Simple, practical guides based on CBT and gradual exposure. Read at your own pace and try things in small steps.
11 articles found · Phobias · Clear filters
PhobiasA fear of driving (sometimes called amaxophobia) is an intense fear and avoidance of getting behind the wheel, driving on the highway or being in traffic, even when you have a license. A gradual driving plan that starts in an empty parking lot and moves through quiet streets and short routes to heavy traffic, together with questioning your thoughts, is the core way to overcome it.
PhobiasAgoraphobia is an intense fear and avoidance of situations such as public transport, crowds, or open and enclosed spaces where you believe escape would be difficult or help unavailable if panic-like symptoms occurred. Gradual exposure and CBT techniques that aim to make peace with bodily sensations are commonly used to cope with agoraphobia.
PhobiasFear of the dentist (dental anxiety or dentophobia) is intense anxiety about dental treatment, going to the dental office or sitting in the chair, and it can lead people to put off treatment. Telling your dentist about your fear, agreeing on a 'stop' signal, starting with short appointments and using breathing techniques can help you feel calmer in the chair.
PhobiasArachnophobia is an intense, disproportionate fear of seeing, thinking about or looking at pictures of spiders, and it is one of the most common specific phobias. A gradual exposure plan that starts with the word and moves through photos and videos to a real spider is one of the most effective ways to reduce this fear.
PhobiasEmetophobia is an intense, disproportionate fear of vomiting, seeing someone else vomit or feeling nauseous; people may start avoiding food, travel and people who are ill. Reducing safety behaviors, making peace with sensations of nausea and gradual exposure are the core steps for working with this fear in CBT.
PhobiasCynophobia is an intense, disproportionate fear of seeing dogs, hearing them bark or the possibility of meeting one. Learning dog body language, reviewing your thoughts and gradually facing calm, leashed dogs with their owner's permission are the core steps to reducing this fear.
PhobiasNormal fear is proportionate to a real danger and doesn't restrict your life; a phobia is an intense, disproportionate fear that usually lasts longer than 6 months, leads to avoidance and clearly affects daily life. If your fear is affecting your work, relationships or health, it's a good idea to see a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
PhobiasClaustrophobia is an intense, disproportionate fear and feeling of being trapped in enclosed or tight spaces such as elevators, MRI scanners, crowded subway cars or windowless rooms. CBT techniques such as gradual exposure and re-evaluating thoughts are the most commonly used ways to cope with claustrophobia.
PhobiasAcrophobia is an intense fear and avoidance of high places such as balconies, ladders, bridges or tall buildings that is out of proportion to the real danger. One of the most effective ways to reduce a fear of heights is to regularly follow a gradual exposure plan that starts with the easiest situation and becomes harder step by step.
PhobiasTo overcome the fear of flying, you first need accurate information about flying, then to question the thoughts that frighten you and to gradually expose yourself to flight-related situations. Breathing techniques and a good plan for the day of the flight support the process; if the fear is very intense, getting help from a professional is the safest path.
PhobiasShyness is a natural reserve felt in new social settings that usually eases over time, while social phobia (social anxiety disorder) is when the fear of being judged is so intense that it makes a person systematically avoid social situations and clearly restricts daily life. The key difference is the severity, duration and impact on life of the distress.