NYC Therapist for Panic Attacks

For many people, panic attacks come out of nowhere, causing a wave of intense fear, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

Maybe there was a lead up where you felt on edge and couldn't relax, stuck in negative thought loops you couldn’t escape from, and then suddenly you were having difficulty breathing. Or maybe you were trying to make a decision, even a simple one, and you were stuck overthinking all the options until you felt lightheaded. Or maybe you were worrying so much about the future that you mentally tied yourself in knots to the point that you physically tied yourself in knots too, resulting in nausea, sweating, and dizziness.

At the New York City Psychotherapy Collective, we specialize in helping people find relief from the overwhelming symptoms of panic attacks. Our team of therapists is highly experienced in treating panic symptoms and anxiety disorders.

Understanding panic attacks

Panic attacks are sudden, intense fear or discomfort that peaks quickly. They can be incredibly frightening, and many people feel like they're losing control.

Research shows that common symptoms of a panic attack include many physical symptoms that might seem like a heart attack at first:

  • Increased, rapid heart rate or palpitations

  • Shallow breathing or a feeling of choking

  • Chest pain or heart palpitations

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness

  • Sweating (hot flashes) or chills

  • Nausea

  • An overwhelming sense of impending doom

Panic attacks (or anxiety attacks) are very common, affecting as much as 11% of the population each year, and often occur without warning. While there’s no single exact cause of panic attacks, stress, trauma, or underlying anxiety disorders may play a role in identifying when and how panic attacks occur. These episodes can be disruptive, leading to fear of future attacks, avoiding certain situations, or impacting daily life and work.

How therapy for panic attacks can help

Psychotherapy is one of the leading treatments for the management of panic attacks and panic disorder. Therapy for panic attacks offers a structured way to identify triggers, manage symptoms, and regain control over your life. Working with a therapist can help you develop strategies to break the cycle of panic and anxiety, and explore the root of your anxiety. Panic attacks are often noticed when there's a shift in your bodily sensations, which might be due to being in crowded spaces, being in uncomfortable social settings, or being reminded subconsciously of traumatic events.

Therapy is not one size fits all. Some of the things you can explore in therapy include: 

  • Learning effective coping skills for managing symptoms

  • Understanding your physiological and mental triggers for anxiety and panic

  • Reducing the frequency and intensity of panic attacks

  • Processing childhood and ongoing stressors that can trigger anxiety and panic

  • Building long-term resilience and emotional strength to support you in making significant changes

  • Reframing the way you view yourself and your symptoms to increase your self-empathy

  • Making positive changes in identifying and addressing the root causes of your mental health conditions

Finding the right mental health professional is an extremely important step in the process. A strong therapeutic relationship allows for openness, trust, and the greatest chance of success in overcoming recurrent panic attacks. Our practice takes the time to get to understand your needs and connect you with the therapist who will be the best fit to help you. 

Why choose the panic attacks therapists at the New York City Psychotherapy Collective

At New York City Psychotherapy Collective, we work hard to provide personalized, compassionate, and individually tailored care to each client. We understand that panic attacks can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone.

Why choose us?

  • A team of highly trained, licensed expert therapists who specialize in anxiety and panic disorders

  • Evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness techniques

  • A supportive, non-judgmental environment where individuals suffering from the panic disorder experience can feel safe exploring their emotions

  • Tailored treatment plans to meet your needs regarding specific phobias to improve your well being on a deeper level

  • Conveniently located virtual therapy throughout New York City and New York State

Take the first step toward improving your panic attacks by reaching out here for a free consultation.

Meet Our top-rated therapist for panic attacks in New York

Liz Bruno

Liz helps teens and adults understand how panic attacks show up in their daily lives and develop practical tools to manage overwhelming physical and emotional symptoms. Her strengths-based approach combines mindfulness techniques with CBT strategies to build confidence in your ability to cope with and reduce panic episodes.

  • Credentials: Licensed Mental Health Counselor with Diagnostic Privilege (LMHC-D)

  • Education: Marist University (MA Mental Health Counseling); Marywood University (BS Clinical Psychology)

  • Specialties: Panic attack management, anxiety disorders, emotional regulation, coping skill development

  • Modalities Used: CBT, DBT, mindfulness-based strategies, Psychodynamic therapy

FAQs about panic attacks therapy

  • If you're experiencing frequent panic attacks, or if the fear of having another one is affecting your life, therapy could be a beneficial step. Signs that therapy may help include avoiding certain situations, constant worry about future attacks, or feeling out of control during episodes. Even if you're unsure, seeking support early can prevent further distress and provide tools for coping.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is widely recognized as one of the most effective treatments for panic attacks. Therapists at our practice also use exposure therapy, mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients build resilience. We tailor our methods to your individual needs for the best outcomes for all kinds of people with panic disorder.

  • While therapy may not "cure" panic attacks in every case, many clients experience a significant reduction in symptoms. With the right approach, you can learn to manage and, in some cases, prevent future attacks, allowing you to live a more peaceful life.

    One client of ours came to us after months of unpredictable panic attacks that were disrupting her daily life. The attacks would hit on the subway on her way to work, when she was out on dates with her boyfriend, or out at a bar with friends. Through therapy, she learned effective coping strategies, and after several months of work, she was able to regain control and significantly reduce the frequency of how often she would experience panic attacks.

How to get started

Starting panic attack therapy is easy. Here's how:

  1. Reach out for a free consultation for therapy services via our online form.

  2. We'll match you with a therapist based on your specific needs and preferences.

  3. Begin your therapy journey with an initial session and personalized treatment plan.

Your journey to recovery starts here.

panic attacks psychotherapist manhattan

Therapy can be life-changing for those dealing with panic attacks. It provides tools, support, and a safe space to identify underlying psychological factors, process those in order to break the panic cycle, and regain control through cognitive restructuring. Schedule a consultation with us today and take the first step toward a calmer life, one where you aren't constantly wondering how long until the next time you'll find yourself experiencing panic attacks.