A phobia is an intense fear of a specific situation or experience such as heights, flying, animals, or social situations that can feel overwhelming and hard to manage. While everyone can feel nervous in certain situations, phobias often involve avoidance, where we go out of our way to stay away from the things that trigger fear. This avoidance can feel like the safest option in the moment, but over time it can limit our opportunities, experiences, and confidence.

In my work supporting patients with phobias, I often draw on Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), CBT strategies, and mindfulness techniques to help them gradually face fears in a manageable way. Therapy provides a space to understand the patterns of thought and emotion that keep the anxiety alive. Phobias can feel daunting, but with the right support and pacing, it is possible to face these fears, notice progress, and discover how much we are often able to face what frightens us.