Phobias
Intense and irrational fears of specific objects, situations, or activities.
We all encounter fears, whether it be spiders, heights, or other common triggers. While fears are normal, intense reactions to specific objects or situations can indicate a phobia, an anxiety disorder that hinders daily functioning. Phobias manifest as persistent, irrational fears leading to avoidance behaviours. Examples include claustrophobia, blood phobias, animal phobias, and more. Seeking help is crucial if a phobia disrupts your life or causes significant distress.
Signs of a phobia may include:
Complete avoidance.
Enduring the fear with extreme stress if unavoidable.
Physical sensations like palpitations or sweating, and disproportionate anger. Identifying a phobia can be challenging, as it uniquely affects each person.
If your life has been impacted by a long-standing phobia or unexplained anxiety, consulting with a psychologist is beneficial. Specialised practitioners assess and determine the phobia's triggers, severity, and contributing thoughts or behaviours. They assist in transforming negative thoughts, provide relaxation techniques for fear exposure, and guide gradual exposure practices to overcome the phobia at a comfortable pace.
The treatment for phobias typically involves a therapeutic approach that aims to reduce fear and anxiety associated with specific objects or situations. Here are common therapeutic interventions we use at Someone.health for treating phobias:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):
CBT is a widely utilised and effective therapeutic approach for treating phobias.
It involves identifying and challenging negative thought patterns associated with the phobia.
Cognitive restructuring helps individuals replace irrational thoughts with more realistic and balanced ones.
behavioural techniques, such as exposure therapy, are often incorporated to gradually confront and overcome the feared stimuli.
Exposure Therapy:
This technique involves gradual and systematic exposure to the feared object or situation.
Exposure can occur in imagination (imaginal exposure) or in real life (in vivo exposure).
By facing the fear in a controlled manner, individuals can learn to manage and reduce their anxiety response over time.
Systematic Desensitisation:
This is a form of exposure therapy that combines relaxation techniques with gradual exposure.
Individuals learn relaxation methods to counteract anxiety while gradually facing the feared stimulus.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:
Learning mindfulness and relaxation exercises can help individuals manage anxiety associated with phobias.
Frequently Asked Questions
It will not always be obvious and it could be gradual. But when you start feeling better, then that means that the therapy is working.
You'll also be able to see things more clearly as you progress with your talk therapy. Healing, however, is not always so clear-cut. There will always be ups and downs. If that happens, you can talk to your psychologist about your progress and be open with what you're feeling.
Australia has regulatory bodies to ensure we maintain consistent and high standards across the psychology profession.
Yes. They are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), listed with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and individually selected and monitored by Someone.health's expert clinical team.
Appointments are available immediately
Once you have signed up and we have verified your details, you can choose a psychologist who is available immediately. Our website displays in order of the first available appointment.
Only your GP or a psychiatrist can prescribe medication.
Medication can only be prescribed by medical doctors, which includes general practitioners (GPs) and psychiatrists.
If you need the services of a psychiatrist, please visit Call To Mind, a telehealth service specialising in psychiatry.