Phobias

Encountering certain obstacles or situations may leave one frightened, such as being afraid of the dark, high heights, or animals. Most of us are able to remain calm, rationalize the situation, and find a way around it,  but this doesn’t work everyone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 10 million adults live with some kind of phobia.

What is a phobia?

Phobias, according to the American Psychological Association, are intense fears that result in distress and can be intrusive. Phobias and irrational fear can significantly impact daily life causing avoidance, anxiety, and distress.  Whether it's a fear of heights, confined spaces or social situations, these fears can feel overwhelming and difficult to control.

Here are a few examples of common phobias:

  • Arachnophobia, which is the fear of spiders

  • Acrophobia, this is the fear of heights 

  • Agoraphobia, which is the fear of being in a situation you can’t escape from

The American Psychiatric Association simplified the symptoms into two points:

  • An out-of-proportion reaction, as well as the age playing a role in being inappropriate

  • The individual’s capability to behave normally is compromised

Treatment options

Unlike anxiety disorders, such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, there isn’t extensive research that has been completed on phobias, but that hasn’t stopped mental health professionals from finding ways to help clients.

  • Therapists help treat phobias by using psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy. The therapeutic interventions that are used to treat phobia include modalities such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy), CBT exposure therapy and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) where clients can learn how to think, react, disconnect and behave to whatever it is that they fear. It is meant to reduce the feeling of overwhelming anxiety. 

  • Medications, on the other hand, aren’t a cure but they help patients deal with symptoms.

  • Individuals can also learn stress-management techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or other holistic approaches.


    Using Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for phobias

    Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) can offer a rapid and effective solution for overcoming phobias.  ART uses guided eye movements and imagery re-scripting to help individuals process and reduce the emotional intensity of their fears.  By replacing distressing images with calming ones, ART empowers clients to confront their phobias in a safe and controlled way, often with noticeable results in just 1-2 sessions.

    At Oakridge Counseling Center, we specialize in using ART and CBT to help individuals break free from the limitations of phobias, fostering confidence and relief.

Book a consultation

with OAKRIDGE COUNSELING CENTER.  Call (801) 893-1330 or book a consultation online.