Addressing fears of panic attacks in public involves:

  • Cognitive Restructuring: Help clients challenge irrational beliefs about panic attacks, such as the idea that a panic attack will lead to complete loss of control or serious harm.
  • Gradual Exposure: Use exposure therapy techniques to gradually expose clients to feared situations in a controlled manner, starting with less anxiety-provoking scenarios and gradually moving to more challenging ones.
  • Safety Plans: Collaboratively develop a safety plan that includes coping strategies they can use if they begin to feel anxious in public, as well as self-soothing techniques that can be easily employed.
  • Empowerment: Emphasise the idea that clients can manage their panic attacks and that experiencing one does not equate to a catastrophic outcome.