Phobia therapy is a type of therapy that treats anxiety and other symptoms caused by specific phobias, an anxiety disorder that involves intense fear of certain places, situations, or things. When performing phobia therapy, Thriveworks Wilmington therapists work to help people change their perspectives on feared stimuli and live their lives without being inhibited by that fear.
Phobia therapy will most often involve the use of exposure therapy, a therapeutic technique that gradually exposes clients to the subject of their fear in controlled spaces, helping them to see that the consequence they fear is not occurring. This helps them slowly learn to break the association of fear with the feared stimulus and allows them to live their life without having to avoid their fear. Other approaches like CBT may be used to help clients adjust their thoughts and behaviors and establish helpful coping techniques.
Treatment for specific phobias can take just a month or last for over a year, depending on an individual’s phobia(s) and levels of anxiety. For those with a single phobia, treatment can tend to take less time, while multiple phobias might take longer to treat, as phobias will be treated one-at-a-time.
Phobia Therapy in Wilmington, NC—Therapists and Counselors
Fear is a natural human emotion, but for some, it can develop into a debilitating phobia that significantly impacts daily life. At Thriveworks in Wilmington, NC, our experienced therapists can help you manage and overcome your phobias.
If you’re ready to start therapy, call us at (910) 714-4942 to schedule your appointment.
Understanding Phobias
A phobia is an overwhelming and irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. Unlike ordinary fears, phobias are persistent and can cause significant distress, leading to avoidance behaviors that disrupt daily life. Common phobias include fear of spiders (arachnophobia), fear of heights (acrophobia), and fear of flying (aviophobia).
Symptoms of Phobias
Phobias can cause a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including:
- Dizziness, fainting, or shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trembling, shaking, numbness, or tingling
- Sweating or chills
- Chest pain or heart palpitations
- Fear of losing control, dying, or fainting
- A feeling of detachment from one’s body
These symptoms can be triggered by the mere thought of the phobic object or situation, making it difficult for individuals to lead a normal life.
How Phobia Therapy Can Help
Therapy for phobias at Thriveworks Wilmington involves evidence-based treatments designed to help you understand and manage your fears. Our therapists use techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy to help you gradually face and overcome your phobia.
Benefits of Phobia Therapy
Phobia therapy can help you:
- Reduce anxiety and fear associated with phobias
- Improve your ability to function in daily life
- Develop coping strategies to manage symptoms
- Gain a better understanding of your phobia
By working with a licensed therapist, you can learn to break the cycle of fear and regain control over your life.
Schedule a Phobia Therapy Session at Thriveworks Wilmington, NC
Call us today at (910) 714-4942 to schedule your phobia therapy appointment. Let us help you manage and reduce the fear caused by your phobia so you can live a healthier, more fulfilling life.
