTQ+ affirmative approaches, I offer a tailored, professional space designed to address the unique intersections of identity and life experience. My clinical commitment is to provide expert, evidence-based psychological support that empowers you to navigate significant transitions, workplace pressures, and personal growth with confidence and clarity.
Mrs Roberta CrescenzoCounsellor
I am a BACP-registered counsellor with 15 years of experience supporting adults across the private and voluntary sectors. I hold a PGDip in Attachment-Based Therapy and an Adv. Dip. in Humanistic Integrative Counselling, providing me with a robust clinical foundation to support clients navigating complex personal, emotional, and relational challenges. I offer both short-term and open-ended therapy, welcoming adults from diverse backgrounds to my practice in South West London and online. My clinical expertise spans a broad spectrum, including bereavement, trauma recovery from domestic abuse and gaslighting, infertility, and various forms of anxiety. I am particularly adept at helping individuals manage the pressures of life transitions, low self-esteem, and relationship complexities. Whether you are dealing with the impact of past experiences or current life stressors, I provide a professional, thoughtful space where we can work together to understand your history and cultivate greater resilience in your everyday life.
Mr Param Singh SahniPsychotherapist
I am a UKCP-registered and BACP-accredited psychotherapist with over a decade of clinical experience, offering a warm, collaborative space for adults seeking meaningful change. My practice is informed by an MSc and a breadth of specialist training, allowing me to support clients through a diverse range of challenges including anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, addiction, and complex trauma. As a British Punjabi Sikh therapist, I bring a unique depth to my work, carefully considering the intersections of culture, race, faith, and identity. My expertise spans individual and online therapy, where I integrate modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Somatic Therapy to meet your specific needs. Whether we are navigating life transitions, relationship dynamics, or professional burnout, my aim is to facilitate genuine understanding. I am committed to providing an inclusive, non-judgemental environment where you can explore your personal history and current experiences to foster lasting emotional growth and wellbeing.
Dr Hasina SarwariClinical Psychologist
I am a HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist with seventeen years of experience supporting teenagers, adults, seniors, and couples across London and beyond. My practice is built upon a foundation of extensive clinical training, including a DClinPsy, and a diverse range of evidence-based modalities. I have cultivated a broad breadth of expertise, assisting clients with challenges ranging from anxiety, burnout, and PTSD to chronic pain, body image concerns, and complex life transitions. By integrating specialist approaches such as EMDR, EFT, IFS, and somatic therapy alongside traditional frameworks like CBT, ACT, and DBT, I provide a sophisticated, bespoke therapeutic experience. Whether working with individuals, couples, or adolescents, my focus remains on fostering deep, enduring change. I offer a professional, empathetic space where we can navigate your specific circumstances with clinical rigour and human understanding, helping you move towards a more grounded and authentic way of living.
Sarah Jane SellorsPsychotherapist
I am an HCPC-registered Integrative Arts Psychotherapist with seven years of clinical experience supporting adults, teenagers, and children. My practice is built upon a relational foundation, providing a confidential space for clients to explore their challenges at their own pace. Drawing on a diverse toolkit—including psychodynamic, attachment-based, and cognitive behavioural therapies, alongside Gestalt and narrative approaches—I provide bespoke support for a wide range of needs. My professional background spans the NHS, education, and public services, where I have developed a deep understanding of the pressures inherent in modern life. I possess particular expertise in supporting clients through neurodivergence, bereavement, life transitions, and workplace burnout, as well as recovery from trauma and domestic abuse. By integrating my background in art therapy with traditional counselling, I offer a flexible, human-centred environment that encourages curiosity and genuine connection, helping you navigate complex experiences and personal growth.
Mr Stefan EasonPsychotherapist
I am a BABCP-accredited psychotherapist with over five years of clinical experience, including extensive work within the NHS. My practice is dedicated to providing evidence-based support for adults navigating a range of challenges, including depression, generalised anxiety, health anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. I hold a PGDip in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and specialise in delivering both CBT and EMDR therapy, which allows me to address complex symptoms such as panic attacks, phobias, and the impact of past trauma. In addition to my clinical work, I am committed to providing inclusive, LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy, ensuring a supportive space for all my clients. Whether you are dealing with grief and bereavement, perfectionism, or persistent low self-esteem, I offer a professional, tailored approach to help you navigate your difficulties. I work primarily through online therapy, providing accessible, high-quality care designed to help you understand your experiences and develop the tools needed for lasting change.
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Resources
Authoritative resources for panic recovery
Supplemental reading and clinical guidance to assist your learning process and provide reliable, research-backed information between sessions.
What people usually ask about panic therapy
These questions reflect common concerns from those seeking relief from the physical and emotional burden of chronic panic.
How long does panic attack therapy London usually take?
Most clients experience significant progress within 8 to 12 sessions due to the highly focused nature of cognitive behavioral treatment. Therapy initially centers on psychoeducation and breaking the fear-body loop, before moving into specialized exposure exercises. Factors such as co-occurring anxiety or historical trauma can influence the duration of treatment, but the primary goal is always efficient, sustainable recovery.
Is CBT the best panic disorder treatment London offers?
CBT is widely regarded as the gold standard for treating panic disorder because it directly targets the biological and psychological mechanisms sustaining the cycle. By addressing the tendency to misinterpret benign physical symptoms as threats, it provides a permanent shift in how your brain processes anxiety. Numerous clinical guidelines support its use as a first-line intervention for lasting symptom reduction.
Will panic attack therapy London make me face my worst fear straight away?
Collaborative and graded exposure is the hallmark of our approach, ensuring you never feel forced into situations you aren't prepared to handle. Treatment moves at a pace that builds your confidence, starting with smaller, manageable steps before moving toward larger challenges. Success is measured by your capacity to remain steady during discomfort, not by how quickly you can complete a specific task.
Can I get panic attack therapy London online?
Remote therapy is exceptionally effective for panic disorder, as much of the work involves education, cognitive experiments, and live behavioral coaching that can be done from the safety of your home. Many clients start their recovery journey online to build foundational skills before transitioning to in-person sessions to practice real-world triggers in London. The quality of care remains identical across both formats, providing the same access to our expert clinicians.
Can I use insurance for panic disorder treatment London?
Private health insurance often covers panic disorder treatment if you are working with a recognised practitioner under an approved clinical pathway. Our team can assist in verifying your policy, explaining pre-authorisation requirements, and confirming coverage for either our network-based or digital service options. Please check your specific provider terms early in the booking process to ensure a smooth transition into care.
When should I seek therapy for panic attack?
It is worth considering therapy when panic attack is becoming persistent, distressing, or harder to manage on your own, especially if it is affecting work, relationships, sleep, confidence, or day-to-day functioning. You do not need to wait until things feel severe before asking for support. Early therapy can help you understand what is driving the pattern, reduce symptoms sooner, and decide whether focused online treatment, in-person therapy in London, or a broader clinical review is the most appropriate next step.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned about panic attack, please speak with a qualified therapist or your GP. In a crisis, call 999 or Samaritans on 116 123.
The right therapist for Panic Attack Therapy
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Connect with our expert team to begin your tailored panic disorder treatment, break the cycle of avoidance, and regain your freedom to move through London with confidence.
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