Fears and Phobias
Fear is a normal human response, but sometimes a particular situation, object, animal, or experience can trigger anxiety that feels intense and difficult to control. You may recognise that your fear is greater than the actual danger, yet still feel unable to switch off your body's response.
Over time, fear can begin to shape your decisions, routines, and the things you feel able to do.
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Fears and phobias can look different for everyone. You may notice:
Experiencing intense fear around a particular situation, object, or animal
Avoiding places or activities that might bring you into contact with your fear
Feeling anxious in anticipation of a feared situation
Experiencing a racing heart, shaking, nausea, or shortness of breath
Feeling a strong urge to escape or get away
Needing reassurance or support from others to face certain situations
Planning your life around avoiding particular triggers
Feeling embarrassed or frustrated by the intensity of your fear
Knowing logically that you may be safe while your body reacts as though you are in danger
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Fear is your mind and body's way of trying to protect you from danger.
Sometimes, the brain can learn to associate a particular situation or experience with threat, even when the actual risk is low. Avoiding what you fear often brings immediate relief, which can unintentionally reinforce the brain's belief that the situation was dangerous.
Over time, this cycle can make fears feel stronger and increasingly difficult to face.
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Therapy can help you understand the cycle keeping your fear going and gradually develop a different response to the situations you have been avoiding.
Using evidence-based approaches, our psychologists can support you to gradually and safely face feared situations, reduce avoidance, and build greater confidence in your ability to manage anxiety when it arises.
Taking the next step
You may have spent a long time organising parts of your life around avoiding what you fear.
Our psychologists can help you understand your fear and take gradual, supported steps towards feeling less restricted by it.