SAN JOSE & SANTA CRUZTherapy for Agoraphobia in San Jose & Santa Cruz
Most people fear having another panic attack and restrict their activities to avoid the possibility of another one. Agoraphobia is this cycle of anticipatory fear of panic and subsequent avoidance of situations where escape seems difficult, or help and safety are perceived to be unavailable, such as being away from home or being alone.
At a Glance
- Common triggers
- Crowds, open spaces, public transit, being alone
- Heritability
- 61% increased risk among offspring of parents with it
- Treated with
- CBT, exposure therapy, EMDR
- Format
- In-person or telehealth
What Are the Symptoms of Agoraphobia?
Agoraphobia is characterized by marked fear or anxiety about two or more of the following five situations: using public transportation; being in open spaces like parking lots or bridges; being in enclosed places like stores or theaters; standing in line or being in a crowd; or being outside of the home alone. These situations are feared or avoided due to thoughts of having panic-like symptoms or other incapacitating or embarrassing symptoms, and that escape might be difficult or help might not be available.
What Are the Causes of Agoraphobia?
There is no one single cause of Agoraphobia. However, risk factors include negative childhood experiences like separation or death of a parent, being attacked or mugged, growing up in a lack of emotional warmth, or overprotective parenting. Proneness to experiencing negative emotions (neuroticism) and sensitivity to anxiety can also contribute to the likelihood of developing agoraphobia — there is an increased risk (61%) for agoraphobia among offspring of parents with agoraphobic anxiety.
How Can You Treat Agoraphobia?
Anxiety Treatment Services provides integrative and comprehensive therapy for Agoraphobia including individual therapy, group support and behavioral fieldwork. Modalities include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy including guided imagery and real-life desensitization/graduated exposure therapy, Psychotherapy, EMDR, and Meditation/Mindfulness.
Be free of agoraphobia.