Therapy for Phobia & Fears

Living with specific phobias can be an incredibly isolating and distressing experience. It often feels like being held hostage by your own fears, as irrational beliefs persist despite conscious awareness of their falsehood. Whether it's the dread of boarding an airplane, the fear of confined spaces, the terror of heights, the anxiety associated with medical procedures involving needles, or the paralyzing fear of certain animals, these phobias can significantly impact one's quality of life. However, it's essential to know that there is hope, and effective therapeutic approaches like hypnosis, EMDR, acceptance-based therapy, and CBT can offer relief, empowering individuals to regain control over their fears and live more freely.

Free Yourself From Unwanted Fears & Phobia

Overcome phobia by addressing underlying stress and anxiety through CBT, hypnotherapy & EMDR.

Laura Faiwiszewski, Psy.D
Clinical Psychologist
Expertises
Claustrophobia, animal & medical phobia
Approach
EMDR, Hypnotherapy & CBT
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Irada Yunusova, Psy.D
Clinical Psychologist
Expertises
Specific phobia: social, flying, driving, & medical
Approach
ACT, CBT & EMDR
Read more
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How We Work with Fears & Phobia

Our therapists, Clinical Psychologists with expertise in addressing phobias and related fears, offer a comprehensive approach to treatment. They draw upon a range of evidence-based therapeutic techniques, including Systematic Desensitization, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and hypnotherapy. Their specialization extends to managing various phobias, encompassing fears of flying, claustrophobia, acrophobia (fear of heights), needle phobia, and animal phobias, resulting in successful outcomes.

The goal of therapy extends beyond symptom alleviation; it involves guiding clients to overcome the distressing grip of phobias and regain control over their lives. What distinguishes their approach is their deep understanding of the psychological factors contributing to phobias. Holding doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology and specialized training in phobias, they use this technique to process and alleviate the underlying anxieties and traumas that often underlie these fears. By integrating EMDR with other therapeutic modalities, they empower individuals to confront and conquer their specific phobias, leading to improved quality of life and emotional relief.

"Phobias can pervasively affect nearly every aspect of someone's life, creating significant emotional distress and internal conflict. Our approach targets these deep-rooted challenges, offering a comprehensive solution that transcends mere symptom management."

Our Specialists in EMDR for Phobias & Fears

Dr. Laura Faiwiszewski

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Faiwiszewski is a specialist in treating phobias, focusing on irrational fears and anxiety management. Her approach includes a blend of therapeutic techniques, notably Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and emphasizes hypnotherapy as a potent method for reducing fear responses. Her expertise in phobias, coupled with the use of hypnotherapy, provides an effective route to alleviating the distress caused by these intense fears.

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Dr. Irada Yunusova

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Yunusova's approach to treating phobias skillfully integrates CBT, Systematic Desensitization, and EMDR. This combination is highly effective in mitigating fear responses and addressing the underlying anxiety-inducing thoughts. CBT helps in restructuring negative thought patterns, while Systematic Desensitization gradually exposes individuals to their fears in a controlled manner. Adding EMDR into this mix, a technique known for processing and reducing the intensity of traumatic memories, Dr. Yunusova offers a comprehensive and multifaceted treatment plan that effectively addresses the complex nature of phobias.


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How EMDR Can Aid in the Treatment of Phobia

The addition of EMDR to traditional therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Systematic Desensitization for treating phobias has been supported by research, enhancing the effectiveness of phobia treatment. EMDR, a therapy initially developed for trauma, has shown promise in addressing the traumatic or distressing memories often at the core of phobic reactions. Research indicates that EMDR can facilitate the processing of these memories, thereby diminishing the emotional impact and the phobic response. This aspect is particularly complementary to CBT, which focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with the phobia. EMDR can accelerate the CBT process by directly reducing the emotional distress linked to the phobia, leading to a more holistic healing process.

Studies suggest that EMDR can aid in processing fears more effectively between exposure sessions, thereby reducing the distress associated with each step of desensitization. This integration is crucial for a smoother and more effective desensitization process. Moreover, research has shown that EMDR can lower overall anxiety levels, a benefit that is particularly advantageous for individuals with phobias. By decreasing the baseline level of anxiety, EMDR makes the specific phobic stimuli less overwhelming. By combining EMDR with CBT and Systematic Desensitization, therapists are able to offer a treatment plan that not only addresses the symptoms of the phobia but also its emotional and psychological roots, leading to more sustainable and comprehensive outcomes. 

FAQ About EMDR for Phobias & Fears

What is the success rate of EMDR in treating phobias?

While success rates can vary, EMDR has been reported to have a high success rate in treating anxiety disorders, including phobias, especially when the phobia is linked to specific traumatic events.

Is EMDR suitable for all types of phobias?

EMDR can be effective for various phobias, especially those with a clear connection to past traumatic events or memories. However, the suitability can vary, and it’s best determined by a mental health professional.

Can EMDR be used in conjunction with other therapies for phobias?

Yes, EMDR can be effectively integrated with other therapeutic approaches, such as CBT or Systematic Desensitization, to provide a comprehensive treatment plan for phobias.

Is EMDR scientifically proven to be effective for phobias?

Yes, numerous studies have shown that EMDR can be effective in treating phobias, particularly when they are rooted in traumatic experiences or deeply ingrained fears.

Are your sessions online or in person?

We offer our sessions both online and in person in our Soho Office. When done online, we use a HIPAA-compliant video service alongside an EMDR specific video service created to aid in the implementation of EMDR.

Ready To Rid Yourself of Fears & Phobia?

Embark on a path where self-compassion and liberation from fears and phobias converge. Let us guide you towards a more serene state of mind, fostering a harmonious relationship with your thoughts and reactions.