Fear or Phobia?
- innerAssist
- Jul 8, 2021
- 2 min read
Updated: May 5, 2023
We all have fears (of objects or situations), but most of the time these fears don't interfere with our daily life.
When our fears become overwhelming, disabling, and cause significant anxiety, then they are called phobias.
Watch this clip to learn more about phobias and their treatment.
Fear or Phobia?
The video "Fear or Phobia?" explains the difference between fear and phobia. Fear is a natural and healthy response to a perceived threat, whereas a phobia is an intense, irrational and persistent fear of a specific object, situation, or activity.
This video provides some examples of common phobias such as arachnophobia (fear of spiders) and acrophobia (fear of heights). It then explores the causes of phobias, which can include genetics, traumatic experiences, or learned behavior.
Treatment options for phobias include therapy, medication, and exposure therapy, which involves gradually exposing the individual to the feared object or situation in a controlled environment.
The video also emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help if a phobia interferes with one's daily life, and encourages individuals to not feel ashamed or embarrassed about seeking treatment for a phobia.
How can innerAssist Psychological Services help you?
innerAssist Psychological Services uses evidence-based therapies to help you overcome your fears and phobias. Here are some examples of evidence-based therapies that we use:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that helps individuals change negative or irrational thoughts and behaviors. For phobias, CBT typically involves exposure therapy, where the individual gradually faces their feared object or situation in a controlled environment.
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET): VRET is a type of exposure therapy that uses virtual reality technology to simulate real-life situations that may trigger a person's phobia. This allows the individual to face their fears in a controlled and safe environment.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a type of therapy that helps individuals process traumatic memories that may be contributing to their phobia.
We will determine which evidence-based therapy is most appropriate for your specific needs and develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual circumstances. innerAssist Psychological Services will also provide guidance, support, and encouragement throughout the therapy process to help you overcome your fears and phobias.