A phobia is intense anxiety and fear of a specific thing (such as snakes). Phobias are very common and affect people of all ages and in all walks of life. You can have a phobia of anything, but there are some common phobias:

Animals

• Snakes
• Spiders
• Dogs
• Birds
• Horses
• Sharks
• Rodents
• Worms
• Insects (e.g., butterflies, bees, grasshoppers, moths, cockroaches)

Situations

• Small enclosed spaces (e.g., lifts, tunnels)
• Heights
• Crowds
• Flying on airplanes

Natural Environment

• Water (ocean, lake or pool)
• Thunder, storms and/or lightening
• Fire

Blood / Injury-Injection

• Injections
• Blood tests
• Blood - seeing bloody ‘gory’ images

Other

• Choking
• Vomiting
• Germs/bacteria

Whilst the precise cause of the phobia might vary, all phobias share several features in common. First, exposure to the feared stimulus (e.g. the snake) generally provokes intense fear, dread and panic. The 'fright-flight' response is activated which leads to physiological symptoms such as increased heart rate, faster breathing rate, upset stomach, trembling, and muscle tension. The individual recognises that their fear is irrational but still feels an intense desire to run away or avoid the object. Where avoidance isn’t possible, the person generally endures the situation or object with fear and dread.

If you would like to find out more about our treatment for any type of Phobia, or to book an appointment with one of our psychologists, please email or call the clinic on 0405 430 530.

 BACK