Phobia Clinic

Phobias are irrational fears that may limit your enjoyment of life or create other obstacles in your life. While irrational fears are somewhat common, a phobia can cause enormous anxiety and interfere with your everyday life.

For example, it’s normal to feel anxious if the flight you’re on experiences turbulence. If your fear of flying prevents you from attending an important occasion or visiting loved ones, however, it becomes a debilitating phobia. When faced with a phobia-inducing scenario, you may experience:

●    Difficulty breathing

●    Chest pain or tightness

●    Trembling or shaking

●    Dizziness or lightheadedness

●    Sweating

●    Feeling the need to escape

●    Feeling detached from yourself

●    Feeling like you’re going to pass out

If this is the case for you, it is well worth seeking phobia treatment from Elsternwick’s Your Psychologist. Some of the phobias we can help to treat include:

●    Animal phobias, such as the fear of spiders, dogs, rodents or snakes

●    Natural environment phobias, such as a fear of the dark, heights or water

●    Situational phobias, which can include fear of enclosed spaces, bridges, flying or driving

●    Blood-Injection-Injury phobias, which include a fear of needles, medical procedures, blood or injury

●    Social phobias, such as a fear of public speaking or public places.

If it’s time to overcome your fears, do reach out to Your Psychologist for phobia counselling at our Elsternwick clinic.

Our approach to phobia therapy at Elsternwick’s Your Psychologist

Many of our counselling services are informed by schema therapy, an approach that seeks to uncover the roots of long-standing feelings and emotions. By working together in this process, we can gradually uncover the potential roots of your phobia, as well as develop strategies for confronting your fears. This might include building a “fear ladder”, in which you’ll list items and activities from least daunting to most frightening. You’ll then be able to work through your fears step by step, such as first visiting a pet store if you’re afraid of dogs, before you go straight to the dog park on your own.

We will also work to help you develop calming techniques for when you are faced with a phobia-inducing situation, as well as challenge your negative thoughts surrounding your phobia. This might include learning to negate these thoughts with facts, thinking of ways to resolve the frightening situation you envision yourself being in, and encouraging you to think in a helpful way.

Of course, each individual’s phobia should be dealt with in a unique, personalised way. For tailored treatment, contact Your Psychologist.

Find support for other matters at Your Psychologist

In addition to phobia and irrational fear therapy, Elsternwick locals can also turn to Your Psychologist for assistance with anxiety, depression, stress and career issues. Whatever form of support you need, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Your Psychologist for any questions or booking enquiries.