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Phobias and Fears

Fear is a natural and protective response to real threats—it's your body’s way of preparing to face danger. If you're in a dangerous situation, the adrenaline rush helps you react quickly and stay safe. However, with phobias, fear becomes disconnected from any genuine threat. Instead, it triggers intense feelings of panic, rapid heartbeats, shortness of breath, trembling, and an overpowering urge to escape, even when you logically know that there’s no actual danger.

Image by Noah Buscher woman tied up by string phobia scared screaming

What is a Phobia?​

Phobias are surprisingly common, affecting people of all ages, backgrounds, and locations. It’s estimated that at least 10% of the population will experience a phobia at some point in their life. While some phobias may seem relatively minor, those involving common objects or situations can significantly disrupt daily life.

Almost everyone has fears that cause discomfort from time to time. However, when these fears are suppressed or unresolved, they can develop into phobias. A phobia is an intense, irrational fear that feels completely out of control.

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Many phobias seem illogical at first. For example, while flying is one of the safest modes of transportation, a person with a fear of flying may feel overwhelmingly terrified in the cabin. On a conscious level, the fear often stems from a fear of losing control. This can cause physical symptoms such as shaking, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and sweating.

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The phobia is just a reflection of this out-of-control thinking, and there’s no reason why it should control you. With the right treatment, you can eliminate the phobia, and the symptoms will disappear once and for all.​​

Common Phobias:

  • Fear of vomiting (emetophobia - My specialty)

  • Fear of spiders (arachnophobia)

  • Fear of needles (trypanophobia)

  • Fear of snakes (ophidiophobia)

  • Fear of germs (mysophobia)

  • Exam-related fears (examophobia)

  • Fear of driving (vehophobia)

  • Fear of flying (aviophobia)

  • Fear of clowns (coulrophobia)

  • Fear of birds (ornithophobia)

  • Fear of death (thanatophobia) ​

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Symptoms of Phobias:​

  • Chest pain or discomfort

  • Chills or hot flashes

  • Choking sensation

  • Feelings of unreality (de-realization) or detachment (de-personalization)

  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness

  • Fear of dying

  • Fear of losing control or going insane

  • Rapid heartbeat or palpitations

  • Nausea or other abdominal discomfort

  • Numbness or tingling

  • Excessive sweating

  • Shortness of breath or a feeling of suffocation

  • Trembling

These symptoms can often mimic those of a panic attack.​

"Emetophobia controlled my life for as long as I can remember, but working with Carrie was truly life changing. The fear that once dictated my every move is gone, and I finally feel free to live without constant anxiety. I never thought this was possible—but it is, and I’m so grateful!" -J.K.

Treatment of Phobias and Fears

There’s no reason to let phobias and fears control your life. With the right treatment, you can break free from these limiting beliefs and start living the life you deserve. My treatment works effectively to eliminate fears and phobias, allowing you to move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

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