CBT for specific phobias
When a particular object or situation feels threatening.
What you might notice
A specific phobia is a strong fear linked to an identifiable trigger, such as animals, needles or flying. You may recognise that the fear is out of proportion yet still feel an urge to escape. Avoidance can bring immediate relief while leaving the fear untested.
How CBT can help
We identify your predictions and the ways avoidance keeps the fear going. Treatment often includes graded exposure: a series of planned, manageable encounters with the trigger, agreed together. We review what you learn at each step and adapt the pace; you will not be pushed into an exercise without discussion.
General information, not a diagnosis. Your experience and goals guide our assessment and the plan we agree together.
Further reading and sourcesHow the cycle can keep going
This example shows one way the pattern can be maintained. Your own triggers and responses may look different.
Read the cycle step by step
- Trigger: Seeing a feared animal, such as a dog
- Meaning: It will hurt me. I won’t be able to cope.
- Feelings and body: Fear, tension and a strong urge to get away.
- Response: Leave or avoid places where the animal might be.
- What keeps it going: Relief now; fewer chances to learn what is manageable.
The short-term response can make the pattern more likely to repeat. This is an illustration, not a diagnosis or an individual formulation.
What would you like to be able to do with more freedom?
A free 5–10 minute consultation is a chance to talk about what you need and whether we could work well together.
Request a callback