How is CBT different from other kinds of therapy?
CBT is not at all like traditional psychotherapy. In traditional psychotherapy, the focus is often on talking about one’s past. Talking about the past can be very helpful in dealing with many life issues, but it has very limited value in helping people to overcome panic disorder. CBT focuses on overcoming panic in the present, as opposed to searching the past for contributing factors. In CBT, you learn skills that you practice in the therapist’s office and on your own. CBT is like taking a class: you learn skills that empower you to overcome the anxiety and panic.
