Phobias
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Which is a phobia: arachnophobia or fear of flying?
The answer depends on how distressing the fear is. While we often associate phobias with common fears like spiders, snakes, or heights, a true phobia causes significant disruption in a person’s daily life. It can lead to intense anxiety that prevents teens from attending school, socializing with friends and family, working, or even enjoying everyday activities. Phobias are typically learned responses to a past experience that was particularly frightening or overwhelming. Over time, the fear becomes generalized to other similar situations. While this instinctual fear response helps us avoid potential dangers, in the case of phobias, the response is often exaggerated and out of proportion. Sometimes, phobias develop by witnessing family members (like parents or siblings) react fearfully to certain situations. Though avoiding the feared object or situation may provide temporary relief, it actually reinforces the fear, making it grow stronger. This creates a cycle where the phobia becomes more entrenched, further limiting the teen’s ability to fully engage in life. |
Fortunately, phobias are treatable, and relief is possible.
Through effective treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy, we can help teens confront their fears in a safe, controlled way, breaking the cycle of avoidance and anxiety.
Through effective treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy, we can help teens confront their fears in a safe, controlled way, breaking the cycle of avoidance and anxiety.
For an appointment or free phone consultation, call (415) 448-6679 or click the button below.
Bay Area Center For Adolescents
Providing Trusted, Compassionate, Effective Therapy
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(415) 448-6679
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