Panic Disorder & Panic Attack Treatment
Panic disorder involves recurring, unexpected panic attacks — sudden waves of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, or dizziness. The Meeting Matters helps you understand and regain control over panic.
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Understanding Panic Attacks
Panic attacks can feel like a heart attack or loss of control, often peaking within minutes. Left unaddressed, fear of future attacks can lead to avoiding places or situations, sometimes narrowing daily life significantly.
Our Approach
We use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help you understand the panic cycle, challenge catastrophic interpretations of physical sensations, and build practical grounding techniques to use during and between attacks.
Breaking the Fear Cycle
Much of panic disorder is driven by fear of the fear itself. Therapy helps interrupt this cycle, gradually reducing both the frequency and intensity of attacks.
Panic Attack Symptoms
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear that peaks within minutes. Symptoms include a pounding heart, chest tightness or pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, trembling, tingling, nausea, a feeling of choking, feeling unreal or detached, and a fear of losing control or dying. It feels dangerous but is not harmful in itself, and it passes.
Panic Attack or Heart Attack?
The symptoms overlap, which is why panic attacks frighten people so much. If you have never had these symptoms before, or you have chest pain with sweating that spreads to the arm or jaw, get medical care first. Our guide explains how to tell a panic attack from a heart attack.
Treatment for Panic Attacks
CBT is the main treatment for panic disorder. It teaches what is happening in the body, challenges the catastrophic thoughts that fuel panic, and uses gradual exposure to the sensations and situations you avoid. Many people improve in a limited number of sessions. We are psychologists and do not prescribe medication. If a medical opinion would help, we will say so and work alongside your doctor or psychiatrist.
Panic Therapy Online or in Islamabad
Sessions are by secure video from anywhere in Pakistan, or in person at our F-11/1 clinic, in Urdu, Punjabi or English. See anxiety therapy and CBT. Message us on WhatsApp with what you are dealing with and a time that suits you. We usually reply within about 30 minutes and will suggest a suitable therapist.
Symptoms, Self-Checks and Guides
See also panic attack symptoms and the anxiety self-check.
Meet the Specialist
Kainat Ali
Clinical Psychologist — Anxiety, Panic Disorder & BPD
Kainat Ali is a Clinical Psychologist specialising in panic disorder and generalised anxiety, using CBT and DBT-based approaches to help clients regain a sense of control.
What Kainat helps with:
Meet Therapists Who Can Help
Muhammad Naushad Anjum
Founder & Lead Psychologist — Couples, Marriage & Relationship Counselling
Tasmia Asghar
Clinical Psychologist, CBT, DBT & NLP Therapist
Ayesha Tariq
Clinical Psychologist — Relationship, Couples & Marriage Counselor
What Our Clients Say
“I had a really great experience at Meeting Matters Clinic in F-11. The therapists here are highly professional aur unka ravaiya bohat supportive hai. It’s not easy to find a safe space for mental health, but yahan ka mahol bohat pur-sakoon aur welcoming hai. They genuinely listen to your problems without any judgment. Highly recommended for anyone looking for good counseling in Islamabad.”
Subhan A. · Google Review
“I am truly grateful to Ms. Tasmiya Asghar and the team at Meeting Matters. I reached out during one of the most difficult periods of my life while dealing with grief and trying to be the best parent I could be for my children. Ms. Tasmiya's kindness, empathy, and guidance helped me navigate emotions that often felt overwhelming. She helped me understand my feelings, regain perspective, and think through practical ways of supporting my children and myself. I always felt respected, heard, and comfortable during our sessions. I would wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Tasmiya Asghar and Meeting Matters to anyone going through a challenging time and looking for professional support in a compassionate environment.”
Hashir K. · Google Review
“Have noticed alot of changes within myself because of the sessions I've had. My therapist is extremely kind and helpful. I've never once felt uncomfortable feeling like I'm talking to a stranger. My Dr has made me feel as if she's my own and has helped me a lot.”
Shagufta K. · Google Review
15+ Years of Experience You Can Trust
The Meeting Matters has been providing professional counseling, therapy and training since 2010 — over fifteen years of clinical experience supporting individuals, couples and families across Pakistan and around the world. Our psychologists are trained in evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, EMDR and psychodynamic therapy, delivered through confidential online counseling and online therapy as well as in-person sessions at our Islamabad clinic.
Explore Our Full Range of Services
Alongside specialist support for this concern, you have access to our full range of services — the same experienced team, available online or in person:
Individual Therapy
One-to-one online counseling and therapy for anxiety, depression, stress and personal growth.
Couples Counseling
Online relationship counseling for communication, conflict and rebuilding trust.
Marriage Counseling
Online marriage counseling for couples working through distress or disconnection.
Premarital Counseling
Guided conversations before marriage, available online.
Family Therapy
Family counseling for communication, parenting and conflict resolution.
Child Psychology
Child and adolescent therapy with parent guidance.
Online Therapy
Secure online therapy sessions from anywhere.
Corporate Mental Health Workshops
Workplace wellbeing programs for organisations.
Career Counseling
Support for career transitions and workplace stress.
Key Benefits
- CBT for panic disorder
- Practical grounding and breathing techniques
- Support for agoraphobia and avoidance
- Online and in-person sessions
- Confidential, non-judgemental care
Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful Articles
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Take the first step toward better mental health. Our compassionate team is here to support you.