Panic Attacks Therapy in Limassol, Cyprus
Evidence-based support for children aged 2–18
Heart racing Breathlessness Panic disorder Fear of dying Dizziness Agoraphobia
What are panic attacks in children?
Panic attacks are among the most frightening experiences a child or young person can have — and among the most misunderstood. At Empathic Psychologist in Limassol, we provide specialist assessment and evidence-based therapy for panic attacks and panic disorder in children and young people aged 2–18 — helping them understand what is happening in their body, break the panic cycle and reclaim confidence in daily life. Sessions in English and Greek, in person in Limassol and online across Cyprus.
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes and is accompanied by a cluster of physical and psychological symptoms. During a panic attack the body's fight-or-flight response fires without a real external threat — producing overwhelming physical sensations that are frightening but not dangerous.
Common physical symptoms during a panic attack include:
Heart racing, pounding or palpitations
Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath or feeling of choking
Chest tightness or pain
Dizziness, lightheadedness or feeling faint
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
Sweating, trembling or chills
Nausea or stomach discomfort
Feelings of unreality or detachment from oneself
These symptoms are so alarming that children and young people experiencing them frequently believe they are seriously ill, having a heart attack or dying. The fear of having another panic attack — and the avoidance that follows — can rapidly restrict a child's daily life, school attendance and independence.
Panic Disorder is diagnosed when recurrent panic attacks are accompanied by persistent worry about future attacks and significant changes in behaviour to avoid them. It is highly treatable with the right specialist support.
Signs your child may need support
Sudden, intense episodes of fear or dread that seem to come from nowhere
Physical symptoms: racing heart, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, trembling
Fear of 'going mad', losing control or dying during the episode
Derealisation or depersonalisation: feeling detached from themselves or surroundings
Avoidance of places, situations or physical exertion associated with past panic attacks
Anticipatory anxiety: persistent worry about having another panic attack
Reluctance to be alone or go to school following onset of panic
Physical symptoms that have been medically investigated and cleared
Important for parents
Panic attacks are always distressing but never medically dangerous. If your child has not yet had a medical check to rule out physical causes for their symptoms, this is a good first step — and something Dr George Efraem can advise on. Once a medical cause has been excluded, psychological therapy is the most effective treatment available.
How Dr George Efraem helps: our therapeutic approach
Our approach is grounded in established evidence-based practice and draws on multiple therapeutic frameworks, tailored to each child's individual profile, age and developmental stage.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
The gold-standard treatment for panic disorder — identifying the catastrophic misinterpretations of physical sensations that maintain panic, and building more accurate and helpful responses.
Person-Centred / Child-Centred Therapy
Provides a safe, warm therapeutic relationship where the young person feels genuinely heard and understood — an essential foundation before any exposure-based work begins.
Psychoeducation
Teaching the child and family exactly what happens in the body during a panic attack — understanding that the sensations are the fight-or-flight response is often profoundly reassuring and therapeutic in itself.
Third Wave CBT Therapies
These approaches help young people change their relationship with panic — reducing the struggle against symptoms and building the psychological flexibility to act according to their values despite anxiety. They also build present-moment awareness and the capacity to observe physical sensations without catastrophising — particularly effective for adolescents prone to health anxiety alongside panic.
Gradual Exposure Programme
A carefully planned, stepwise programme of exposure to avoided situations — building confidence and freedom from avoidance one manageable step at a time.
Therapy Programmes for Panic Attacks
Child Therapy Programme (Ages 2–12)
For children aged 2–12 experiencing panic attacks, therapy is delivered through our Child Therapy Programme — using CBT, breathing and relaxation techniques and psychoeducation to help younger children understand and manage their panic responses.
Adolescent Therapy Programme (Ages 12–18)
For young people aged 12–18 experiencing panic attacks, therapy is delivered through our Adolescent Therapy Programme — using CBT and interoceptive exposure techniques to reduce fear of physical sensations and build lasting confidence in managing panic.
Parent-Child Empathy Programme
⭐Recommended for enhanced outcomes ⭐
Parents of children experiencing panic attacks may also be recommended to attend our Parent-Child Empathy Programme — building understanding of the panic cycle and developing calm, consistent responses that support rather than inadvertently maintain their child's anxiety.
*Available standalone or alongside child therapy
What to expect
Assessment at Empathic Psychologist begins with a thorough understanding of the child and family context — not just the presenting behaviour. Dr George Efraem takes time to understand the child's full developmental history, current stressors and the settings in which difficulties occur before formulating a clinical picture.
Following an initial free 15-minute consultation, Dr George Efraem conducts a comprehensive assessment (typically 2 sessions) using clinical interview, validated psychometric scales and collaborative feedback from parents and school where appropriate.
A personalised therapy plan is developed and shared with the family. Therapy typically runs 12–18 weekly sessions of 50 minutes, with regular progress reviews.
*Most families receive their first appointment within one week of getting in touch.
Free 15-min consultation
Discuss your child's needs with Dr George Efraem — no commitment
Comprehensive assessment
2 sessions using validated psychometric measures
Personalised therapy plan
Goals, approach and duration shared clearly with the family
Therapy — 12 to 18 sessions
Weekly 50-minute sessions with regular progress reviews
**Content is grounded in peer-reviewed research and evidence-based clinical guidelines. Sources available on request.
Ready to take the first step?
Call Now for a free 15-minute consultation with Dr George E. Agathokleous — most families receive an assessment appointment within one week.