At TruCourage Counseling, we work with adults who may appear to be holding it all together—but underneath, they feel overwhelmed, distracted, or just not quite themselves.
We’re here to help you name what’s happening, understand where it comes from, and move through it with purpose and clarity.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a persistent emotional state that arises when your mind is anticipating danger, uncertainty, or loss—even when there is no immediate threat.
It’s often future-focused and can simmer under the surface for days, weeks, or even months.
You might feel:
Restless or keyed up
Constantly worried or overwhelmed
Tired, yet unable to sleep
Tense in your body or irritable in relationships
Anxiety is common and affects millions of adults. But just because it’s common doesn’t mean you have to live with it unmanaged.
What Is a Panic Attack?
A panic attack, on the other hand, is sudden, intense, and feels like it comes out of nowhere.
It’s a surge of fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes—and often feels physically overwhelming.
During a panic attack, you may experience:
Heart pounding or racing
Chest pain or tightness
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or a feeling of losing control
Chills, sweating, or tingling
A sense that something terrible is happening, even if everything around you seems fine
Panic attacks are real, physiological events.
They are not “overreactions” or signs of weakness. They are part of an alert system that informs you that your nervous system is misfiring.
The good news is that they are treatable.
Panic vs. Anxiety: What’s the Difference?
Here’s a quick breakdown of how they differ:
*Anxiety can sometimes be low-level, and not build over time, but a subconscious feeling of dread
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4451-panic-attack-panic-disorder
https://www.healthline.com/health/panic-attack-vs-anxiety-attack
https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/panic-anxiety-difference
https://www.verywellmind.com/anxiety-attacks-versus-panic-attacks-2584396
https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/panic-attack-vs-anxiety-attack-6-things-know
Shared Symptoms: Why the Confusion?
Panic attacks and anxiety share many physical symptoms, such as:
Increased heart rate
Sweating
Shaking
Nausea
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
This overlap can make it hard to know what’s happening in the moment. The key difference is the intensity and speed of onset.
Panic hits fast. Anxiety lingers.
Causes: Where Do These Feelings Come From?
Both anxiety and panic are rooted in how your nervous system processes stress and fear.
However, the origins can look different:
Anxiety is often caused by:
Chronic stress or overwork
Unresolved trauma
Relationship or career pressure
Health issues or life transitions
Learned patterns from childhood
Panic attacks may be triggered by:
A traumatic memory or flashback
Physical sensations that mimic danger (like a racing heart)
Certain environments (e.g., crowded places)
Panic disorder (recurrent panic attacks without clear cause)
At TruCourage Counseling & Coaching, we help clients in Oregon safely explore the root causes—not just manage the symptoms.
How We Treat Anxiety and Panic at TruCourage
You deserve more than symptom management. You deserve transformation.
At TruCourage, we offer trauma-informed, science-backed approaches that address both mind and body.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
We guide you toward secure internal and relational bonds through EFT, which can calm anxiety and reduce the frequency of panic. Healing begins in connection.
Mindfulness & Somatic Work
We teach tools that help your nervous system relax in real time: guided breathing, body scans, grounding practices. This isn’t about coping—it’s about resetting.
Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB)
This integrative method supports emotional regulation, stress resilience, and a deeper understanding of how your brain and relationships shape your inner world.
Customized Care
You’re not a diagnosis. We tailor your care to your life story, your goals, and your pace. We walk with you as you grow stronger.
When to Seek Help
You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy.
In fact, many of our clients are leaders, caregivers, and professionals who seem “fine” on the outside—but are tired of carrying it all.
Here’s when it might be time to reach out:
You’re avoiding situations because of fear or discomfort
Your sleep, work, or relationships are being affected
You feel like your body is in overdrive—too often
You’re ready to understand your story and heal for real
You’re Not Alone—And You Don’t Have to Manage This Alone
Anxiety and panic don’t define you.
They’re responses—signs that your mind and body are trying to protect you. At TruCourage Counseling, we believe in the possibility of healing, purpose, and peace.
Let’s take the next step, together. Get panic or anxiety counseling near you.
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A panic attack is sudden and intense; anxiety is ongoing and persistent. Panic feels like a storm, anxiety like a constant drizzle.
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Yes. Panic attacks can happen without warning or any obvious stressor. This can make them especially confusing and frightening.
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They can feel terrifying, but they’re not medically harmful. However, frequent panic attacks can affect your quality of life and are very treatable with therapy.
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At TruCourage Counseling, treatment is always tailored to the individual.
We take an integrative approach, drawing from evidence-based therapies that are known to support lasting change. This often includes Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), but can also involve Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Somatic techniques, and insights from Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB).
While each client’s path is unique, these modalities help regulate the nervous system, foster emotional resilience, and support deep healing. We work collaboratively to find what fits you best—because healing isn’t one-size-fits-all.
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If either is interfering with your work, sleep, relationships, or sense of peace—it’s time. You don’t have to wait until things get worse.