You may recognise the contradiction
You can tell yourself that the lift is safe, that flying is routine or that the dog is unlikely to hurt you. Yet the fear can arrive before you've had a chance to think. Knowing better doesn't necessarily make the feeling disappear.
What people commonly experience
- A strong, rapid reaction to a particular situation, animal, object or procedure
- Planning ahead to avoid encountering the feared situation
- Feeling embarrassed that your reaction seems out of proportion
- Fearing you'll panic, lose control or be unable to get away
- Missing out on things that matter because avoidance feels easier
Fears can involve travel, heights, needles, animals, enclosed spaces, public speaking or many other situations. Dental anxiety has its own page, because the practical concerns there can be different.
What is your mind predicting?
A useful question is not just What am I afraid of? but What do I expect will happen if I face it—and what do I think that would mean? We can explore the feared outcome, the automatic response and the avoidance that may be keeping the fear powerful.
How we might work
Depending on your circumstances, we may use an appropriate combination of psychological strategies, gradual exposure or behavioural practice, hypnotherapy and BWRT®. For many specific phobias, exposure-based psychological treatment is an important evidence-based option. We discuss an approach that is safe, collaborative and suitable for you.
What meaningful change could look like
- Approaching a previously avoided situation with greater choice
- Feeling less compelled to plan your life around avoiding fear
- Responding more flexibly when the automatic alarm appears
- Being able to take part in an activity that matters to you
There is no need to force yourself into a feared situation during an introductory conversation. The first task is to understand what happens.