# data[].attributes.body
As commonly known, phobias are often caused by traumatic events, but how does the phobia become so intense to the point where it causes trauma?

# data[].attributes.body
The emotion known as fear has always put many people to a halt when it comes to conquering day-to-day situations. Whether it’s a small threat or a threat of something that can take their own lives, the emotion of fear becomes so strong that somehow you forget the ability to do something as simple as breathing. If it’s at that point, should it be classified as purely an unnecessary outburst of fear?

# data[].attributes.headline
Fear is just in your head until it takes over your life 

# data[].attributes.subject
Fear is just in your head until it takes over your life 

# data[].attributes.body
With fear being a common emotion that can rapidly change its intensity, can fear lead to a mental illness and/or disorder? For example, a person who cannot keep their anger under control is most of the time classified as a person with anger management issues, which may not be classified as a disorder, confirmed by the article Healthline on anger issues and medically reviewed by Dr. Timothy J. Legg. The article goes on to say that some disorders have been led by anger itself, such as depression, OCD, Alcoholism, ADHD, ODD, Bipolar disorder, and more. Anger is an emotion just as much as fear, so who’s to say that fear cannot lead to the same results?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Some anger issues may stem from another health condition or disorder. Treating the underlying condition may help reduce uncontrollable anger.

Anger is a natural, instinctive response to threats. Some anger is necessary for our survival.

Anger becomes a problem when you have trouble controlling it, causing you to say or do things you regret.

A found that uncontrolled anger is bad for your physical and mental health. It can also quickly escalate to verbal or physical violence, harming you and those around you.

Learn more about identifying your triggers and managing your anger below.

Many things can trigger anger, including stress, family problems, and financial issues.

For some people, anger is caused by an underlying disorder, such as alcoholism or depression. Anger itself isn't considered a disorder, but anger is a known symptom of several mental health conditions.

The following are some of the possible causes of anger issues.

Depression

Anger can be a symptom of depression, which is characterized as ongoing feelings of sadness and loss of interest lasting at least two weeks.

Anger can be suppressed or overtly expressed. The intensity of the anger and how it's expressed varies from person to person.

If you have depression, you may experience other symptoms. These include:

irritability

loss of energy

feelings of hopelessness

thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Obsessive compulsive disorder

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that's characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behavior. A person with OCD has unwanted, disturbing thoughts, urges, or images that drive them to do something repetitively.

For example, they may perform certain rituals, such as counting to a number or repeating a word or phrase, because of an irrational belief that something bad will happen if they don't.

A found that anger is a common symptom of OCD. It affects approximately half of people with OCD.

Anger may result from frustration with your inability to prevent obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, or from having someone or something interfere with your ability to carry out a ritual.

Alcohol abuse

Research shows that drinking alcohol increases aggression. Alcohol is a contributing factor in approximately half of all violent crimes committed in the United States.

Alcohol abuse, or alcoholism, refers to consuming too much alcohol at once or regularly.

Alcohol impairs your ability to think clearly and make rational decisions. It affects your impulse control and can make it harder for you to control your emotions.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and or impulsivity.

Symptoms usually start in early childhood and continue throughout a person's life. Some people are not diagnosed until adulthood, which is sometimes referred to as adult ADHD.

Anger and short temper can also occur in people of all ages with ADHD. Other symptoms include:

restlessness

problems focusing

poor time management or planning skills

Oppositional defiant disorder

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a behavioral disorder that affects 1 to 16 percent of school-age children. Common symptoms of ODD include:

Children with ODD are often easily annoyed by others. They may be defiant and argumentative.

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes dramatic shifts in your mood.

These intense mood shifts can range from mania to depression, although not everyone with bipolar disorder will experience depression. Many people with bipolar disorder may experience periods of anger, irritability, and rage.

During a manic episode, you may:

During a depressive episode, you may:

feel sad, hopeless, or tearful

lose interest in things once enjoyed

have thoughts of suicide

Intermittent explosive disorder

A person with intermittent explosive disorder (IED) has repeated episodes of aggressive, impulsive, or violent behavior. They may overreact to situations with angry outbursts that are out of proportion to the situation.

Episodes last less than 30 minutes and come on without warning. People with the disorder may feel irritable and angry most of the time.

Some common behaviors include:

temper tantrums

arguments

fighting

physical violence

throwing things

People with IED may feel remorseful or embarrassed after an episode.

Grief

Anger is one of the stages of grief. Grief can come from the death of a loved one, a divorce or breakup, or from losing a job. The anger may be directed at the person who died, anyone else involved in the event, or inanimate objects.

Other symptoms of grief include:

Anger causes physical and emotional symptoms. While it's normal to experience these symptoms on occasion, a person with anger issues tends to experience them more often and to a more severe degree.

Physical symptoms

Anger affects different parts of your body, including your heart, brain, and muscles. A 2011 study found that anger also causes an increase in testosterone levels and decrease in cortisol levels.

The physical signs and symptoms of anger include:

Emotional

There are a number of emotions that go hand in hand with anger. You may notice the following emotional symptoms before, during, or after an episode of anger:

Anger can manifest itself in a number of different ways. Not all anger is expressed in the same way. Anger and aggression can be outward, inward, or passive.

Outward. This involves expressing your anger and aggression in an obvious way. This can include behavior such as shouting, cursing, throwing or breaking things, or being verbally or physically abusive toward others.

Inward. This type of anger is directed at yourself. It involves negative self-talk, denying yourself things that make you happy or even basic needs, such as food. Self-harm and isolating yourself from people are other ways anger can be directed inward.

Passive. This involves using subtle and indirect ways to express your anger. Examples of this passive aggressive behavior include giving someone the silent treatment, sulking, being sarcastic, and making snide remarks.

You may have anger issues if:

you feel angry often

you feel that your anger seems out of control

your anger is impacting your relationships

your anger is hurting others

your anger causes you to say or do things you regret

you're verbally or physically abusive

If you believe your anger is out of control or if it's negatively affecting your life or relationships, consider seeking help from a mental health professional.

A mental health professional can help determine if you have an underlying mental health condition that's causing your anger issues and requires treatment.

