What This Can Look Like
Phobias can involve strong fear and avoidance related to things like:
- Flying
- Heights
- Storms
- Public speaking
- Specific animals or medical procedures
How Anxiety Maintains the Cycle
Avoidance brings relief in the moment, but it also strengthens the brain’s fear response. Over time, the fear can grow, and the avoided situation can start to affect work, relationships, or daily life.
How CBT and Exposure Therapy Help
Exposure therapy is the most direct and effective treatment for phobias. It involves gradually and intentionally facing feared situations in a structured, supported way. Over time, repeated exposure helps the brain learn that anxiety can rise and fall without danger, and that feared situations can be tolerated and managed. CBT supports this process by addressing unhelpful beliefs about fear, reducing avoidance and safety behaviors, and building skills that increase confidence and flexibility in everyday life.
Treatment at KY Cards:
What to Expect
Phobia treatment is typically brief and highly focused. Depending on the type and severity of the phobia, treatment may range from one extended session to a short course of sessions.