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.

To sign up for our free, bi-monthly newsletter on CBT, click here