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[readandwept]

Hello,

Does anyone have experience seeking formal treatment for a phobia, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy? I've been thinking about doing this for a long time and I wonder if it's finally time. I have been able to improve my phobia on my own (it no longer impedes my life in a way that it used to), but it is still keeping me from experiencing some things that I would enjoy.

I would really appreciate your sharing any relevant experiences.

[lolar2]

Yes, and CBT helped a ton, plus relaxation techniques. It was very straightforward.

[readandwept]

Thanks for your reply, lolar2! How did you find your therapist? I just googled for CBT practitioners in my area and there are tons (though none I found so far who specialize in phobias); not sure what I should even be looking for in choosing one.

Also, do you mind if I ask, how long were you in treatment for? And did you find it helpful right away? I don't really know what to expect in pursuing this, at all.

[lolar2]

I was a student, so I went to the counseling center. I guess your regular doctor might be able to recommend a cognitive-behavioral therapist for you. It's been a while, but I think the therapy lasted 8-12 weeks, and the phobia started to improve after the second or third session. There is a lot of daily "homework" because you have to expose yourself gradually more and more to the phobia trigger, so you'll need to set aside time for that. If it's something like fear of needles or flying, there are different ways to simulate the trigger because most people can't actually plan to fly every day for a couple of months, obviously. The psychologist I saw was not a phobia specialist, but he was an anxiety specialist-- he treated me for post-partum anxiety a few years later after I had my son, and he ran some kind of dissertation anxiety support group for Ph.D candidates at that university.

[readandwept]

Thanks, that's very helpful info.

Even the thought of daily triggers is sending shivers down my spine, and making me feel a little bit nauseous. I'm trying to remember that the point is to be treated so I stop feeling that way...

[lolar2]

Something else that happened to cure another phobia of mine was by coincidence. I had a phobia of a particular medical procedure. Then I happened to need that type of procedure, at a time when I was in the hospital and on enough narcotics that I didn't care what happened. That one-time trigger while on narcotics, broke the negative association I used to have, and I was perfectly fine the next time I needed the procedure. I have read that trigger-while-on-drugs (usually benzos, though) is an actual phobia treatment which can be effective. So if CBT isn't enough or if you need a bit more of a push, that's something you might consider.