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Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for panic disorder and agoraphobia

person holding hand with hands reaching to grab for CBT for panic disorder and agoraphobia

Evidence-based CBT strategies to break the cycle of panic and avoidance

This training is suitable for:

  • Mental Health Professionals: psychotherapists, counsellors, psychologists, social workers.
  • Medical Professionals: nurses, psychiatrists, pediatricians, family doctors.

Client category: For professionals who work with adult populations.

Prerequisite: Background in CBT

Level of training: Introductory/Intermediate

CE hours: 3

Overview

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) provides an evidence-based approach to understanding and treating panic disorder and agoraphobia by examining the relationship between physical sensations, thoughts, behaviours and avoidance.
In this on-demand training, you will review the cognitive-behavioural model of panic disorder, including how catastrophic interpretations of physical sensations, avoidance and safety behaviours can contribute to the cycle of panic.

You will explore key CBT treatment strategies including psychoeducation, panic monitoring, cognitive restructuring, interoceptive exposure and in-vivo exposure. The training also examines CBT approaches to the assessment and treatment of agoraphobia, including how to develop individualized exposure hierarchies to address avoidance and support gradual engagement with feared situations.

Learning objectives

By the end of this training, you will be able to:

  • Describe the cognitive-behavioural model of panic disorder and agoraphobia, including the role of catastrophic thoughts, avoidance and safety behaviours
  • Identify and apply core CBT strategies for panic disorder, including cognitive restructuring and interoceptive exposure
  • Develop in-vivo exposure strategies and individualized hierarchies for addressing panic-related and agoraphobic avoidance

Start this on-demand training to build practical CBT skills for working with adults experiencing panic disorder and agoraphobia, including strategies for addressing catastrophic thoughts, avoidance and the cycle of panic.

This on-demand training was recorded in April 2026 specifically for self-paced learning.

Upon registration, participants will receive a confirmation email that includes access information to our on-demand training platform, SickKids Academy Online. Participants will have access for 90 days from the date they begin the course on SickKids Academy Online. Following the training, participants are required to complete a quiz to receive the Certificate of Participation.


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Updated Sept.29, 2026