Panic Therapy Vancouver
Counselling for Panic Attacks & Sudden Anxiety
Panic attacks can feel terrifying—like something is deeply wrong in your body, your mind, or your life. Your heart races. Your chest tightens. You can’t catch your breath. And even when the panic passes, you’re often left exhausted, hyper-aware, and afraid of when it might happen again. Panic can shrink your world. But with the right support, it’s possible to stop living in fear of fear.
Are panic attacks interfering with your life?
You’re not imagining it and you’re not overreacting. Panic symptoms are real, and they can take over everything: your sleep, your confidence, your ability to go places or feel safe in your body.
Here are some signs you may be struggling with panic:
- Sudden, intense episodes of fear or dread
- Rapid heartbeat, chest pain, or difficulty breathing
- Dizziness, numbness, nausea, or feeling like you’re going to faint
- Feeling detached from reality or like you’re “going crazy”
- Fear of having another panic attack in public
- Avoiding certain places, situations, or activities
- Constantly monitoring your body for signs of danger
- Worrying that your panic means something is medically wrong
Panic attacks are incredibly distressing, but they are also highly treatable. Therapy can help you understand what’s happening and give you the tools to break free from the panic cycle.
How therapy can help with panic
Panic thrives on fear and avoidance. Therapy helps by bringing understanding, strategy, and a sense of safety back into your experience. It’s not just about managing symptoms—it’s about feeling less afraid of them.
Your ARC therapist will help you:
- Understand what panic is and why it happens
- Learn grounding and regulation techniques to manage symptoms in the moment
- Reduce fear around bodily sensations and “false alarms”
- Identify and shift thoughts that trigger or escalate panic
- Build confidence in your ability to cope without avoidance
- Address the underlying stress, trauma, or anxiety that may be contributing
Let’s work through panic together
You don’t have to keep bracing for the next wave of fear. Therapy can help you regain trust in your body, your mind, and your ability to live freely again.
At ARC, our therapists offer evidence-based, compassionate care for panic attacks and anxiety-related issues. Reach out today and take the first step towards relief from panic.
Meet Our Vancouver Therapists
Eva Trabucco
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Amenda Kumar
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Kristen Rattray
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Kiana Maeda
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Yasmeen Attiah
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Danielle Simpson
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Chelsea DeFazio
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Lilian Wang
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Getting The Help You Need is Easy
Reach Out
Fill out our easy contact form. All we need is your basic info, and a few words about what brings you to therapy.
Free Consultation
We’ll reach out to schedule your complimentary consultation. We’ll discuss your goals, questions, and make sure we’re the right fit.
Start Therapy
Feeling ready? We’ll book your first session and create a personalized plan to help you live the life you deserve.
Our Step-by-Step Process to Treating Panic
Creating Safety & Stabilization
We begin by helping you feel safe in the therapy space and in your body. You’ll learn immediate tools for calming panic symptoms when they arise—so you know you have something to reach for.
Understanding the Panic Cycle
We’ll explore how panic works: the role of your nervous system, triggers, bodily cues, and catastrophic thinking. The more you understand what’s happening, the less scary it becomes.
Practicing Regulation Techniques
You’ll learn and practice evidence-based tools like breathing exercises, body-based grounding, and cognitive strategies to help interrupt the panic loop.
Rebuilding Trust in Your Body
We’ll work gently to reduce your fear of physical sensations, like racing heart or dizziness, so they no longer feel like threats.
Expanding Your Life
Avoidance may feel protective—but it also reinforces fear. At your pace, we’ll help you re-engage with the people, places, and activities you’ve been avoiding, building confidence with each step.
Life Beyond Panic
As panic fades into the background, we’ll support you in reconnecting with what brings meaning, joy, and confidence to your life. Whether that means wrapping up therapy or shifting focus to longer-term goals, we’ll honour what feels right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack?
Though people often use these terms interchangeably, panic attacks are usually more intense, sudden, and physically overwhelming. They can feel like they come out of nowhere, often with symptoms like a racing heart, chest tightness, or dizziness. Anxiety tends to be more ongoing, driven by worry and stress. Therapy can help with both, and we’ll work with you to clarify what you’re experiencing.
Can therapy really stop panic attacks?
Yes. Most clients experience a significant reduction in the frequency and intensity of panic attacks through therapy. While we can’t promise you’ll never feel panic again, we’ll help you understand the cycle, learn tools to interrupt it, and build confidence in your ability to manage symptoms when they arise.
What if my panic attacks happen out of nowhere?
They often feel that way. But there are usually early warning signs—like subtle shifts in body sensation, breathing, or thinking patterns. Therapy can help you learn to recognize these cues and respond with grounding tools before the panic escalates. Over time, this can help you feel more in control.
Will I have to talk about traumatic memories or painful events?
Not right away—and maybe not at all. We begin by focusing on stabilization, nervous system support, and symptom relief. If you and your therapist decide to explore deeper roots like trauma or unresolved stress, it will only happen when you feel ready and equipped to do so. You’re always in control of what you share and when.
How long does therapy for panic usually take?
It depends on your history, goals, and the intensity of your symptoms. Some clients start to feel relief within a few sessions—especially as they learn tools to calm their nervous system. Others work longer-term to address the root causes of panic, shift long-standing patterns, and maintain lasting change. We’ll always move at your pace.
Is panic therapy covered by insurance?
Yes. Most extended health benefit plans cover counselling with a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). After each session, we’ll provide a receipt you can submit for reimbursement—many clients receive reimbursement within a few business days.
Will I need to take medication for panic attacks?
Medication can be helpful for some people, especially when symptoms are severe—but it’s not required. Many clients see significant improvement through therapy alone. If you’re curious about medication, your family doctor or nurse practitioner is the best person to explore that with. In the meantime, therapy can give you practical tools and emotional support, regardless of whether medication is part of your path.
What if I can’t leave the house because of panic?
That’s more common than you might think, especially if you’re dealing with agoraphobia or fear of certain environments. If leaving home feels difficult right now, we offer secure virtual sessions you can attend from the comfort of your own space. Many clients begin therapy online and find it just as effective. You can start where you are—and we’ll meet you there.
A Message of Support from Our Clinical Director
Hi, I’m Kelsey, the Clinical Director here at ARC. I want to start by saying something that doesn’t get said enough – it’s okay to need support.
If you’re reading this, you might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply not yourself. At ARC, we understand how deeply personal it is to reach out for help. That’s why creating a thoughtful, welcoming experience matters so much to us. The therapists who practise at ARC bring strong clinical training, lead with heart, and truly care about helping people feel better.
We also know that feeling safe in therapy means feeling seen and respected. That’s why we’re committed to creating an inclusive space – one that honours your identity, your culture, and your lived experience.
Part of my role is to help people feel supported as they take those first steps toward therapy. If you’re unsure about where to start, I encourage you to reach out for a free consultation. It’s an opportunity to ask questions, learn more about a therapist’s approach, and decide whether they feel like the right fit for you.
You’ve already taken the first step by being here. When you’re feeling ready, take the next step by reaching out – and we’ll help you find the support that feels right for you.
Take the next step towards feeling better today
Location
470 Granville St, #922
Vancouver, BC, V6C 1V5
Our Hours
Mon – Fri: 09:00 – 21:30
Sat – Sun: 09:00 – 20:30