Psychological interventions are commonly used to in the treatment of panic disorder, panic attacks, and agoraphobia. Even though it is one of the most frequently used treatment options, psychotherapy is not always effective. If you have tried therapy with little to no results, you may be wondering why therapy isn’t working.
There are numerous reasons why psychotherapy may not be helping you work through personal issues and manage your panic disorder. Listed here are some common roadblocks that may explain why therapy isn’t working for you. This list can help you sort out potential obstacles with therapy and take steps toward working through them.
The first therapist you meet with may not be the right match for you. When seeing a therapist for the first time, ask yourself if you feel that this is someone you are comfortable regularly meeting with and opening up to. You will be working closely with your therapist, revealing personal experiences, expressing deep emotions, and practicing new ways of being. It is important that you feel at ease with your therapist and confident in their abilities to help you.
Finding the right therapist involves considering your own personal preferences and verifying the therapist’s qualifications for working with panic disorder. Tips for choosing a therapist include finding a person who you have good communication with, determining if your therapist is competent in treating anxiety disorders, deciding if the therapist’s gender is important to you, and feeling that your therapist possess empathy and understanding of your condition. You will also want a therapist who has knowledge in therapeutic interventions that have been found to be effective in the treatment of panic disorder, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or panic-focused psychodynamic psychotherapy.