Anger management can also include one or more of the following:

Anger is a normal emotion, but if your anger seems out of control or is impacting your relationships, you may have anger issues.

A mental health professional can help you work through your anger and identify any underlying mental health conditions that may be a contributing factor. With anger management and other treatments, you can get your anger under control.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Anger Issues: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Management

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Anger is a normal emotion, but if your anger seems out of control or is impacting your relationships, you may have anger issues. Here's what you need to know about diagnosing whether you have an issue with anger, and what you can do to find treatment.

# data[].attributes.body
Phobias are mostly caused by traumatic events from the past. More specifically the phobia is developed when the individual is in their adolecents leading to the trauma to stay within them to their adulthod. For example, if a child is attacked by a dog resulting severe injury, the child will most likely develope trauma and leads to Cynophobia.

How do you know if you have an anxiety disorder from traumatic events?

There are common symptoms to try and determine if you have a phobia or have an anxiety disorder. ( Be mindful and go to a professional if not completely sure and are genuinely concerned for mental health. )

Increased heart rate

Sweating and trembling

Hot flushes or chills

Difficulty breathing

Nausea

Dizziness or feeling faint

Feelings of dread

Fear of dying

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Specific phobias are complex psychological issues that are not completely understood in the medical field. From existing research, experts know that they can be caused by a number of different factors including genetic predisposition. Some individuals may not have a specific environmental cause for their phobia but in many cases, the fear can be caused by a traumatic event.

Phobias are characterized by an intense fear of a specific situation or thing that may be associated with a traumatic experience. The fear often becomes unreasonable and triggers severe anxiety whenever the person is confronted with their phobia even if they are not in any danger. People can have phobias about a wide variety of things such as dogs, spiders, heights, and many others depending on their personal issues.

When someone develops a phobia it can occur in different ways but it typically develops at some point in their childhood. Phobias are distinct from normal childhood fears which tend to diminish over time because they can actually grow more intense as they get older. Normal childhood fears can be eased by appropriate reassurance but phobias will continue to persist in spite of the child being told that there is no danger in the situation.

If a child does not get professional help for their phobia it can continue into adulthood as they continue to avoid what they are afraid of to prevent an anxiety attack. Their reaction to being exposed to their phobia is often uncontrollable and their instinct is to stay away as much as possible. However, avoiding exposure to the phobia will prevent it from ever being resolved.
Symptoms of a Phobia
As someone is exposed to their personal phobia they will have very strong mental and physical reactions that become overwhelming. They could exhibit any number of these symptoms:

Increased heart rate

Sweating and trembling

Hot flushes or chills

Difficulty breathing

Nausea

Dizziness or feeling faint

Feelings of dread

Fear of dying

When a person is confronted with their phobia they become paralyzed by these symptoms and their feelings of fear. More complex phobias like agoraphobia (fear of public spaces) and other social phobias can make it very difficult to lead a normal and healthy life.
Trauma and Phobias
Many phobias develop because the person has a traumatic experience that they begin to associated with the object of their fear. If a child is attacked by a dog when they are young then they might be afraid of every dog that they come across as they grow up. Someone who has an experience where they almost drowned might develop a phobia of water.

In some cases even observing a traumatic event can cause someone to develop a phobia. If they witness a terrible traffic accident where someone is covered in blood they later may have a phobia of blood, cars or busy intersections. Phobias tend to become more severe when a person deliberate avoids the situation or thing that they are afraid of.

The more a person avoids their phobia, the less opportunity they will have to prove to themselves that it is not as dangerous as they believe. Avoiding the situation will allow the fear to build up and the negative assumptions about the phobia will continue to grow. Even for those who have not had a traumatic experience associated with their phobia, the same type of avoidance is often what causes the phobia to become out of control.
Treating Phobias through Exposure Therapy
Because avoidance is often what makes a phobia develop, many therapy strategies focus on a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure to the phobia itself. Exposure therapy focuses on getting patients to change their response to the object or situation that they are afraid of and cognitive behavioral therapy helps them learn to view the phobia differently. It can be a very difficult process but it is the best way for patients to eventually be able to face their fear and become less vulnerable to it in their daily life.

During exposure therapy, patients are given gradual and repeated exposure to their phobia as they identify their specific thoughts, feelings and reactions. Therapy can progress slowly from merely thinking about the phobia, then looking at a picture of it and eventually being exposed in person. Throughout the process patients learn to minimize their response with help from the therapist and prevent their reaction from becoming problematic.

With cognitive behavioral therapy, patients learn techniques that can help them view their phobia differently and cope with it in a healthier way. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by their emotions, patients can eventually become more confident in handling the thoughts and sensations that come up when they are exposed to the object of their fear. Over time patients are able to reduce their anxiety and more easily manage their phobia in everyday life.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How Phobias Stem from Severe Trauma | Vantage Point Recovery

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Specific phobias are complex psychological issues that are not completely understood in the medical field. From existing research, experts know that they

# data[].attributes.body
Though fear and phobia are similar, they are not necessarily the same thing. according to the NHS UK, a website that investigates and gives information about mental health and disorders, a phobia is a type of anxiety disorder that triggers anxiety and paranoia when thinking about the source of phobia. Fear is an emotion that is built into a person as a form of protection from things considered life-threatening. Not to say that some phobias are not life-threatening such as fire, disease, vicious animals, or even sometimes pregnancy, can of course be considered understandable fears. An individual who has a fear of pregnancy may be just scared of enduring the physical pain and emotional trauma of it. Nevertheless, the individual with said fear can get over it if they come to an understanding of the pros and cons of pregnancy and side with the pros more. However, an individual with a phobia of pregnancy will be overwhelmed with the thought of pregnancy. The individual might even give themselves a panic attack just by the news of a family member being pregnant or even just looking at a picture of a pregnant woman.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A phobia is an overwhelming and debilitating fear of an object, place, situation, feeling or animal.
Phobias are more pronounced than fears. They develop when a person has an exaggerated or unrealistic sense of danger about a situation or object.

