Panic Attack Therapy: Utilizing EMDR and IFS to Decrease Symptoms
If you’ve ever experienced a panic attack, you know how frightening and disorienting it can be. You might feel a total loss of control, your heart racing, your chest tightening, or the feeling that something terrible is about to happen. For many individuals, panic attacks come without warning and can make daily life feel unpredictable or unsafe.
As a licensed therapist in Denver, I help individuals find lasting relief from panic attacks and panic disorder using a blend of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and IFS (Internal Family Systems) Informed therapy. These two approaches work together to get to the root of panic; not just managing symptoms, but cultivating long-term healing and relief.
*Please note that this blog post is intended for educational purposes, and is not a replacement for therapy.
What Are the Symptoms of Panic Disorder?
Panic attacks are intense and overwhelming experiences of fear, intense anxiety, and/or discomfort, often peaking within minutes. While many people may experience one or two panic attacks in their lifetime, panic disorder is characterized by recurring attacks and ongoing worry about when the next one will happen.
Common symptoms include:
A racing or pounding heartbeat
Shortness of breath or a feeling of being smothered
Chest pain or discomfort
Trembling or shaking
Sweating
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Chills or hot flashes
Nausea
Numbness or tingling sensations
A feeling of unreality or detachment
Fear of losing control
Fear of dying
The fear and avoidance that develop around these symptoms can lead to isolation, difficulties at work or school, and a reduced sense of safety and trust in one's body or mind.
EMDR helps the brain reprocess distressing memories or experiences that may be stored in a raw, unprocessed form. Many individuals who struggle with panic have had past experiences that left their nervous system on high alert. Through EMDR, we identify the moments when the fear response became “stuck,” and gently help the brain file them away in a more adaptive, less activating way. To learn more about how EMDR works, check out my recent blog here!
IFS compliments this work by helping clients build relationships with the parts of themselves that show up during panic, whether that’s a part that feels young and terrified, a protector that’s constantly scanning for danger, or a part that feels shame for experiencing anxiety. IFS demonstrates how all parts have a reason for trying to keep us safe, even if their methods are painful. When these parts are met with compassion, curiosity, and understanding, they no longer have to sound the alarm so loudly. To learn more about IFS, check out my recent blog here.
Panic Attack Therapist Denver: Get Started Today
In my Denver therapy practice, I weave together EMDR and IFS Informed therapy to support individuals in alleviating symptoms of panic and anxiety. Rather than just treating the surface symptoms, I value helping individuals explore their inner system and the deeper layers. If you’re curious about a trauma-informed, somatic approach to helping your panic and anxiety, I invite you to reach out today to schedule a free phone consultation, and get started!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gigi Woodall, LMFT
Trauma & Eating Disorder Therapist in Denver
Hi, I’m Gigi—a Denver-based trauma and eating disorder therapist and clinical supervisor passionate about helping people heal and reconnect with themselves. My work focuses on exploring how early experiences, relationships, and protective parts of the self shape our inner narratives. Through a compassionate and individualized approach, I help clients challenge limiting beliefs and step into a more authentic, intuitive way of living.
Prior to private practice, I worked at nonprofit organizations and eating disorder treatment centers. I'm also a proud Denver chapter member of the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP), a clinical supervisor for pre-licensed therapists, and am on my way to becoming a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS).
With training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, and eating disorder treatment, I provide a safe, supportive space for those navigating recovery, trauma, and self-discovery.
Looking for support on your healing journey? Book a free consultation to see if we’re a good fit.