Panic, phobias and avoidance — evidence-based therapy in Parramatta and online.
Panic disorder, specific phobias and agoraphobia have one of the strongest evidence bases in psychology — exposure-based CBT, delivered properly, is the treatment with the most consistent results. My experience in this work includes the Anxiety Disorders Clinic at St Vincent's Hospital, one of Australia's leading specialist anxiety services.
How panic, phobias & avoidance tends to show up.
What tends to keep it going.
Patterns are often maintained by the very things we do to cope with them. Therapy targets these directly.
Avoidance
The thing that makes phobias persist. Every avoided situation is another opportunity for the brain to learn nothing new.
Safety behaviours
Sitting by the exit, carrying water, checking your pulse — these stop you proving to your nervous system that you’re safe.
Misinterpretation of body sensations
Panic is fuelled by reading normal physical changes as dangerous. Over time the sensations themselves become the trigger.
Anticipatory anxiety
Worrying in advance about having a panic attack is often worse than the attack itself — and makes one more likely.
Exposure-based CBT — among the strongest evidence base for panic and phobias. Usually more structured and shorter than people expect.
Why I’m a fit for panic, phobias & avoidance.
In-person at Parramatta, serving Westmead, Harris Park, Granville, North Parramatta, Rosehill and Merrylands and surrounding Sydney suburbs. Telehealth available Australia-wide.
Common questions about panic, phobias & avoidance.
Are panic attacks dangerous?
Panic attacks feel dangerous but are not medically harmful. Full medical workup via your GP is sensible, but panic itself will not harm you.
Can we do phobia exposures online?
Many exposures can be done via telehealth with guided homework. Some presentations (flying phobia, certain driving work) benefit from in-person sessions — we’ll plan this together.
How long does treatment usually take?
Evidence-based exposure protocols for specific phobias are typically among the shorter treatments in psychology, with many running 5–10 sessions. Many panic disorder and agoraphobia protocols typically run 8–16 sessions. However, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The right length for you depends on severity, complexity, and how the problem is showing up — we agree an expected range at session two and review as we go.
I’ve had panic attacks for years — is it too late?
No. Duration of the problem does not strongly predict treatment response. People with decades of panic often respond well.
Other presentations I help with.
Ready to start? Request an appointment.
The enquiry form is the quickest way to reach me. A sentence or two about what you’re looking for is enough — I’ll reply within one business day.