If a phobia becomes very severe, a person may organise their life around avoiding the thing that's causing them anxiety. As well as restricting their day-to-day life, it can also cause a lot of distress.

Phobia symptoms

A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder. You may not experience any symptoms until you come into contact with the source of your phobia.

But in some cases, even thinking about the source of a phobia can make a person feel anxious or panicky. This is known as anticipatory anxiety.

Symptoms may include:

unsteadiness, dizziness and lightheadedness

nausea

sweating

increased heart rate or palpitations

shortness of breath

trembling or shaking

an upset stomach

If you do not come into contact with the source of your phobia very often, it may not affect your everyday life.

But if you have a complex phobia, such as agoraphobia, leading a normal life may be very difficult.

Types of phobia

There are a wide variety of objects or situations that someone could develop a phobia about.

But phobias can be divided into 2 main categories:

specific or simple phobias

complex phobias

Specific or simple phobias

Specific or simple phobias centre around a particular object, animal, situation or activity.

They often develop during childhood or adolescence and may become less severe as you get older.

Common examples of simple phobias include:

animal phobias - such as dogs, spiders, snakes or rodents

environmental phobias - such as heights, deep water and germs

situational phobias - such as visiting the dentist or flying

bodily phobias - such as blood, vomit or having injections

sexual phobias - such as performance anxiety or the fear of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI)

Complex phobias

Complex phobias tend to be more disabling than simple phobias. They usually develop during adulthood and are often associated with a deep-rooted fear or anxiety about a particular situation or circumstance.

The 2 most common complex phobias are:

Agoraphobia is often thought of as a fear of open spaces, but it's much more complex than this.

Someone with agoraphobia will feel anxious about being in a place or situation where escaping may be difficult if they have a panic attack.

The anxiety usually results in the person avoiding situations such as:

being alone

being in crowded places, such as busy restaurants or supermarkets

travelling on public transport

Social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, centres around feeling anxious in social situations.

If you have a social phobia, you might be afraid of speaking in front of people for fear of embarrassing yourself and being humiliated in public.

In severe cases, this can become debilitating and may prevent you carrying out everyday activities, such as eating out or meeting friends.

What causes phobias?

Phobias do not seem to have a single cause, but there are a number of associated factors.

For example:

a phobia may be associated with a particular incident or trauma

a phobia may be a learned response that a person develops early in life from a parent or sibling (brother or sister)

genetics may play a role - there's evidence to suggest that some people are born with a tendency to be more anxious than others

Diagnosing phobias

Phobias are not always formally diagnosed. Most people with a phobia are fully aware of the problem.

A person will sometimes choose to live with a phobia, taking great care to avoid the object or situation they're afraid of.

But if you have a phobia, continually trying to avoid what you're afraid of could make the situation worse.

Ask a GP for help if you have a phobia. They may refer you to a specialist with expertise in behavioural therapy, such as a psychologist.

You can refer yourself directly to an NHS talking therapies service without a referral from a GP.

Treating phobias

Most phobias can be treated successfully.

Simple phobias can be treated through gradual exposure to the object, animal, place or situation that causes fear and anxiety. This is known as desensitisation or self-exposure therapy.

You could try these methods with the help of a professional or as part of a self-help programme.

Treating complex phobias often takes longer and involves talking therapies, such as:

Medication may be prescribed to help with anxiety caused by certain phobias.

Medicines that may be used include:

How common are phobias?

Phobias are a common type of anxiety disorder.

They can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex and social background.

Some of the most common phobias include:

arachnophobia - fear of spiders

claustrophobia - fear of confined spaces

agoraphobia - fear of open spaces and public places

social phobia - fear of social situations

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out more about phobias, which are an overwhelming fear of an object, place, situation, feeling or animal.

# data[].attributes.body
There are different types of phobias known as specific phobias and social phobias. Specific phobia is more well-known, the more common phobias are known as an object or situation.

Specific Phobias are known as:

Aerophobia ( Fear of Flying )

Cynophobia ( Fear of Dogs )

Claustrophobia ( Fear of Closed Spaces )

Gephyrophobia ( Fear of Tunnels )

Ornithophobia ( Fear of Birds)

Acrophobia ( Fear of Heights )

These fears are associated with panic and overthinking of the situation and/or object. For example, people who have Aerophobia are in a constant state of panic whenever they think about planes, helicopters, or jets. Others confuse this with Acrophobia because they assume individuals with Aerophobia are afraid of heights, but it's a fear of crashing from the sky. All specific phobias are commonly connected to traumatic events that make these phobias very specific.

Cited: Hopkins Medicine

# data[].attributes.body
Most people believe that phobias start from a traumatic event at a young age. Which could be possible, but that is not always the case. Mind.org informs that some phobias can run through family genetics, learned responses from early life, and experiencing long term stress. Most of these forms of phobias indicate how stress can lead to fear and how you react to certain situations. Long-term stress and how you react to intense situations can turn stressful thoughts into severe panic; possibly leading to the development of a phobia

# data[].attributes.body
Similar to Specific Phobia, panic and anxiety is the number one enemy. Often times people confuse Social phobias for shyness. Hopkins Medicine explains that shyness and social phobia are two different things. Shy people do tend to get uneasy around people, but most of the time they can contain their anxiety and calm themselves down. On the hand, other people with Social phobias are known to go into extreme panic in certain situaions to the point where if they even think about a social event They can even go into a panic attack. These phobias are known as:

Feel very anxious before the event or outing

Feel intensely uncomfortable throughout the event or outing

Have lingering unpleasant feelings after the event or outing

Public speaking

Meeting people

Dealing with authority figures

Eating in public

Using public restrooms

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What is a phobia?

A phobia is an uncontrollable, irrational, and lasting fear of a certain object, situation, or activity. This fear can be so overwhelming that a person may go to great lengths to avoid the source of this fear. One response can be a panic attack. This is a sudden, intense fear that lasts for several minutes. It happens when there is no real danger.

Who is affected by phobias?

About 19 million Americans have one or more phobias that range from mild to severe. Phobias can happen in early childhood. But they are often first seen between ages 15 and 20. They affect both men and women equally. But men are more likely to seek treatment for phobias.

