According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 12.5% of adults experience a phobia at some point in their life. Phobia is defined as an exaggerated usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object, class of objects, or situation (Merriam-Webster). Living with a phobia can be debilitating and severely affect your quality of life not only for you but your family and friends.
When experiencing a phobic reaction, you may experience any number of symptoms including:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Increased heart rate or blood pressure
- Sweating or chills
- Fear of losing control
- Dying or leaving your body
Severe symptoms could even trigger a panic attack.
Although you may not recall when your phobia started or what experience may have triggered your phobia, seeking therapy for your phobia may uncover the root of how it all began. Many phobias begin in childhood, so it’s quite common to be in the dark when it comes to the how or why a phobia came about.
How Can Therapy Help?
There are different methods when it comes to therapy for phobia. As you get to know your counselor, they will determine which approach will be best for you. One approach is addressing your phobia through gradual repeated exposure to the phobia as you work on changing your response to the phobia.
This method targets your anxiety and coping with the feelings and sensations you get when faced with your phobia. A first step may be to think about what you’re afraid of. Over time you’ll progress to actually facing your phobia and putting your coping tools to use. Other approaches combine exposure of your phobia with other techniques to achieve the same goal.
Face Your Phobia With Garrett
Our compassionate professionals are here to help you face your phobias! Contact us at Garrett Counseling today. To better serve you, we have three locations, Jacksonville, Albertville / Boaz, and Huntsville, and we offer in-person appointments or teletherapy visits. Call us at (256) 239-5662.