We all have natural fears, to objective threats that may cause us substantial harm. But what happens when we develop a tear in our mental health along the lines of a specific event, a place or a person, that brings automatic and disproportionate feelings of panic?
Psychotherapy (talk therapy, exposure and CBT) is the best antidote for phobia therapy. Different sub-protocols deal with specific issues and sub-sets of issues, with the aim of the integrated protocol being to reconcile in time the patient with the trigger so that they can recover all the freedom lost, the places or people avoided.
Key therapeutic protocols for the treatment of phobia.
Exposure therapy aims to, as the name suggests, reacquaint the patient with their phobia by exposing them to it, so as to lessen intensity of episodes. Exposure can be very minimal at the beginning in case of the most pronounced cases (simply discussing and considering the phobia with the therapist). It can then include visual support or other ways to consider the trigger in the cold light of day, so to speak (visualising pictures, revisiting specific traumatic memories). In time the patient is expected to be able to expose themselves fully to their old trigger.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Phobias as a psycho-dynamic phenomenon are effectively treated by focusing the nexus between Cognition (thoughts) and Behaviors. Identifying thought patterns and replacing the most unhelpful ones with better ones can in time “bring around” a patient. But work must focus at the membrane between thoughts and behaviors. Learning alternate beliefs. Considering more closely the cost and the freedom lost, in different situational contexts. Learning how to identify thoughts, emotions, scripts and physical sensations earlier. Developing in time a sense of confidence and reliance at the onset of a phobic event.
Mindfulness and positive visualisation: Guided meditation and mindfulness visualisation exercises can support patients across the board handling their phobia. Effectiveness is subtle at first, but most patients who enroll on meditation/mindfulness program for their phobia report enhanced ability to “deal” with their phobia and lessened intensity in symptoms at large.
Symptoms & Treatments
- Personalised diagnostic: Triggers and physical manifestations, social impact, reduced functioning/mobility due to phobic associations, contexts and situations.
- Symptoms and Indications: Fight or flight response, sweaty palms, visceral fear, increased heart rate and breathing, traumatic events, childhood trauma.
- Resources & Related: Abuse, traumatic events, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprogramming), Suicidal thoughts, trauma therapy.