Group Therapy for Panic
Grounded in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), this psychotherapy group offers a supportive space to better understand and manage panic attacks and panic disorder. Participants will explore aspects of panic while learning effective strategies to reduce symptoms, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and build confidence in facing feared situations. Sessions run weekly for 50 minutes and are held either online or in person. This group runs for a total of 7 weekly sessions and is open to adults aged 18 and up.
CBT GROUP THERAPY
Panic: Taking Back Control
Group Description
This therapy group is designed to support adults who are experiencing panic attacks or living in fear of when the next one might strike. Rooted in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), each session offers practical tools to help you understand what panic is, why it happens, and how to respond to it more effectively.
Week by week, we’ll explore topics such as how panic develops, what keeps it going, and how to gradually face feared sensations and situations with greater confidence. The group combines psychoeducation, guided practice, and supportive discussion to help you break the cycle of panic and regain a sense of safety in your body and daily life.
You’ll receive a weekly PDF with key concepts, worksheets, and strategies to calm your nervous system, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and rebuild trust in yourself—one step at a time.
Group Facilitator
Michelle Lehoux holds dual professional registrations with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT). With a background in both psychotherapy and education, she has facilitated workshops across diverse sectors—including mental health, family wellness, and refugee resettlement—bringing a trauma-informed lens and deep respect for each person’s lived experience. Known for her calm and grounding presence, Michelle brings a gentle, steady energy to her work, creating a safe and supportive space where clients can reflect, connect, and grow.
Weekly Topics
Week 1
Understanding Panic
- We’ll begin by exploring what panic attacks and panic disorder are, including common symptoms and how they affect the body and mind. This session helps normalize the experience and lays the groundwork for what to expect in the weeks ahead.
Week 2
What Keeps Panic Going
- This session focuses on the cycle of panic—how fear of fear develops and how certain behaviours, thoughts, and patterns can unintentionally maintain panic symptoms. We’ll also introduce an overview of effective treatment strategies.
Week 3
Challenging Panic-Related Thoughts
- You’ll learn how negative or catastrophic thinking can fuel panic, and begin practicing how to identify and challenge these unhelpful thought patterns using cognitive restructuring techniques.
Week 4
Coping with Physical Sensations
- In this session, we’ll address the fear of bodily sensations by exploring interoceptive exposure techniques. You’ll begin to build tolerance for physical symptoms of anxiety and reduce the fear associated with them.
Week 5
Facing Feared Situations
- This week, we’ll explore how avoidance contributes to the persistence of panic. You’ll begin to identify avoided situations and learn how to approach them gradually through exposure-based strategies.
Week 6
Letting Go of Safety Behaviours
- Many people use “just in case” behaviours to feel safer during anxiety. This session explores how these safety behaviours actually maintain panic and how to start reducing them in a manageable way.
Week 7
Maintaining Progress
- In our final session, we’ll review the skills and insights gained over the past weeks and help you create a plan to maintain your progress long-term. You’ll leave with tools to stay on track and feel more confident navigating future challenges.
Next Session:
Start Date:
End Date:
Format:
Frequency: Weekly
Total sessions: 7
Cost per session: $40/session (Total: $280)
Group size: Limit of 6