What causes phobias?

Research suggests that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the start of phobias. Certain phobias have been linked to a very bad first encounter with the feared object or situation. Mental health experts don't know if this first encounter is necessary or if phobias can simply occur in people who are likely to have them.

What are the main types of phobias?

Specific phobia

What is specific phobia?

Specific phobia is an extreme fear of an object or situation that typically isn't harmful.

Examples may include a fear of:

Flying (fearing the plane will crash)

Dogs (fearing the dog will bite or attack)

Closed-in places (fear of being trapped)

Tunnels (fearing a collapse)

Heights (fear of falling)

What are the characteristics of specific phobia?

People with specific phobia know that their fear is extreme. But they can't overcome it. The problem is diagnosed only when the specific fear interferes with daily activities of school, work, or home life.

There is no known cause, although they seem to run in families. They are also found slightly more often in women. If the object of the fear is easy to avoid, people with phobias may not seek treatment. Sometimes, however, they may make important career or personal decisions to avoid a situation that includes the source of the phobia.

Treatment for specific phobia

When phobias interfere with a person's life, treatment can help. For specific phobias, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure treatment is advised. In exposure therapy, people are gradually exposed to what frightens them until the fear starts to fade. Relaxation and breathing exercises also help to ease symptoms.

Social phobia

What is social phobia?

Social phobia is an anxiety disorder in which a person has significant anxiety and discomfort related to a fear of being embarrassed, humiliated, or scorned by others in social or performance situations. Even when they manage to confront this fear, people with social phobia usually:

Feel very anxious before the event or outing

Feel intensely uncomfortable throughout the event or outing

Have lingering unpleasant feelings after the event or outing

Social phobia often happens with the following:

Public speaking

Meeting people

Dealing with authority figures

Eating in public

Using public restrooms

What are the characteristics of social phobia?

Although this disorder is often thought of as shyness, they are not the same. Shy people can be very uneasy around others, but they don't have the extreme anxiety in anticipating a social situation. Also, they don't necessarily avoid circumstances that make them feel self-conscious. In contrast, people with social phobia are not necessarily shy at all, but can be completely at ease with some people most of the time.

Most people with social phobia will try to avoid situations that cause distress.

Diagnosing social phobia

Social phobia is diagnosed when the fear or avoidance significantly interferes with normal, routines, or is excessively upsetting.

Social phobia disrupts normal life, interfering with career or social relationships. It often runs in families and may be happen along with depression or alcoholism. Social phobia often starts in early adolescence or even younger.

Treatment for social phobia

People with social phobia often find relief when treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy, medicine, or a mix of both.

Agoraphobia

What is agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia involves the fear of having a panic attack in a place or situation from which escape may be hard or embarrassing.

The anxiety of agoraphobia is so severe that panic attacks are not unusual. People with agoraphobia often try to avoid the location or cause of their fear. Agoraphobia involves fear of situations like the following:

Being alone outside his or her home

Being at home alone

Being in a crowd

Traveling in a vehicle

Being in an elevator or on a bridge

People with agoraphobia typically avoid crowded places like streets, crowded stores, churches, and theaters.

What are the characteristics of agoraphobia?

Most people with agoraphobia get it after first suffering a series of panic attacks. The attacks happen randomly and without warning, and make it impossible for a person to predict what will trigger the reaction. This unpredictability of the panic causes the person to anticipate future panic attacks and, eventually, fear any situation in which an attack may happen. As a result, they avoid going into any place or situation where previous panic attacks have happened.

People with the disorder often become so disabled that they literally feel they cannot leave their homes. Others who have agoraphobia, do go into potentially "phobic" situations, but only with great distress, or when accompanied by a trusted friend or family member.

People with agoraphobia may also have depression, fatigue, tension, alcohol or drug abuse problems, and obsessive disorders, making treatment crucial.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A phobia is an uncontrollable, irrational, and persistent fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. The fear experienced by people with phobias can be so great that some go to extreme lengths to avoid the source of their fear.

# data[].attributes.body
Fortunately, you can treat these phobias and learn how to cope with them. There are multiple ways to do this with a license therapist or even naturally.

# data[].attributes.body
The fear of having panic attacks is a complicated one to have. This fear can be rooted with the thought of both fear and embarrasment of being humiliated. People wth agoraphobia are often known to avoid locations or situations that cause fear or panic attacks.

Situations that people with agoraphobia avoid are usally:

Being alone outside home

Being at home alone

Being in a crowd

Traveling in a vehicle

Being in an elevator or on a bridge

Cited: Hopkins Medicine

# data[].attributes.body
exposure therapy is one of the most effective methods when dealing with phobias. Exposure therapy is a type of work that involves being exposed to the object or situation that is feared. It is thought that the more you are exposed to the feared environment or object the more you will accept it and become at ease with the concept of the feared situation. This effect will calm nerves such as related thoughts to the phobia, feelings, and the tendency to panic if exposed to it nearly every day.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Diagnosis

You may start by seeing your primary care provider. You also may need to see a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can diagnose and treat specific phobias.

To diagnose a specific phobia, your health care professional or mental health care professional may:

Talk with you to see what risk factors you might have.

Ask questions about your symptoms, and take a medical, mental health and social history.

Talk about what you're avoiding because of your fear.

Treatment

The best treatment for specific phobias is a form of therapy called exposure therapy. Sometimes your health care professional also may recommend other therapies or medicine. Knowing the cause of a phobia is less important than focusing on how to treat the avoidance behavior that has developed over time.

The goal of treatment is to improve your quality of life so that you're no longer limited by your phobias. As you learn how to better manage your responses, thoughts and feelings, your anxiety and fear will get lower and no longer control your life. Typically, one specific phobia is treated at a time.

