Phobias

Specific phobias involve a marked and persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable,
cued by the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation (e.g., flying, driving,
heights, animals, receiving an injection, seeing blood, etc.). Exposure to the phobic
stimulus almost invariably provokes an immediate anxiety response. Phobic situations
are either avoided or endured with intense anxiety or distress. This avoidance ,
anxious anticipation, or distress interferes significantly with the person's normal routine,
occupational (or academic) functioning, or social activities or relationships, or there
is marked distress about having the phobia.

Cognitive-Behavioral treatment for specific phobias involves helping you to confront
what you fear rather than avoiding it. Avoidance perpetuates the fear due to the fact
that when you avoid, a test of your beliefs that are the foundation of your fears, is not
possible. Your therapist will help you to gradually confront your fears so that it is not
overwhelming and teach you methods to relax while you do this. Depending upon the
nature of what you fear, Cognitive-Behavioral treatments have demonstrated in
controlled scientific trials to produce 74% to 94% improvement.