Discover the Power of Change
Phobias
Helping You Move Past Fear At Your Own Pace
Phobia Treatment in Surrey
If you’re reading this page you may be stuggling with a phobia yourself or concerned about someone close to you.
If that sounds familiar, you’re welcome to get in touch through the contact form, email, or by booking an appointment online. You can also call me on 01932 702 662
A phobia is an intense fear or aversion that feels out of proportion to the actual threat. It’s possible to have a phobia of a place, feeling, object, animal or situation. Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder, but the anxiety tends to be triggered by something specific.
Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder, but the anxiety tends to be triggered by something specific. Common symptoms when faced with a phobia include:
Increased Breathing
Sweating
Nausea
Shortness of Breath
Chest Tightness
Dry Mouth
Urge to Pass Urine/Empty Bowels
Tremors
What Are You Afraid Of?
Types of Phobia
Phobias are usually grouped into two categories: Simple phobias and Complex phobias.
Simple phobias are specific fears such as fear of:
Animals
Injections
Heights
Water
Blood
Germs
Complex phobias relate to things like social phobia (also called social anxiety) or agoraphobia. These are often more disruptive because they’re linked to everyday situations that are harder to avoid.
What causes a phobia?
Causes of Phobias
Fear is a very normal and protective feeling that helps us stay safe in threatening situations.. It’s common to feel the symptoms listed above when we fear something. Because we natuarally avoid what we fear or find uncomfortable, this avoidance can make the fear stronger over time.
We avoid situations to protect ourselves, but this often reinforces the fear instead.
Some phobias can feel so intense that even reading about them can trigger anxiety.
Phobias can be learnt in childhood. For example, if a parent is frightened of spiders, their child may learn to fear them too.
They can also be linked to a traumatic event, either as a child or later in life.
Some people may be more prone to anxiety due to gentic factors, but this doesn’t mean a phobia can’t be overcome.
What Can We Do?
Treatment for Phobias
In the past, some people were treated using a method called flooding, Where they were exposed to their fear in a very intense way. This worked for some people, but it could be distressing and overwhelming.
These days thee are much gentler approaches, and no single method works best for everyone. The following techniques are often effective depending on the individual.
If we work together on a phobia, here’s what you can expect:
A full understanding of your phobia, including how it began and how it has developed.
What Can Help?
Some education and self-help strategies.
Relaxation techniques, which may include mindfulness if that suits you.
Cognitive behavioural therapy – looking at how your thoughts and behaviours influence your response to your phobia.
Psychotherapy to explore how your phobia started.
Hypnotherapy and EMDR, if you feel comfortable with them and if they seem right for you.
We work at a pace that feels manageable. with. Most people find that they can reduce or even resolve a phobia so they no longer need to avoid certain situations.
Feel free to explore the website to get a sense of how I work and whether I might be a good fit for you.
The first 15 minutes of our initial session are free, giving you time to decide if you would like to continue, with no pressure or obligation.
Connect with Kevin Rymill
I offer a free initial consultation so we can decide together whether I'm the right person to help you.
You're welcome to contact me by email, by calling 01932 702 662, using the contact me form, or by booking a time that suits you through the book online page.