Talk therapy

Talking with a mental health professional can help you manage your specific phobia. The most effective treatments are:

Exposure therapy. This therapy focuses on changing your response to the object or situation that you fear. Gradual, repeated exposure to the source of your specific phobia, and the related thoughts, feelings and sensations, may help you learn to manage your anxiety. For example, if you're afraid of elevators, your therapy may progress from simply thinking about getting into an elevator, to looking at pictures of elevators, to going near an elevator, to stepping into an elevator. Next, you may take a one-floor ride, then ride several floors, and then ride in a crowded elevator.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT involves gradual exposure combined with other ways to learn how to view and cope with the feared object or situation differently. You learn how to challenge your worries and put up with uncomfortable feelings. CBT helps you learn how to create a sense of mastery and confidence with your thoughts and feelings rather than feeling overcome by them.

Medicines

Generally, exposure therapy successfully treats specific phobias. But sometimes medicines can reduce the anxiety and panic symptoms you feel from thinking about or being exposed to the object or situation you fear.

Medicines may be used during treatment at first or for short-term use in specific, occasionally encountered situations, such as flying on an airplane, public speaking or going through an MRI procedure.

These medicines include:

Beta blockers. These drugs block the stimulating effects of adrenaline, such as increased heart rate, high blood pressure, pounding heart, and shaking voice and limbs that anxiety causes.

Sedatives. Medicines called benzodiazepines help you relax by lowering your anxiety. Sedatives are used with caution because they can be addictive. They should not be used if you have a history of alcohol or drug dependence.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Ask your doctor or other health care professional to suggest lifestyle and other strategies to help you manage the anxiety caused by specific phobias. For example:

Mindfulness strategies may help you learn how to manage anxiety and reduce avoidance behaviors.

Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation or yoga, may help you cope with physical symptoms of anxiety and stress.

Physical activity and exercise may help manage anxiety related to specific phobias.

Coping and support

Professional treatment can help you overcome your specific phobia or manage it effectively so you do not become a prisoner to your fears. You also can take some steps on your own:

Try not to stay away from feared situations. Practice staying near feared objects or situations as much as you can rather than staying away from them completely. Family, friends and your therapist can help you work on this. Practice what you learn in therapy and work with your therapist to create a plan if symptoms get worse.

Reach out. Think about joining a self-help or support group where you can connect with others who know what you're going through.

Take care of yourself. Get enough rest, eat healthy and try to be physically active every day. Reduce or avoid caffeine, as it can make anxiety worse. And do not forget to celebrate successes as things get better.

Helping your child cope with fears
As a parent, there's a lot you can do to help your child cope with fears. For example:

Talk openly about fears. Let your child know that everyone has scary thoughts and feelings sometimes, but some do more than others. Do not reduce the importance of the problem or criticize your child for being afraid. Instead, talk to your child about their thoughts and feelings and explain that you're there to listen and help.

Do not reinforce specific phobias. Take advantage of times that can help your child overcome fears. If your child is afraid of the neighbor's friendly dog, for example, do not go out of your way to stay away from the animal. Instead, help your child cope when faced with the dog and show ways to be brave. For example, you might offer to be your child's home base, waiting and offering support while your child steps a little closer to the dog and then returns to you for safety. Over time, urge your child to keep closing the distance.

Model positive behavior. Because children learn by watching, you can show how to respond when faced with something your child fears or that you fear. You can first show fear and then show how to work through the fear.

If your child's fears continue, seem to be extreme and get in the way of daily life, talk with your child's doctor or other health care professional for advice.

Prevention

If you have a specific phobia, consider getting help, especially if you have children. Although genetics likely plays a role in how specific phobias start, seeing someone else's phobic response over and over again can trigger a specific phobia in children.

By dealing with your own fears, you can teach your child how to face fears and inspire them to take brave actions just like you did.

Preparing for your appointment

If you've made the choice to seek help for a specific phobia, you've taken a huge first step. You may start by talking to your doctor or other primary care provider. Depending on your situation, you may be referred to a mental health professional to identify the problem and get proper treatment.

What you can do

Before your appointment, make a list of:

Your symptoms, even if they do not seem to be related to your anxiety. Specific phobias may cause physical, emotional and mental distress.

Triggers, such as places or things you're staying away from because of your anxiety and fears. Include how you've tried to deal with these triggers and what makes the situation better or worse.

Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.

All medicines, vitamins, herbal products or other supplements that you take, and the doses. Include alcohol or other drugs you may be using to ease your anxiety.

Questions to ask your doctor to make the most of your time together.

Questions to ask might include:

Why did I develop this fear?

Will this fear go away on its own?

What can I do to make my symptoms better?

What treatments do you recommend?

Would exposure therapy or CBT help me?

What are the side effects of medicines commonly used for this condition?

If I decide to take medicines, how long will it take for my symptoms to get better?

How much improvement can I expect if I follow the treatment plan?

I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?

Are there brochures or other printed material that I can have?

What websites do you recommend?

Do not hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask:

Do you avoid any situations or places because you fear they'll trigger your symptoms?

When did you first notice these symptoms?

When are your symptoms most likely to occur?

Does anything seem to make your symptoms better or worse?

Have you recently had an attack when you felt scared or anxious all of a sudden?

During these attacks of fear or anxiety, have you ever felt like you could not breathe or like you were having a heart attack?

Have you recently been feeling nervous, anxious or on edge?

What other symptoms do you have?

How do your symptoms affect your life and the people closest to you?

Do you have any medical conditions?

Have you been treated for other mental health issues in the past? If yes, what type of therapy helped the most?

How often do you drink beverages that have caffeine? How many caffeinated beverages do you drink?

How often do you drink alcohol or use street drugs?

Have you ever thought about harming yourself?

Be ready to answer questions to make sure you have time to go over points you want to spend more time on.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
These are extreme fears of objects or situations that pose little or no danger. There is no reason for these fears, but you stay away from these things.

# data[].attributes.body
Another known therapy for phobias is CBT or cognitive behavior therapy. CBT uses a similar approach to Exposure therapy using exposure to the object or situation with the phobia the patient has. However, what makes CBT different is that the therapy actually explains how to view and act to the phobias differently. It teaches the patient how to cope with the situation and how to calm nerves down instead of going into a panic mode. The therapy is known for how to make people more confident in their own bodies when facing their fears.

