In Week One I teach clients diaphragmatic breathing (breathing from the stomach instead of the chest) and instruct them to practice it regularly while watching TV, reading, in a waiting room, etc. The goal is to become so comfortable doing it that you can easily do it at the first sign of a panic attack. When a panic attack occurs, the client who has practiced begins the diaphragmatic breathing. This does two things: it counters the typically shallow breathing that often accompanies a panic attack and puts the client back in control. This is a behavioral approach.
