What is LEAF?

What is LEAF?

The LEAF program is for individuals suffering from mild to moderate levels of panic disorder. Participants receive training in cognitive and behavioral skills that have been demonstrated in research studies to help people effectively manage the symptoms of panic and anxiety. They are coached in these techniques by their group leaders. LEAF leaders are community volunteers and individuals with no formal mental health training but often have personal experience in successfully managing their own anxiety disorder symptoms using many of the same skills that they teach to participants. Leaders are trained by our clinicians (Psychologists/Psychiatrists) who guide and supervise them throughout the 10 weeks. In addition, an honorarium is provided to the leaders.

What Will I Learn?

Participants will review basic educational information in five main areas:

  • First basic educational information about the nature of panic disorder, panic attacks and anxiety symptoms.
  • Second  participants will be taught controlled breathing and muscle relaxation in order to manage the bodily sensations of anxiety and panic
  • Third participants will be taught how to examine their thoughts and beliefs in order to identify any misconceptions that maintain the cycles of repeated panic attacks (e.g. the false belief that a panic attack can lead to death via heart attack).
  • Fourth participants will learn to gradually overcome the avoidance behaviors that create substantial interference and functional disability (e.g. inability to use transportation or enter stores, etc)
  • Finally, participants will learn how to maintain their gains and how to manage or prevent any relapse of their symptoms.

Although effective treatments for panic disorder have been established, few individuals who seek treatment receive those interventions, while many others do not have access to appropriate treatment resources. At the present time, evidence-based programs for panic disorder are typically only offered at specialized clinics, and are therefore not widely available in BC. To address these issues, the LEAF program was designed as an evidence-based self-management program for panic disorder.

With funding from the Ministry of Health Services, the LEAF program in BC was initially presented in 2002 in four communities: Delta, Surrey, Kamloops, and Kelowna. More recently, in 2005, AnxietyBC offered the program in the TriCities area supported by funding from the Fraser Health Authority - TriCities and the Coquitlam Foundation. Overall, the subjective evaluations of the program remain positive. More than half of the participants find the LEAF program very helpful in managing their panic and anxiety symptoms more effectively. For example:

  • "I've learned how to lower my anxiety levels...and to keep full blown panic attacks at bay"
  • "I do not avoid any places or situations I would have before - even on meds"
  • "Haven't been going to the doctor as much"
  • "Not dependent anymore on having my husband drive me, which is a relief to both of us"
  • "I had 3 very successful dental trips - even the dentist noticed!!"
  • "Improved self-care because I have started to care more about other aspects of my health"
  • "I feel more able to deal with my symptoms and more confident that they are not life threatening"
  • "Through this program I believe I have learned the skills which will enable me to love a fuller,         happier life"
  • "I've learned a lot of calming thoughts and also different coping strategies"

Many people who complete a self-management program such as LEAF are able to use their new self management strategies to prevent or minimize panic attacks, some even end up completely panic free!

Will LEAF help me?

LEAF can help individuals who experience panic disorder. In such cases, individuals will often experience recurrent episodes of intense fears combined with a number of physical sensations that peak quickly but can take a substantial amount of time to pass. They will often fear that something catastrophic is about to happen to them, will fear future episodes of panic and may make changes in their life to prevent future panic attacks.

See our STRIDES winter issue for more information on panic disorder.

Participants will undergo a suitability assessment and screening interview to ensure that the program meets their needs. Ideally, they would have been diagnosed as suffering from mild to moderate panic disorders by a mental health professional. The screening process would explore questions like :

  1. Have you received a diagnosis of panic disorder?
    i.e., diagnosed by a mental health professional.
  2. Do you experience?
    A sudden rush of intense fear that comes without a warning combined with physical sensations that develop abruptly, peak very quickly and can take a substantial amount of time to go away. Symptoms may include:
    • Sweating
    • Catastrophic thoughts - something bad is about to happen
    • Trembling or shaking
    • Shortness of breathe
    • Palpitations, pounding heat, or accelerated heart beat
    • Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
    • Feeling of choking
    • Chest pain or discomfort
    • Nausea or abdominal distress
    • Feeling dizzy, lightheaded or faint
    • Fear of losing control or dying
  3. Do you avoid situations or places?
    Phobias that people with panic disorder develop do not come from fears of actual objects or events, but rather from fear of having another attack. In these cases, people will avoid certain objects or situations because they fear that these things will trigger another attack.

What kind of commitment is expected of me?

Each participant will attend a weekly 2-hour session (in the evening) for 10 weeks. Attendance of the complete program is mandatory with a commitment of completing the related assignments. These weekly sessions are held in groups of 8-10 people led by 2 leaders.

Where is the program being offered?

The AnxietyBC had been awarded a community grant by Fraser Health Authority - Surrey to support 3 groups (30 participants) that started in November 2005.

Currently, we have won funding for another 3 groups in the Tri Cities area. We are now accepting applications for participants and leaders. A one time only minimal charge of $40/-for books and handouts with be payable at registration. This is applicable, only, to successful candidates who pass our suitability assessment.

How do I join the Program?

If you experience the symptoms described here and wish to undergo the screening to participate, please contact AnxietyBC at (604) 525 7566, or e-mail at: info@anxietybc.com.