Cited work: Mayo Clinic

# data[].attributes.body
When therapy doesn't work out for the patient most therapists then turn to medication for anxiety. They prescribe Beta Blockers which slow down adrenaline, prevent increasing heart rate, lower blood pressure, prevent a pounding heart, and calm a shaking voice and limbs. Therapists also can prescribe sedatives to lower anxiety, but patients are advised not to take them if using drugs or alcohol. medication for phobias is known to be the best treatment after CBT.

https://cogbtherapy.com/cbt-for-social-anxiety-disorder

# data[].attributes.body
In case the individual with a phobia doesn't want to deal with therapy, there are other ways to ease your phobias by yourself. NHS Inform listed ten ways to do so that might help out. Here are some listed below:

1. Taking a time-out:

taking time to take a step back from the intense situation may make your nerves calm and at ease when looking at the fearful situation from a different angle. Distraction is key when it comes to this method. Using a method to relax yourself such as making a hot tea, putting on a bath, or reading a book, can help relax your nerves. A good amount of time to relieve tension from the situation is to take a 15-minute break.

2. Breathing:

Breathing in and out is an effective method for any intense situation. This can clam your nerves in a matter of minutes. The only difficult part is remembering to breathe and take time to slow down.

3. Facing your fears:

just like exposure therapy exposing yourself to the problem and getting used to the feared object or situation can make your anxiety become obsolete when you convince your mind that these anxieties of the fear or normal and not considered threatening.

4. Visualize a happy place:

taking yourself out of the situation is well-known to do in a stressful environment, but imaging the best out of a situation can make things more easier to cope with.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Whatever it is that scares you, here are 10 ways to help you cope with your day-to-day fears and anxieties.

These tips are for people who are coping with everyday fears. If you have been diagnosed with an anxiety-related condition, see our page on generalised anxiety disorder.

1. Take time out

It's impossible to think clearly when you're flooded with fear or anxiety. The first thing to do is take time out so you can physically calm down.

Distract yourself from the worry for 15 minutes by walking around the block, making a cup of tea or having a bath.

2. Breathe through panic

If you start to get a faster heartbeat or sweating palms, the best thing is not to fight it.

Stay where you are and simply feel the panic without trying to distract yourself. Place the palm of your hand on your stomach and breathe slowly and deeply.

The goal is to help the mind get used to coping with panic, which takes the fear of fear away.

Try this breathing technique for stress

3. Face your fears

Avoiding fears only makes them scarier. Whatever your fear, if you face it, it should start to fade. If you panic one day getting into a lift, for example, it's best to get back into a lift the next day.

4. Imagine the worst

Try imagining the worst thing that can happen - perhaps it's panicking and having a heart attack. Then try to think yourself into having a heart attack. It's just not possible. The fear will run away the more you chase it.

5. Look at the evidence

It sometimes helps to challenge fearful thoughts. For example, if you're scared of getting trapped in a lift and suffocating, ask yourself if you have ever heard of this happening to someone. Ask yourself what you would say to a friend who had a similar fear.

6. Don't try to be perfect

Life is full of stresses, yet many of us feel that our lives must be perfect. Bad days and setbacks will always happen, and it's important to remember that life is messy.

7. Visualise a happy place

Take a moment to close your eyes and imagine a place of safety and calm. It could be a picture of you walking on a beautiful beach, or snuggled up in bed with the cat next to you, or a happy memory from childhood. Let the positive feelings soothe you until you feel more relaxed.

8. Talk about it

Sharing fears takes away a lot of their scariness. If you can't talk to a partner, friend or family member, call a helpline such as Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 or Samaritans on 116 123.

You could also try a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approach over the telephone, with a service such as NHS L iving L ife . If you would like to find out more about this appointment-based service, you can visit the Living Life websiteor phone 0800 328 9655 (Mon to Fri, 1pm to 9pm). ​

If your fears aren't going away, you can ask your GP for help. GPs can refer people for counselling, psychotherapy or help through an online mental health service, such as Living Life to the Full.

9. Go back to basics

Lots of people turn to alcohol or drugs to self-treat anxiety, but this will only make matters worse. Simple, everyday things like a good night's sleep, a wholesome meal and a walk are often the best cures for anxiety.

10. Reward yourself

Finally, give yourself a treat. When you've made that call you've been dreading, for example, reinforce your success by treating yourself to a massage, a country walk, a meal out, a book, a DVD, or whatever little gift makes you happy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Whatever it is that scares you, here are 10 ways to help you cope with your day-to-day fears and anxieties. These tips are for people who are coping with everyday fears. If you have been diagnosed with an anxiety-related condition, see our page on generalised anxiety disorder.

# data[].attributes.body
According to the National Library of Medicine, exposure therapy is effective with social anxiety, OCD, and panic disorder by 97.8%. It is now seen as an effective treatment and a credible way to treat someone with a panic disorder. Today it is still used to treat four major anxiety disorders including phobias.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Los Angeles

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Social Anxiety and Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety, also known as social phobia, is a common mental health condition. Symptoms of social anxiety include shyness, a fear of social situations, and a strong desire to avoid them. It can manifest in various forms, from discomfort in public speaking to overwhelming anxiety in everyday social interactions.

Anxiety in social situations or situations that involve other people is very common. Many people feel anxious in social situations. The lifetime incidence of social anxiety disorder in adults (aka social phobia), the most severe form of social anxiety, is over 12%. Approximately 7% of adults meet the criteria for social anxiety disorder at any time. Oftentimes, when this disorder is left untreated, it can result in severe functional impairment. Studies have found untreated social anxiety disorder to be associated with much higher rates of depression, substance abuse, and other anxiety disorders. Fortunately, there is a cure for social anxiety disorder: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (CBT) is a scientifically validated therapy for social anxiety disorder that has shown remarkable success and is recognized as the most effective treatment for social anxiety disorder. CBT aims to help individuals with the tools to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, confront their fears through exposure therapy, and develop new, healthier cognitive and behavioral habits. Significant research shows that CBT offers a path to lasting change and empowerment for individuals suffering from social anxiety.

