Treatment for Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia means avoiding situations or activities out of fear of having panic symptoms. Fear of panic or embarrassment leads you to change what you do in ways that interfere with your life. 

An anxiety attack or panic attack is a rush of fear with sudden changes in your body. Psychologists define a panic attack as an experience of intense fear or discomfort that starts quickly, usually peaks within 10 minutes, and includes four or more of these symptoms [1]:

  • Rapid or pounding heartbeat,

  • Sweating

  • Trembling or shaking,

  • Feeling short of breath,

  • Feelings of choking,

  • Chest pain or discomfort,

  • Nausea or stomach distress,

  • Feeling dizzy or unsteady or faint,

  • Feeling hot or cold,

  • Numbness or tingling

  • Feeling as if you are not present or as if things are not real,

  • Fear that you are losing control or going crazy, and/or

  • Fear that you are dying.

Do you avoid:

  • Leaving home alone?

  • Crowds or waiting in line?

  • Enclosed spaces, such as movie theaters, elevators, or small stores?

  • Open spaces, such as parking lots, bridges, or malls?

  • Using public transportation, such as a bus, plane, or train?

Overcoming agoraphobia can free you from these limits and enable you to live your life again. 

Overcome Agoraphobia

Working with Dr. McMahon can help you overcome panic attacks and agoraphobia. Most people start feeling better after working with Dr. McMahon for only a few sessions.

As you get over your anxiety and panic, you will feel better about yourself and feel more confident. You will be able to resume previous activities and try new things more comfortably. The skills you learn can help you overcome anxiety and panic, without medication.

Dr. McMahon has helped hundreds of people conquer anxiety and panic by learning new ways of thinking and specific coping techniques. She uses proven techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), virtual reality therapy (see Benefits of VR Therapy), relaxation, and mindfulness. She has over 40 years of experience as a psychologist and specializes in brief, effective anxiety treatment. You may be delighted and amazed at how quickly panic attacks can decrease.

Call Dr. McMahon at 415-625-3565 for more information. 

References

[1] Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, text revision (DSM-5 TR) published in 2020 by the American Psychiatric Association.