People can become phobic about almost anything and some feared objects or situations are almost impossible to avoid entirely, this is when a phobia becomes very debilitating.

Phobias are extremely common; ask your friends or family and I’ll bet there’ll be at least one person who will mention something that is terrifying to either them or a close friend of theirs.

Phobias have the potential to cause severe impairment to people’s lives, yet they can be easily treated, are you needlessly suffering?

Symptoms of Phobia

Do you:

	Have an excessive fear of something or a situation?
	Avoid the thing you fear?
	Feel extremely anxious or panic-stricken when exposed to it?
	Know the fear is irrational?
	Find the avoidance or distress this fear creates causes problems in your life?

If you or someone close to you has any of the symptoms, you probably have a phobia and you don’t need to put up with it any longer.

Social phobia (or social anxiety) is fear of being with other people, this form of phobia can prevent people from being successful at work; forming and maintaining friendships; getting married etc.

 Phobias are relatively easy to treat so there is no need for anyone to avoid flying, going out or having a social life and everyone deserves to feel happy. Take steps today to get the fun back in your life.

What Causes a Phobia?

Some people seem to have a genetic predisposition to developing phobias, which may arise after an initial, traumatic encounter with an object or situation that then develops into a much greater fear and subsequent avoidance. A phobia may also be caused by witnessing something traumatic happening to someone else (real or fictional). A person with a phobia who shows their fear or avoidance of something may inadvertently pass that phobia on to a witness of their reaction (eg parent to child).

Help with Phobia: what can I do?

	Phobias can be overcome when the fear is faced.  If you continue to avoid the thing you fear you are maintaining your phobia. You can do this alone or with a close and trusted friend.
	Visualise facing and conquering your fears. Make a list of situations where your fear is present and put them in an order of the mildest situation first and ending with the worst possible scenario. Then one-by-one visualise being successful at each of the listed situations, relax and breath calmly throughout the exercise and don’t move on to the next until you are comfortable with the situation you have just practiced.
	Don’t allow your need for secrecy or fear stop you from seeking treatment. You deserve to be happier and to free to do the things you need or long to do. Contact me on 0161 710 2468 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   and make an appointment as soon as you feel ready to be free of your phobia.