A very common issue that people go to therapy for is having irrational fears. Many people sit in our offices and admit that there is no good reason to be scared of: bridges, escalators, the number 13, public speaking, insects, failure and flying. Well, there is probably some biological reason to be scared of spiders but the reality is that many of our irrational fears are in fact irrational. Even though most people know they are irrational, they have a difficult time reducing their fear.
Here are my top strategies to help you overcome irrational fears.
If you have a fear that is irrational and impacting your life, I recommend that you work with a therapist that specializes in treating anxiety and phobias. Anxiety is treatable through the usage of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Phobias can be treated through Exposure Therapy. The therapist would work with you to face your fears by taking small steps toward it. First, you may look at a picture of an escalator. Next, you might watch a video of someone going on a escalator. Next, you might go look at an escalator at the store. Finally, you would ride the escalator yourself. In therapy, the counselor will teach you relaxation strategies and ways to change your thinking patterns that you will use at each step of your process.
On your own, you can learn and practice a variety of relaxation techniques you can use to reduce your levels of fear. Practice meditating on a daily basis for 10 minutes. Meditation is a wonderful anxiety buster. Take up yoga and attend a class once a week. Learn deep breathing techniques and incorporate them in your life. Use lavender essential oils in your house to bring a calming energy to you.
Taking action is the first step to getting help for your phobias. They are treatable so you can begin working on them today.
Amanda Patterson, LMHC, CAP , Mental Health Counselor of the Year by the Florida Mental Health Counseling Association, decided to become a therapist while attending Nova Southeastern University. She saw the need to help people achieve the life they wanted to live, while creating a life of her own. She completed her master’s in Mental Health Counseling and started a career in the juvenile justice arena. Amanda has been a therapist for ten years and has a private practice in Wellington, Florida, specializing in depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and substance abuse in teenagers and young adults. Amanda is a believer in holistic treatment and she practices veganism, meditation and yoga in her life. Find out more about her practice here.
To schedule an appointment, call or text Amanda at 954-378-5381 or email her at amanda@amandapattersonlmhc.
