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Phobias Psychologists in Eastern Melbourne

A phobia can involve an intense fear of a particular situation, place, animal or other thing, leading you to avoid it even when part of you knows the fear is greater than the actual danger. Over time, this avoidance can reinforce the fear and increasingly influence what you feel able to do.

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What are Phobias?

A phobia is an intense fear of a particular object, situation or activity. Even when part of you knows the actual danger is relatively low, the fear can feel very real, sometimes bringing a powerful physical reaction and a strong urge to escape or stay away from whatever triggers it.

For some people, a phobia is relatively contained, for others, it can begin to shape everyday choices, plans or opportunities. You might go to considerable lengths to avoid what you fear, worry in advance about encountering it, or feel frustrated that something you know isn’t truly dangerous can still have such a strong hold over you.

Phobias can respond very well to psychological treatment. With the right support and strategies, people can gradually change their response to what they fear, reduce avoidance and regain a greater sense of freedom and control.

Signs of Phobias

Phobias show up differently for everyone, but there are some common threads. If a few of these feel familiar, it might be worth talking to someone.

  • Intense fear around a particular trigger
  • Strong urge to escape or get away
  • Racing heart or shortness of breath
  • Shaking, sweating or feeling faint
  • Feeling panicked when confronted with it
  • Worrying in advance about encountering it
  • Going out of your way to avoid it
  • Changing plans because of the fear
  • Feeling unable to control the fear
  • Knowing the fear feels disproportionate
  • Feeling overwhelmed by competing demands
  • Feeling restricted by what you fear

Find a Psychologist for Phobias

These psychologists and therapists have experience supporting people with Phobias. Explore their profiles to find someone who feels like the right fit for you.

Enquire about seeing a psychologist for Phobias

Please feel welcome to share with us what’s been going on. We’ll take the time to understand your needs during a free 15-minute chat and help you identify the psychologist who’s the best match for you.

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