Panic Disorder Therapy in Calgary
Helping Children, Teens, and Families Understand Panic and Restore Calm
Panic attacks can feel frightening and overwhelming — sudden waves of fear, racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, or the sense that something is very wrong.
At Ten Child Psychology, we provide panic disorder therapy in Calgary for children, teens, and parents, helping families understand panic and learn how to calm the body’s alarm system with compassion, skill, and confidence.
Panic is not a sign of weakness or loss of control.
It’s the body trying to protect — and therapy helps it learn a calmer way to do that.
Understanding Panic Disorder
When Anxiety Peaks Too High
Panic disorder involves repeated panic attacks — intense surges of fear that can feel sudden and unpredictable. Over time, children and teens may begin to fear the panic itself, leading to avoidance of school, activities, or situations where an attack feels possible.
Panic attacks are uncomfortable, but they are not dangerous.
You might notice:
Racing heart, chest tightness, or shortness of breath
Dizziness, tingling, shaking, or feeling faint
Fear of “losing control” or something bad happening
Avoidance of school, activities, or busy environments
Ongoing worry about when the next panic attack will occur
Difficulty relaxing or sleeping after episodes
Panic often overlaps with anxiety and emotional regulation challenges. Families may also explore Anxiety Therapy in Calgary or Emotion Regulation Therapy in Calgary for integrated support.
With compassion comes care — support you can count on.
Our Approach to Panic Disorder Therapy
Panic disorder therapy at Ten Child Psychology is evidence-based, body-aware, and developmentally appropriate. We focus on helping children and teens understand what’s happening in their body so panic feels less mysterious and less scary.
Our psychologists may integrate:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) - Helping young people understand how thoughts, sensations, and fear cycles interact.
Gradual Exposure Strategies - Safely practicing feared sensations or situations to reduce panic responses over time.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - Learning to notice sensations with curiosity rather than fear or avoidance.
Breathing and Grounding Skills - Practical tools that calm the nervous system in real time.
Psychoeducation and Body Awareness - Teaching how the body’s alarm system works so panic feels manageable, not dangerous.
Each therapy plan is tailored to age, comfort level, and pace — structured enough to support progress, gentle enough to feel safe.
What Children and Teens Learn in Therapy
Panic disorder therapy helps children and teens rebuild trust in their body and confidence in their ability to cope.
They learn to:
Recognize early signs of panic and respond sooner
Understand the body sensations behind panic attacks
Use breathing and grounding tools to calm the nervous system
Reduce fear of physical sensations
Challenge catastrophic or “what if” thinking
Gradually return to avoided activities with support
Over time, panic loses its power — not because sensations disappear, but because confidence grows.
With care comes calm. Calm opens doors to growth.
Panic Attacks in Children
Helping the Body Feel Safe Again
Children experiencing panic may not have words for what’s happening. Panic can show up as sudden crying, fear of separation, breathing difficulties, or physical complaints without a medical cause.
You might notice:
Fear of school or leaving home
Sudden crying or trouble breathing
Stomachaches, headaches, or dizziness
Avoidance of activities that feel “too much”
Therapy uses play, creativity, and body-based tools to help children understand panic in simple, reassuring ways. Children learn that sensations pass — and that they have tools to help their body calm down.
Parents are included so calming strategies are reinforced at home.
→ Learn more about Child Therapy in Calgary for developmentally supportive anxiety care.
With understanding comes safety — steady ground returns.
Panic Attacks in Teens
Building Confidence Through Understanding
For teens, panic attacks can feel especially scary — often paired with embarrassment, fear of standing out, or worries about school and social situations.
You might notice:
Avoidance of classes, presentations, or social settings
Fear of panic happening in public
Over-monitoring of body sensations
Difficulty relaxing or sleeping
Teen panic therapy focuses on education, body awareness, and gradual exposure — helping teens feel capable rather than controlled by fear.
→ Explore Teen Therapy in Calgary and Anxiety Therapy in Calgary for overlapping concerns.
With confidence comes freedom — fear no longer leads.
Parent and Family Support
Helping Panic Improve at Home
When a child or teen has panic attacks, parents often feel helpless watching it happen. Family involvement is a key part of panic disorder therapy at Ten Child Psychology.
Parent sessions may include:
Understanding panic and the body’s alarm system
Coaching on responding calmly during panic episodes
Reducing reassurance and avoidance cycles
Building predictable routines that support safety
Balancing empathy with gentle encouragement
When parents feel confident responding to panic, children feel safer facing it.
Collaboration builds bridges. Bridges create breakthroughs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
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It’s a type of anxiety involving repeated panic attacks and fear of future episodes or avoidance of situations.
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Yes. Many children and teens experience significant reductions in frequency and intensity with consistent therapy and practice.
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Yes. We offer secure virtual therapy for families across Alberta.
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Yes. Panic can occur at any age, and therapy helps young people understand and manage these sensations safely.
Why Families Choose Ten for Panic Disorder Therapy in Calgary
Boutique, child- and family-focused clinic in Bridgeland / East Calgary
Psychologists experienced in panic, anxiety, and body-based regulation
Evidence-based CBT, ACT, and exposure approaches
Developmentally appropriate care for children and teens
In-person sessions in East Calgary and secure online therapy across Alberta
No waitlist — begin when you’re ready
Beyond Ten. Into Possibility.
Our Bridgeland clinic was designed to help bodies and minds slow down — with quiet rooms, natural light, and a supportive, unhurried atmosphere.
Ten Child Psychology
172 9 St NE, Calgary AB T2E 4H2
📞 403-727-7473
Serving families in Bridgeland, Inglewood, Riverbend, Crescent Heights, Tuxedo Park, Hillhurst, Douglasdale, Cranston, Auburn Bay, Mahogany, Seton — and online across Alberta.
