Panic Attack Support | Melbourne & Telehealth
Psychological Support for Panic Attacks
A panic attack can bring an intense surge of fear and physical sensations such as a racing heart,
breathlessness, dizziness, shaking, chest discomfort or a feeling of losing control. Afterward, many people become highly alert to bodily sensations or avoid places where another attack might occur. Therapy can help explain the panic cycle and reduce the fear, avoidance and restriction that follow it.
Registered psychologist
Evidence-informed and practical
Selected Melbourne locations
Telehealth Australia-wide where suitable
Self-referral welcome; referral and rebate options available
Does this sound familiar?
People may seek support after one frightening episode or after a longer pattern of recurrent panic and avoidance.
-
Sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that peak quickly.
-
Fear that physical sensations mean a heart attack, fainting, suffocation or loss of control.
-
Constantly checking the body for signs that panic is beginning.
-
Avoiding driving, public transport, shops, crowds, exercise or being alone.
-
Carrying “just in case” items or relying on a support person to feel safe.
-
Anxiety about being embarrassed or unable to escape during an episode.
-
Life becoming smaller because preventing panic has become the main priority.
How therapy may help
Psychological treatment can help separate the alarm response from the feared meaning attached to it. Work is collaborative and usually combines understanding, skills and gradual behavioural learning.
-
Understand how body sensations, threat predictions and avoidance reinforce panic.
-
Learn ways to respond to sensations without escalating the alarm cycle.
-
Reduce checking, escape and safety behaviours that keep fear strong.
-
Gradually re-enter avoided situations at a planned and tolerable pace.
-
Address broader worry, trauma, health anxiety, sleep or stress where relevant.
-
Create a practical plan for setbacks without treating one episode as failure.
What sessions may involve
Treatment may draw on CBT, exposure-based strategies, ACT, psychoeducation and regulation skills. Exposure is not about overwhelming the person; it is a structured way to learn that feared sensations or situations can be approached safely and managed differently.
-
Clarifying the first attacks, current triggers, avoidance and medical review.
-
Building a shared explanation of the panic cycle.
-
Practising skills and gradual exposure linked to meaningful goals.
-
Reviewing changes in confidence, functioning and reliance on safety behaviours.
How getting started usually works
1. Send a short enquiry or book a psychology session. The current concern is preselected in the form.
2. The practice checks age group, service fit, Melbourne or telehealth preference, availability and referral or funding pathway.
3. The first appointment clarifies the concern, history, functioning, goals, strengths and any safety or medical factors.
4. You and the psychologist agree on a plan, review progress and adjust the work as needed.
New or severe physical symptoms should not be assumed to be panic
Chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness, neurological symptoms or other acute physical changes require urgent medical assessment, particularly when they are new or different from previous episodes. Apsychologist can help after appropriate medical review, but a website cannot determine whether symptoms are caused by panic or a medical condition.
Related support
Concerns often overlap. These pages may also help you identify the most suitable starting point:
Tell us what is affecting everyday life
The form should preselect “Panic attacks”. Tell us briefly what you would like help with, who the appointment is for and whether you prefer Melbourne or telehealth. You can select more than one concern or choose “Not sure”.
This form is not monitored continuously and is not for urgent or crisis support. If there is immediate danger, call 000. Lifeline is available on 13 11 14. For family or sexual violence support, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732.
FAQs
Are panic attacks dangerous?
Panic attacks can feel dangerous and extremely distressing. The panic response itself is treatable, but new or concerning physical symptoms should first be medically assessed rather than assumed to be anxiety.
What is the difference between a panic attack and panic disorder?
A panic attack is an episode. Panic disorder involves recurrent attacks and ongoing concern or behaviour change related to future attacks. Formal diagnosis requires clinical assessment.
Can therapy help with agoraphobia or avoidance?
Yes, when clinically suitable. Therapy can address fear of places or situations where escape or help feels difficult, using a gradual plan linked to the person’s goals.
Will breathing exercises stop every attack?
No single technique works every time. Therapy focuses on changing the wider panic cycle rather than making the person dependent on one rescue strategy.
Can I start with an online appointment?
Telehealth may be suitable for assessment and treatment, depending on risk, medical factors, privacy and the nature of any planned behavioural work.