Overcoming fearful thoughts
Phobias tend to be specific fears that are directed at certain objects or situations; those that greatly influence the way you live your life can widen out to restrict you in everyday life. For instance; if you have a fear of spiders you may avoid areas where you believe there to be a higher chance of encountering a spider like an old garden shed full of cobwebs. If you then develop a dread of all areas you may encounter a spider, you may unnecessarily avoid going out altogether and spend a lot of time at home cleaning and dusting. When this happens it can be a response to stress or low mood.
Some phobias have more far reaching effects than others, nonetheless they all can bring about situations that leave you feeling terrified. Often the stimulus that starts your feelings of anxiety and panic are negative, fearful thoughts. Thoughts that tend to exaggerate the potential threat to large proportions and your feelings escalate accordingly. We will support you to learn techniques to significantly reduce the negative, fearful thoughts.
Our treatments for phobias
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Medication
Individual therapy
Our therapists are skilled and experienced in working with people who have a generalised or specific anxiety such as a phobia. Individual therapy may work with you to understand the source of your phobia and help you develop strategies to reduce them and in some cases eliminate them altogether. Gradual supported exposure with a cognitive behavioural approach can be an effective way of learning to manage your fears. Where the source of the phobia or cause of its escalation is related to your health and wellbeing, individual psychotherapy can help.
Group therapy
For some people our group programmes for anxiety and mood disorders can be of immense benefit , helping you break the cycle of fear and supporting you to address the wider issues which have led to your phobia intensifying. Our group programmes are designed to provide an extensive range of approaches which include psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural and advanced relaxation techniques.
Medication
For some people medication can be useful as an adjunct treatment to therapy and many people have found medication valuable short term. Our consultant psychiatrist will review medication and prescribe treatment following a full assessment of your needs.