Overcoming Phobias

According to the National Institute of Mental Health around 10% of the population is affected by a phobia. These people may be able to calmly understand the explanations and reasoning of others when they aren’t exposed to their fear, yet immediately and instinctively respond with a range of symptoms when faced with their phobia.

Arachnophobia, the fear of spiders, is one of the most common phobias. A person affected by arachnophobia may be able to fully understand that in Europe these small creatures are harmless, they help to catch flies and other bugs and they build beautifully intricate webs. However, the minute they spot a spider, they might freeze, scream, become breathless and exhibit other signs of fear. This response may also occur even when they see a spider in a book or on the television.

These same symptoms, along with nausea, dizziness and fainting are also seen in people who have one of the other common phobias, which include a fear of heights (acrophobia), injections (trypanophobia) or flying (pteromerhanophobia).

Causes of Phobias

These phobias are typically a response to a traumatic childhood experience or have been learnt, usually by picking up the anxieties of parents. Many sufferers have no memory of what caused their fear. The good news is that almost every phobia can be overcome. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy has been widely used to alter a person’s response to what they fear, so they can cope when faced with a challenging situation.

Rather than tackle the problem, the majority of phobia suffers will actively do what they can to avoid situations which put them at risk of facing their fear. It is possible to avoid travelling to any country that you can’t reach by car or boat if flying sends you into a panic attack. You can avoid lifts, crowded buildings or other confined spaces if you suffer with Agrophobia and you don’t need to be immunised if you suffer with Trypanophobia.

Whilst it can reduce the risk of an encounter with your fear, this avoidance technique can be highly restrictive. You can be prevented from fulfilling your ambitions or your potential if you put self-preservation above opportunity at every occasion. If you have a fear of germs (mysophobia) or sociophobia, a fear of social situations, you may miss out on important family celebrations, days out with friends and other events that make life fulfilling and rich.

Without taking the steps to overcome your phobia, it is also likely that you will pass your anxieties on to others. This can make cognitive behavioural therapy and other treatments even more important for parents and carers who are often around young children.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

It may surprise you that something that has been affecting your life and holding you back for so long can be treated in just a few sessions with a CBT counsellor. Taking action and seeking support to overcome your phobia could empower you to break down the barriers and fulfil your ambitions. You can be freed from that constant concern about being exposed to what you dread.

If you are ready to fight back and eliminate your fears, it’s time to find a local counsellor that offers Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Amersham based Cognitive PDC has the experience to offer confidential support in tackling what is holding you back. Contact us for more information, or to make an appointment.