Phobias are far more than just extreme fears; they can be life-altering, affecting how people engage with their surroundings, relationships, and personal wellbeing.
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we understand the complexities of phobias and offer tailored, evidence-based treatments for various types of phobias, including agoraphobia, social anxiety, and emetophobia. Our specialist team, including phobia therapists and counsellors, use a combination of therapies to help patients regain control of their lives.
What is a phobia?
A phobia is an overwhelming and persistent fear of a specific object, situation, or activity that is disproportionate to the actual danger posed. These intense feelings of fear and anxiety can result in avoidance behaviours, disrupting daily life. While many people experience minor fears, phobias are more severe and often require professional intervention.
Phobias are commonly categorised into two types: specific phobias, which relate to specific objects or situations (such as heights or spiders), and complex phobias, which are more debilitating, like social phobia and agoraphobia.
Common types of phobias
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we provide treatment for a wide range of phobias. Here are some of the most commonly treated:
Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is a fear of being in situations where escape may be difficult or help unavailable, such as open spaces or crowds. People with agoraphobia often avoid leaving their homes, which can severely limit their quality of life. We offer specialised agoraphobia treatment that focuses on phobia therapy, using techniques like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy to help individuals gradually confront their fears in a safe and controlled manner.
Emetophobia
Emetophobia, the fear of vomiting, can be particularly distressing and often leads to avoidance of certain foods, locations, or social situations where vomiting could potentially occur. At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, our emetophobia treatment programme addresses the root causes of the phobia through personalised therapy sessions, including graded exposure therapy and CBT.
Social phobia (Social Anxiety)
Social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, is a deep fear of social situations where individuals fear being judged or embarrassed. This phobia can significantly affect work, school, and social interactions. Our social phobia treatment includes CBT and phobia counselling, helping patients learn to manage and reduce the anxiety that arises in social settings.
Get in touch with our London phobia specialists at Schoen Clinic Chelsea
If you need support for yourself or a loved one struggling with a phobia, please reach out to our caring team in London today. We have appointments available in as little as 24 hours so you can begin treatment with minimal wait.
To access private treatment as swiftly as possible, simply complete our Online Registration Form & Screening Questionnaire at any time to suit you.
How much does phobia treatment cost?
The cost of different types of treatment, therapy or support will vary. See our full breakdown of our prices and funding options for more information or specific costs.
Symptoms of phobias
Phobias manifest in both physical and emotional symptoms. Understanding these symptoms can help in early detection and prompt treatment.
Physical Symptoms
Rapid heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Sweating and trembling
Nausea or dizziness
Choking sensations
These physical symptoms often emerge when a person is exposed to their phobic trigger, leading to extreme discomfort.
Emotional Symptoms
Overwhelming feelings of panic or dread
Intense desire to avoid the object or situation
Feeling powerless over the phobia
Worrying about the feared object or situation for extended periods
Whether a person is dealing with emetophobia, agoraphobia, or any other phobia, these emotional symptoms can dominate daily life, making professional help essential.
Effective phobia treatment options
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we offer a range of evidence-based treatments designed to alleviate the symptoms of phobias and improve overall quality of life.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most widely used treatments for phobias. It helps patients identify and challenge irrational beliefs and thought patterns associated with their fears. Whether treating social phobia or agoraphobia, CBT allows individuals to gradually reduce the intensity of their phobia and regain control over their responses.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is a powerful tool in treating phobias by systematically desensitising individuals to the source of their fear. Under professional guidance, patients are slowly and safely exposed to their phobic triggers, reducing the fear response over time. Agoraphobia treatment and emetophobia treatment commonly use this approach to break the cycle of avoidance.
EMDR Therapy
For individuals with phobias linked to traumatic events, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is offered. EMDR helps patients process traumatic memories and reduce the emotional impact of their phobias, aiding in their recovery.
Why choose private phobia treatment?
Private treatment offers faster access to specialised care, and at Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we provide a discreet and supportive environment where patients can focus on recovery. With a team of experts in phobia therapy, phobia treatment, and phobia counselling, we deliver bespoke treatment plans designed to meet individual needs.
Get caring and conveniently located phobia therapy in London at Schoen Clinic
Our private outpatient clinic for people with a phobia is located in Chelsea, London, but patients can easily access our counselling from anywhere around Greater London. We are easily accessible by public transport, and there is also parking available for those who prefer to drive.
The nearest train/Underground station is Sloane Square, which is just a short walk from our clinic. There are also several underground stations within walking distance, including South Kensington, Knightsbridge, and Westminster.
If you are driving, there is parking available in the surrounding streets and several nearby car parks.
Our clinic is fully accessible for people with disabilities. We have step-free access and lifts in the building, and our consulting rooms are all wheelchair accessible.
We understand that people with phobias may be anxious about travelling to our clinic. However, we want to assure you that we have made every effort to make our clinic as accessible and welcoming as possible.
Our multidisciplinary team of specialist phobia therapists are here to help you recover
Our team at Schoen Clinic Chelsea includes experienced phobia therapists, phobia counsellors, and phobia specialists who are dedicated to providing personalised care. We believe in a patient-centred approach that focuses on both immediate symptom relief and long-term resilience.
Individual therapy is a key component of our treatment approach with most patients attending weekly sessions. During individual therapy, you will work with a Schoen Clinic specialist to identify and challenge the negative thoughts and beliefs that are contributing to your fear. You will also learn coping skills to help you manage your anxiety.
Additional details about our approach to the treatment of phobias:
We use a variety of evidence-based techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and relaxation techniques.
We offer both individual and group therapy.
We are committed to providing you with the highest quality care.
The length of treatment will vary depending on the severity of your phobia and your individual progress. However, most people see significant improvement within a few months.
We also believe that family members can play an important role in the treatment of phobias. In some cases, we may recommend that family members attend therapy sessions with you. This can help them to understand your phobia and how they can support you in your recovery.