Phobias

Phobias are intense, irrational fears of specific objects, situations, or activities that can severely impact your daily life. Whether it's a fear of heights, spiders, or social situations, phobias can feel isolating and overwhelming. At ActiveMind Counseling, we believe there is hope. Our supportive approach combines evidence-based techniques with practical skill-building exercises, helping you face your fears in a safe environment. Together, we can work on transforming those fears into manageable experiences, empowering you to reclaim the joy in your life and move forward with confidence.

Types of Phobias

  • Situational Phobias include Claustrophobia, Acrophobia (Fear of Heights), Fear of Bridges, Fear of Elevators, Fear of Flying, and More. The fear caused by these phobias can significantly affect daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life. Seeking professional support is crucial, as there are effective treatments and coping strategies that can help individuals manage their symptoms and work toward recovery.

  • Animal and Insect Phobias are common but can affect your quality of life if they get in the way of living fully. Whether it is cats, dogs, snakes, spiders, bird, or sharks, we can help lower your fear with evidence-backed techniques.

  • Medical Phobias can make it difficult to maintain preventative wellness. They can also make it hard to care for loved ones in their time of need. Whether it is fear of needles, blood, vomit, or other medical situations; ActiveMind Counseling can help you take back your life from fear.

Phobia Treatments Available from ActiveMind Counseling

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for phobias is an effective treatment that focuses on breaking the cycle of fear through structured and practical approaches. In CBT, clients learn to identify the irrational thoughts and beliefs that contribute to their phobias. By gradually exposing themselves to the feared object or situation in a controlled and safe environment, they can challenge and modify these negative thought patterns. This process not only helps individuals gain a more realistic perspective of their fears but also equips them with coping strategies to manage anxiety. The emphasis on active participation and skill-building empowers clients to face their phobias with increased confidence, ultimately leading to greater emotional resilience and improved quality of life.

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

    Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a unique and effective framework for treating phobias by promoting acceptance of fear-based thoughts and feelings rather than striving to eliminate them. In ACT, clients learn to observe their fears without letting them dictate their behavior. By cultivating mindfulness, individuals can create space between themselves and their phobias, reducing the power these fears hold over them. The therapy emphasizes understanding personal values and encourages clients to take constructive actions that align with those values, even when fear is present. This approach enables individuals to face their phobias with a sense of courage and commitment, leading to greater psychological flexibility and a more satisfying life.

  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

    Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a therapeutic approach specifically designed to help individuals confront and manage their phobias. This method involves gradually and systematically exposing you to the feared object or situation in a safe and controlled environment, allowing you to build resilience and reduce anxiety over time. By learning to tolerate the feelings of fear without resorting to avoidance behaviors, you can reclaim control over your life and diminish the impact of your phobia. Our skilled therapists at ActiveMind Counseling are here to guide you through each step of the process, ensuring a supportive experience as you work towards lasting change.

How Severe Is My Phobia?

Answer questions below to see the severity of your phobia.

Specific Phobia Assessment

Severity Measure for Specific Phobia—Adult

Please select the situation that makes you most anxious:

Example Treatment Plan for Phobias

Approach: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CPT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Exposure Therapy
Duration: 15 Sessions

Session 1: Assessment & Psychoeducation

Goals:
- Learn about phobias and how we develop them.
- Learn about anxiety and the brain.
- Learn about the treatment process.

Session 2: Hierarchy Creation & Values

Goals:
 – Build an exposure hierarchy
- Identify values to guide you through exposures

Session 3: Imaginal Exposures

Session 4: Imaginal Exposures

Session 5: Intro to Scripting

Session 6: Continued Scripting

Session 7: Interoceptive Exposures

Session 8: Interoceptive Exposures

Session 7: In-Vivo Exposures

Session 8: In-Vivo Exposures

Session 9: Consolidation

Session 10: Relapse Prevention

Session 11: Termination

Example Treatment Plan Cost Estimate*:

Private Pay Rate:
$165/Individual session
$40/Group session

11 sessions x 165 = $1800
Pay Upfront Bulk Price: $1650

*Note: This example is provided for informational purposes. Each treatment plan is customized to your unique needs. Treatment time and session content may vary. Cost will vary depending on insurance coverage and client needs. We will make reasonable effort to notify you if anticipated costs will be more than the estimated cost.

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