Online Therapy for Adults across California & Arizona

Therapy for Specific Fears

You may have a specific fear if you:

  • Have experienced persistent (≥ 6 months) fear of or anxiety about a specific situation or object

  • The situation or object nearly always triggers immediate fear or anxiety

  • You actively avoid the situation or object

  • The fear or anxiety is out of proportion to the actual danger (taking into account sociocultural norms)

  • The fear, anxiety, and/or avoidance cause significant distress or significantly impair social or occupational functioning

common FEARS

+ Social Fears (meeting new people, public speaking)

+ Fear of Specific animals/objects

+ fear of uncertainty

+ fear of failure

+ Fear of germs

+ fear of rejection or embarassment

+ Fear of flying or driving

+ fear of panic attacks

Methods Used

Face the fear to no longer fear

Exposure Therapy

When we fear we naturally avoid. Exposure therapy involves gradually facing the scary thing until your brain sees that it has experienced it enough to not fear it anymore. This may involve a combination of visualization exercises in session and taking small steps on your own.

Person standing on top of ladder by water

Find the root cause

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Learn the specific thoughts, perceptions, and beliefs that fuel your fear. Once we bring these into full awareness and challenge whether they are true, helpful or necessary then you can create new beliefs that allow you to let go of the fear.

Quote on board: Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision.

focus on healing

Trauma Informed

If there are specific fears having resulted from traumatic experiences the above approaches will be effective, and we will also pay closer attention to your needs, pacing, and effective strategies as it relates to trauma.

Woman with hand on chest with eyes closed

It’s Possible To…

Do The Things You Want Again

Break Free From Fear

Create A Life You are Proud Of

“The secret to happiness is freedom…and the secret to freedom is courage.”

– Thucydides

frequently asked questions

  • As always, it varies person to person. Generally though with exposure therapy treatment is relatively brief. It is possible to see significant improvement in just a few sessions.

  • Ultimately, yes and at a pace you are comfortable with. It is common to take a gradual approach. I will collaborate with you and explain what to expect before doing exposure work.

  • Yes! I can guide you in the techniques virtually. Depending on the fear there may be parts you can practice between sessions to see quicker progress.