Panic Disorder Therapy in Perth

Panic disorder goes beyond the occasional panic attack. It involves repeated, often unpredictable episodes that can lead you to avoid situations, places, or activities out of fear. Panic Disorder can take over your life. With the right therapy, you can interrupt this cycle and regain confidence in your daily life.

What Does a Panic Attack Feel Like?

A panic attack is a sudden, intense wave of anxiety that often comes with distressing physical symptoms, such as:

  • Racing heart or palpitations
  • Sweating, trembling, or shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or dizziness
  • Nausea or stomach discomfort
  • Feelings of detachment or unreality
  • Fear of losing control, fainting, or dying

Some panic attacks have clear triggers, such as public speaking or travel. Others seem to appear out of nowhere, making them even more unsettling.

How Panic Disorder Can Affect Daily Life

Living with panic disorder often means constantly anticipating the next attack. You might:

  • Avoid leaving the house alone
  • Carry water or medication “just in case”
  • Plan your day around safe zones or escape routes
  • Avoid social settings, public spaces, or travel

 

This pattern of fear and avoidance can significantly reduce quality of life.It often leads to agoraphobia, where you feel unable to cope in open or crowded environments.

Evidence-Based Panic Disorder Treatment

We offer proven, structured support to help you break free from panic’s grip. At J&R Psychology, we use:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):

Learn to reframe your thoughts around panic symptoms and reduce the fear response through gradual exposure and practical tools.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):

Develop a healthier relationship with anxious thoughts and physical sensations, focusing on values-driven action rather than avoidance.

Tailored Support:

Our approach is collaborative, respectful, and always at your pace. You stay in control of the process, with expert guidance from our experienced psychologists.

Founders

Paul Jeffery and Dr Melissa Ree, with 25 + years of professional care to the Perth community.

Meet the Team Helping with Panic Disorder

Our team, led by Dr Melissa J Ree and Paul Jeffery, provides panic disorder treatment for children, teens, and adults. With clinics in West Perth and Como, we support you in building confidence, resilience, and freedom from avoidance.

You’re Not Alone & You Don’t Have to Live in Fear

Panic disorder affects about 1 in 20 adults. In children, panic attacks are common, but panic disorder is less frequent, affecting around 2–3%.

With the right support, recovery is possible, and common.

We’re here to help you feel safe again in your own body, mind, and everyday life.

Ready to get started?

Our caring, expert team are here to support you.

Frequently asked questions

No referral is needed to see one of our psychologists privately. If you’d like to access Medicare rebates, a referral from your GP under a Mental Health Care Plan is required.

Therapy is designed to help you understand and manage anxiety at its core. Over time, many people find their panic attacks become less intense, less frequent—and for some, they stop altogether.

Panic attacks are episodes of intense fear or discomfort. Panic disorder involves recurrent panic attacks and ongoing fear or behavioural changes in response to them.

This varies by person. Many people begin to see improvements within a few sessions. We tailor the therapy to your pace and needs.

Not always. CBT and ACT are often effective on their own. In some cases, a combined approach with medication is recommended. We can help you explore what’s best for you.