Numerous research studies have found CBT to be the treatment of choice for social anxiety, significantly more effective than medication or traditional talk therapy. Follow this link to a chart comparing the effectiveness of CBT to other treatments for social anxiety disorder. Through CBT for social anxiety, people learn different ways of reacting to thoughts and feelings and engaging in different behaviors that decrease anxiety symptoms. CBT also helps people learn and practice social skills when there is a deficit. Unlike traditional talk therapy, CBT for social anxiety is an active, brief treatment involving the use of skills training and behavioral homework assignments. Through learning and practicing CBT skills, people learn to become their own therapists, which is why CBT for social anxiety lasts significantly less time than traditional therapy. Click here to learn more about what CBT is.

CBT for Social Anxiety

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy offers a range of effective interventions for social anxiety, empowering individuals to regain control of their lives. Research shows CBT for social anxiety is effective for most people in 12-20 weekly sessions of CBT. CBT techniques for social anxiety include:

Cognitive Restructuring

Identifying Negative Thought Patterns: CBT can help people change their habitual thinking patterns to manage social anxiety. One of the initial steps is recognizing and understanding the negative thought patterns that contribute to being socially anxious. By using the cognitive model, individuals can pinpoint these unhelpful thought processes through self-reflection and guidance from a therapist.

For example, people with social anxiety often predict that they'll fail in social situations, causing them to avoid these situations. Over time, this avoidance results in fewer social encounters, dwindling relationships, and an even stronger belief that they are inept socially. Recognizing this thought pattern as a self-fulfilling prophecy can be the first step in interrupting and short-circuiting the pattern.

Challenging and Replacing Irrational Beliefs: Once identified, these negative ways of thinking, sometimes called cognitive distortions, are challenged and replaced with more rational, balanced beliefs. This cognitive therapy process, called cognitive restructuring, enables individuals to shift their perspective and reduce the power of anxiety-inducing thoughts.

Using the example above, the assumption that "I will fail in social encounters, so there's no point engaging" can be investigated to determine whether it's grounded in fact. By examining the evidence, you might find there are plenty of exceptions to this belief. You might also realize that you are labeling normal interactional patterns as failures. For instance, people with social anxiety often mistakenly code a lull in the conversation as evidence of their awkwardness. The reality is that both parties in the conversation are equally responsible for keeping it going, and lulls in the conversation are expected parts of most conversations. Finally, it's not uncommon for people to have some deficits or blindspots in their relationship skills. By more accurately identifying the problem (such as identifying discomfort with small talk) rather than applying an overly broad label to it (an inability to engage in any conversation), it becomes easier to realize where there's a problem to be solved. If small talk is difficult, it's an easy skill to get good at. And not knowing what to talk about can be solved with just a couple of sessions of communication training.

Cognitive Defusion: Cognitive defusion is a valuable therapeutic technique in the treatment of social anxiety, as it empowers individuals to distance themselves from their anxious thoughts and self-limiting beliefs. By learning to observe their thoughts without judgment and recognize them as mere mental events rather than absolute truths, people can reduce the intensity of their anxious reactions. This process allows them to gain a more balanced perspective on social situations and the negative self-assumptions that accompany their anxiety.

You might have a lot of thoughts about how terrible a social function will be and how you will fail. If you get hooked by those thoughts, you're liable to not talk to other people, leave early, or skip the occasion altogether. By defusing from these thoughts, allowing them to be there without engaging in them or paying too much attention to them, you can still attend the function, talk to lots of people, and engage more effectively. Over time, it will become easier to avoid getting hooked by the thoughts, and eventually, they'll recede into the background.

Exposure Therapy

Gradual Exposure to Social Situations: Exposure therapy is a cornerstone of CBT for social anxiety. It involves a systematic and gradual reduction of avoidance of feared social situations or triggers. This approach allows individuals to become desensitized to the anxiety and build confidence over time. We know that avoidance of social situations keeps social anxiety going. Exposure therapy aims to help people fight the habitual urge to avoid social situations and learn to approach them instead.

The first step is listing out different social situations that provoke anxiety. Then, you arrange them into a hierarchy by ranking them according to the amount of anxiety they trigger. Having created the hierarchy, you've plotted the course of your exposure therapy. In gradual exposure, you start with the least anxiety-provoking situation, engage in it repeatedly until it triggers less anxiety, and then move on to the next situation until you've mastered that one.

For example, small talk with strangers may be at the bottom of your exposure hierarchy. You'd develop a plan for what kinds of people you'd approach and what sorts of things you'd say to them, and then you execute the plan repeatedly over the week until your anxiety lessened. The more you practice, the easier it gets and the more comfortable you feel. One of my favorite ways of helping people practice this is going to a mall to have short conversations with the salespeople. Start with the clerk at one store, have a conversation, go to the store next door, and repeat. At the end of the day, you'll have had numerous conversations, gotten a lot of practice, and will feel more confident talking to new people. Once you've mastered it, it's time to move to the next thing on your hierarchy.

This kind of therapy has been shown to have the best treatment outcomes for social anxiety disorder, significantly reducing anxiety even when extreme anxiety is present. Unfortunately, fewer than 20% of therapists do not use exposure therapy due to a lack of training and experience. If you seek treatment for social anxiety, make sure your therapist plans to incorporate this treatment approach.

Building Tolerance to Anxiety: An older intervention called systematic desensitization aimed at improving social anxiety by reducing the anxiety response through reducing physical symptoms. After a systematic review of effective interventions for anxiety, we now know this is not the best treatment for social anxiety for a very important reason: Anxiety is a normal part of relationships. Whenever you care about something going well, some degree of anxiety is a normal and even helpful response. Learning how to tolerate and make space for anxiety reduces overwhelming anxiety levels in the long term. As individuals repeatedly confront their fears, they build tolerance to the anxiety associated with social situations. Exposure therapy helps individuals learn that their anxieties are normal, manageable, and not as catastrophic as initially perceived. Paradoxically, the more you accept anxiety as a natural part of relationships, the less of it you have.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a powerful tool in treating social anxiety, offering individuals a means to better understand and manage their anxiety responses. By practicing mindfulness, individuals with social anxiety can become more attuned to their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations in a non-judgmental way. This heightened self-awareness allows them to identify the root causes of social anxiety and recognize distorted thinking patterns, which often contribute to their fears about social interactions. Moreover, mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, help individuals to stay grounded in the present moment, reducing their focus on past mistakes or future worries that fuel social anxiety. Over time, mindfulness can enable individuals to develop a more balanced perspective on social situations, respond to anxiety triggers more adaptively, and cultivate a sense of inner calm, thereby promoting a significant improvement in their social well-being and confidence.

