Phobia Treatment

The Psychologists at Foundation Psychology Melbourne are experienced in treating phobias with a variety of methods tailored to suit your needs. Our treatment programs include relaxation therapy to lower anxiety levels, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help alter behaviour patterns, and hypnosis and exposure therapy to overcome anxiety associated with a phobia. Below are some of the common phobias we treat at our practice. These include:

  • Claustrophobia
  • Blood, injection, and injury phobias
  • Animal and insect phobias
  • Height phobias
  • Storm phobias
  • Fear of death
  • Choking and vomiting phobias
  • Dental phobia
  • Fear of disease

Overcoming Phobias with Foundation Psychology Melbourne

At Foundation Psychology Melbourne, our team of experienced psychologists is dedicated to helping you overcome your phobias with personalised and effective treatment plans. We understand that phobias can significantly impact your daily life, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Our comprehensive treatment programs are designed to meet your unique needs and include:

  • Relaxation Therapy: To help lower anxiety levels and promote a sense of calm.
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): To alter unhelpful behavior patterns and develop healthier responses.
  • Exposure Therapy: To gradually and safely confront the sources of your fear. This can be a bit scary at first, but is very effective. 

We specialise in treating a wide range of common phobias, including:

  • Claustrophobia: Fear of confined spaces.
  • Blood, Injection, and Injury Phobias: Fear of blood, needles, and injuries.
  • Animal and Insect Phobias: Fear of specific animals or insects.
  • Height Phobias: Fear of heights.
  • Storm Phobias: Fear of thunderstorms and severe weather.
  • Fear of Death: Anxiety related to the fear of dying.
  • Choking and Vomiting Phobias: Fear of choking or vomiting.
  • Dental Phobia: Fear of dental procedures.
  • Fear of Disease: Anxiety about contracting illnesses.

Our goal is to empower you to regain control and lead a life free from the limitations of phobias. At Foundation Psychology, we are committed to providing compassionate care and effective treatment strategies to help you achieve lasting results.

If you’re ready to take the first step towards overcoming your phobia, contact Foundation Psychology Melbourne today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you on your journey to a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Research evidence for out treatment approaches. 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Effectiveness:

  • Study by Hofmann et al. (2012): A meta-analysis of 269 studies found that CBT is highly effective for treating anxiety disorders, including phobias. The study highlighted CBT’s robust effect sizes across various anxiety disorders, indicating its efficacy in reducing phobic symptoms.
  • Research by Choy et al. (2007): This review demonstrated that CBT, particularly exposure therapy, is one of the most effective treatments for specific phobias, with long-lasting effects.

Exposure Therapy

Effectiveness:

  • Study by Wolitzky-Taylor et al. (2008): A meta-analysis of exposure-based treatments showed significant effectiveness in reducing phobia-related anxiety and avoidance behaviors. The study concluded that exposure therapy is a well-established, first-line treatment for specific phobias.
  • Research by Barlow et al. (2002): This study found that exposure therapy is effective for a variety of specific phobias, providing patients with the skills to manage and reduce their fear responses over time.

Relaxation Therapy

Effectiveness:

  • Study by Manzoni et al. (2008): A meta-analysis of relaxation training for anxiety disorders indicated that relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing exercises, effectively reduce anxiety symptoms, including those related to phobias.
  • Research by Ost (1987): This study compared relaxation training with other treatments for phobias and found it to be a useful adjunctive therapy, helping to lower overall anxiety levels and enhance the effectiveness of other therapeutic approaches.

Hypnosis

Effectiveness:

  • Study by Bryant et al. (2005): This research indicated that hypnosis could effectively reduce phobic symptoms and enhance the outcomes of other treatments, such as CBT. Hypnosis was found to help patients access and reframe subconscious fears.
  • Meta-analysis by Valentine et al. (1996): This analysis reviewed the effectiveness of hypnosis in treating anxiety disorders, including phobias, and found significant evidence supporting its use as a complementary treatment.

Combined Treatments

Effectiveness:

  • Study by Craske et al. (2014): This research highlighted that combining different therapeutic approaches, such as CBT, relaxation techniques, and exposure therapy, can enhance treatment outcomes for phobias. The study emphasized the importance of personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
  • Research by Foa et al. (2005): This study found that combining exposure therapy with relaxation and cognitive restructuring provided comprehensive benefits, leading to greater reductions in phobic symptoms compared to single-treatment approaches.

Summary

The evidence strongly supports the effectiveness of various psychological treatments for phobias, with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy being the most well-established and widely studied methods. Relaxation therapy and hypnosis also offer significant benefits, particularly when used as complementary treatments. Combining different therapeutic approaches can enhance overall treatment outcomes, providing a comprehensive strategy for managing and overcoming phobias.