Agoraphobia

What is Agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia involves intense fear or avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult or help might not be available. It often develops alongside panic disorder but can occur on its own. Over time, the avoidance can become more limiting than the anxiety itself — shrinking your world to only the places that feel safe.

What It Can Look Like

• Avoiding places like stores, public transit, or crowded spaces
• Needing someone with you to feel safe going out
• Rearranging your life around what feels safe — only going certain places, taking certain routes
• Feeling trapped or panicky in situations where leaving would be hard
• Gradually doing less and less as avoidance expands

How I Can Help

Exposure therapy is the primary treatment. We’ll work on re-engaging with the situations you’ve been avoiding, at a pace that feels manageable. The goal is to rebuild confidence through direct experience rather than continued avoidance.