Behavioral Experiments: Behavioral experiments involve actively testing the beliefs and assumptions that underlie social anxiety. Individuals engage in real-life situations to gather evidence about the accuracy of their fears and anxieties. If you believe going to a party will be a failure because people will think you're weird and will not want to talk to you, you'll never have evidence to the contrary unless you test it out. By going to the party and collecting objective data, you can challenge anxious thoughts and develop a more realistic appraisal. You might find that there are some awkward or uncomfortable interactions, but as you talk to more people, you find people with whom you have a natural chemistry and enjoy talking to. This evidence-based approach is instrumental in reshaping cognitive patterns.

Social Skills Training

Communication Training: Social skills training plays a vital role in the treatment of social anxiety, as it equips individuals with the tools and confidence needed to navigate social situations effectively. This therapeutic approach focuses on developing communication and interpersonal skills, enhancing communication, and improving emotional intelligence. For individuals with social anxiety who often struggle with fear of judgment and negative self-perception, social skills training offers a structured and supportive environment in which to practice and refine their social interactions. It helps individuals learn to manage their anxious feelings using coping skills, such as reducing avoidance behaviors like avoiding eye contact, and self-consciousness in general. Additionally, by providing opportunities to receive feedback and encouragement, social skills training can boost self-esteem and reduce the fear of negative evaluation, ultimately leading to greater comfort and success in social settings. Overall, it empowers individuals to gradually build their social confidence and engage more meaningfully with others, making it a valuable component of a comprehensive treatment plan for social anxiety.

Assertiveness Training: Assertiveness training is a highly effective component of cognitive behavior therapy for social anxiety, as it empowers individuals to express their thoughts, needs, and feelings in a confident and respectful manner. For those grappling with social anxiety, assertiveness can be particularly challenging, as the fear of judgment and the desire to avoid confrontation often leads to passive or submissive behaviors. Assertiveness training equips individuals with the skills to communicate assertively, teaching them to express themselves honestly while setting appropriate boundaries. Helping individuals develop these skills boosts their self-esteem and self-efficacy and reduces the avoidance behaviors common in social anxiety, reducing social anxiety symptoms. As individuals become more adept at asserting themselves, they gain the confidence to engage in social interactions with less fear and self-doubt. In turn, this can lead to improved relationships, a more fulfilling social life, and a reduction in the overall impact of social anxiety.

Our Social Anxiety Treatment Program

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Los Angeles, our outpatient social phobia treatment center is dedicated to providing specialized care for individuals with social anxiety. Our esteemed team of psychologists, many of whom hold faculty positions at renowned universities in the Los Angeles area, is devoted to ensuring the highest quality of social anxiety therapy tailored to your unique needs.

Expertise at the Forefront

In the realm of social anxiety care in Los Angeles, our team of therapists, all of whom are licensed psychologists, distinguishes itself with expertise in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This evidence-based and proven approach is effective not only for social anxiety but also for a spectrum of mental health disorders. Our Los Angeles outpatient social anxiety treatment center is committed to guiding you through a journey toward emotional well-being, supported by a deep understanding of the intricacies of psychological issues.

Comprehensive Treatment for Social Anxiety

Reflecting the diversity of Los Angeles, our practice extends beyond focusing solely on social anxiety. Our therapists, deeply connected to the local community, are equipped to address a myriad of psychological concerns. This ensures that you receive a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan resonating with the unique spirit of Los Angeles.

In-Person and Online Social Anxiety Treatment Options

Recognizing the diverse needs of our clients, our outpatient social anxiety treatment center provides both in-person and online treatment options. Whether you prefer face-to-face sessions with our therapists at our convenient Los Angeles locations or the flexibility of virtual sessions from the comfort of your home, we are dedicated to offering an accessible and effective outpatient treatment program that aligns with your lifestyle in the bustling metropolis of Los Angeles and its surroundings.

Accepting New Clients to Our Los Angeles Social Anxiety Treatment Program

We understand that taking the first step towards seeking help can be challenging. Rest assured, our outpatient treatment program is currently open to new clients, and our Los Angeles-based team is ready to support you on your path to recovery. Your well-being is our top priority, and we offer both individual and group therapy for social anxiety, ensuring a high-quality treatment plan.

Specialized in Outpatient CBT for Social Anxiety in Los Angeles

Cognitive-behavioral therapy forms the core of our approach, aligning with the principles of effective mental health care. We believe in the empowering potential of CBT to equip individuals in our Los Angeles treatment center with practical tools and strategies to navigate and overcome the challenges posed by social anxiety. Our dedicated focus on CBT ensures that you receive targeted and evidence-based treatment.

If you are seeking expert social anxiety treatment in Los Angeles, look no further. Our team of dedicated psychologists, is here to provide the support and guidance you need. Take the initial step toward a brighter future by reaching out to us today to schedule an appointment.

At Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Los Angeles, our doctoral-level mental health professionals specialize in the most effective, brief treatments for social anxiety. If you or someone you know is grappling with social anxiety, seek assistance by calling or emailing us today to schedule an appointment.

To learn more about CBT for social anxiety disorder or would like a consultation to determine whether CBT for social anxiety is right for you, visit Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Los Angeles for more information.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder Los Angeles

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment for people suffering from social anxiety disorder. Learn about CBT for social anxiety.

# data[].attributes.body
A study of a therapist using VR exposure on multiple patients and the effectiveness of curing phobias. The pre-exposure means that regular exposure did not help as much as the post-test. You can see that the comfort of knowing the object of fear is not an informant of you comforted the patients and possibly might push them to do more exposure therapy.

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Self-efficacy-scores-Note-VRETVirtual-reality-exposure-therapy-DBdiaphragmatic_fig5_312510843