Phobia Therapies

Clinically Review By: Corey Pitts, MA, LCMHCS, LPC, LCAS, CCS

What types of phobia therapies are available?

A phobia is an ongoing, intense fear of an object or situation that causes the individual to feel overwhelmed or anxious. It is not simply being afraid of something. 

Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder, and there are specific names for certain classes of phobias. Some common ones are arachnophobia or claustrophobia. One type, agoraphobia, is a separate diagnosis, rather than classified under other anxiety disorders. Treatment for this specific phobia, as well as other types, typically consists of some form of therapy. 

Phobias may be irrational and cause individuals to avoid situations or places where the individual might encounter the thing feared. This may affect the individual's mental health over time and impact different aspects of life. However, effective treatment is available for phobias, including a range of phobia therapies that may be tailored to individual needs.

 Exposure therapy

One of the most well-researched phobia treatments is exposure therapy. During this process, people confront their fear through exposure to the situations, objects, and memories that remind them of their phobia. Many people avoid the objects or situations they fear, but this kind of therapy encourages them to face them head-on instead.

The exposure happens in a safe, controlled setting with a mental health professional who guides the individual through the process. The goal of this gradual exposure is to reduce avoidance behaviors and decrease the physical symptoms, like sweating, racing heartbeat, or trembling, that may occur when facing a phobia.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is a kind of talk therapy that addresses the cognitive aspect of an intense fear. It helps people to pinpoint unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors related to their phobias and reshape them. CBT may be used as part of a range of phobia therapies to gradually lower the fear around an object or scenario, depending on the individual’s needs.

During CBT, a therapist aims to restructure negative thoughts around the phobia, especially those that cause people to avoid situations in which they might encounter the feared object or situation. Avoiding the object often intensifies the fear and perpetuates the phobia.

CBT may be useful for specific phobias, such as agoraphobia and trypophobia. Although trypophobia is not a diagnosable condition, several treatments, like phobia therapies, may help people overcome feelings of fear, disgust, and other symptoms in response to holey or clustered patterns.

Relaxation techniques

Relaxation techniques may be incorporated into therapy for phobias. These tools may be especially useful for managing the physical symptoms of phobias during therapy sessions, as they aim to help individuals feel calmer and in control. Common relaxation techniques include:

• Mindfulness

• Progressive muscle relaxation

• Diaphragmatic breathing

Therapists often teach these and other techniques as a part of a treatment plan. When people encounter feared objects or situations, relaxation techniques may help reduce severe anxiety and the immediate physical symptoms of fear in the moment.

Medication as a complement to therapy

Medication is not generally a standalone treatment for phobias, but it might complement therapy. A psychiatrist or a prescribing provider may assess an individual to see if they could benefit from medication in conjunction with therapy, and may prescribe anti-anxiety or antidepressants to help manage severe phobia symptoms.

What mental health conditions are related to phobias?

Phobias are often present alongside other mental health conditions. It’s not uncommon for people with a phobia to have other conditions that are centered around anxiety, such as generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or social anxiety disorder. 

In therapy, a mental health professional may conduct a thorough assessment of the individual to see if they have co-occurring conditions along with their phobia. This is useful because the therapist may then build a treatment plan that is centered on both conditions, not just the phobia.

How can online therapy support phobia treatment?

In-person therapy may feel inaccessible to some people with phobias, especially for those whose anxiety prevents them from accessing certain places due to claustrophobia, germophobia, or agoraphobia. Online therapy like BetterHelp provides quality care from a licensed mental health professional by video, live chat, phone, or messenger in a comfortable space. This means individuals may connect when and where most comfortable.

Research shows that online CBT and exposure therapy may be as effective as in-person therapy when it comes to phobia treatment. Online therapy may be a helpful tool to reduce both severe anxiety and phobia symptoms. 

If a phobia is interfering with daily life, support is available. A licensed therapist at BetterHelp may help individuals get started on their journey with online therapy for phobias.

What should someone expect from phobia therapy?

When beginning therapy, a therapist is likely to conduct an assessment. With this information, they may help set realistic goals while teaching tools and techniques that can be used to reframe thoughts and gradually change behaviors around the phobia. Relaxation techniques may also be introduced to help cope with any physical symptoms that arise.

Keep in mind that it’s normal to feel some discomfort when doing exposure work. A therapist may work carefully to gradually expose individuals little by little so that the work doesn’t become overwhelming.

Phobia therapies may take time and effort. Keep in mind that progress is not uniform and varies from person to person. Seeking support from a professional is a big step and never a sign of weakness. 

FAQs

Is exposure therapy effective for phobia treatment?

Research suggests exposure therapy may be one of the most effective phobia therapies available, though individual results may vary.

Can phobia therapies help with physical symptoms like a racing heart or sweating?

Phobia therapies such as CBT and relaxation techniques may help reduce physical symptoms associated with intense fear over time.

Is online therapy a viable option for people seeking phobia treatment?

Yes, studies suggest online therapy may be an effective option for phobia treatment, particularly for those who find in-person access difficult.

Can phobia therapies also address co-occurring conditions like posttraumatic stress disorder?

A mental health professional may assess for co-occurring conditions and may tailor a treatment plan to address multiple concerns.

Does BetterHelp offer access to therapists experienced in phobia treatment?

Yes, BetterHelp connects people with licensed mental health professionals who may have experience supporting individuals with phobias and related anxiety conditions.