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Fears and Phobias 

Having a fear or phobia

Fears and phobias are natural emotional responses to specific situations, objects, or experiences. While fear is a temporary reaction to a perceived threat, phobias are persistent, irrational fears that can significantly impact daily life.

Phobias often trigger overwhelming anxiety, causing individuals to avoid the source of their fear, sometimes limiting their activities and personal growth. Whether mild or severe, understanding and addressing fears and phobias can lead to a more fulfilling and empowered life. Explore how therapy, self-help strategies, and support can help manage these anxieties.

Types of commons fears:

  • Acrophobia – Fear of heights

  • Aerophobia – Fear of flying

  • Arachnophobia – Fear of spiders

  • Astraphobia – Fear of thunder and lightning

  • Claustrophobia – Fear of confined spaces

  • Cynophobia – Fear of dogs

  • Emetophobia - Fear of Sickness 

  • Entomophobia – Fear of insects

  • Hemophobia – Fear of blood

  • Hydrophobia – Fear of water

  • Nyctophobia – Fear of the dark

  • Ophidiophobia – Fear of snakes

  • Trypanophobia – Fear of needles or injections

  • Thanatophobia – Fear of death

The symptoms of fears and phobias can range from mild discomfort to intense physical and emotional reactions. Common symptoms include:

Physical Symptoms:

  • Rapid heartbeat or palpitations

  • Shortness of breath or a choking sensation

  • Sweating or chills

  • Trembling or shaking

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness

  • Nausea or upset stomach

  • Dry mouth

Emotional Symptoms:

  • Intense anxiety or panic when confronted with the object or situation

  • A strong desire to avoid the source of fear

  • A feeling of helplessness or loss of control

  • Overwhelming dread or a sense of doom

  • Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly

Behavioral Symptoms:

  • Avoidance of situations or places associated with the phobia

  • Feeling trapped or isolated due to restrictions caused by fear

  • Difficulty functioning normally in daily life

If left untreated, phobias can lead to significant distress and affect relationships, work, and overall well-being.

Forms Of Treatment

There are several different methods that can help alleviate irrational fears & phobias, from BWRT to talking therapy, CBT techniques, hypnotherapy and mindfulness training.  

What to Expect From Therapy

When you come to see me you can expect an informal chat about your issues and some practical tips as to how you can help yourself.  Together we will work out what your triggers are and how best to treat them in a comfortable, safe and friendly environment.

I do not offer courses of therapy as each individual brings a unique set of symptoms and requirements.  This means that we can tailor make your therapy to suit all of your requirements in both time and finance to ensure the most effective outcome, get in touch for a free initial consultaion. 

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