Therapy For Phobias In Varsity Lakes

By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist

Understanding Phobias

A phobia is more than just fear. It is an intense, persistent and often overwhelming reaction to a specific object, situation or activity. While fear can be protective, a phobia causes a person to avoid or become extremely distressed in its presence—even when the danger is minimal or non-existent.

Phobias are common and treatable. They typically fall into three categories:

• Specific phobias, such as fear of snakes, spiders, flying, heights, or needles
• Social anxiety disorder, involving intense fear of social scrutiny or embarrassment
• Agoraphobia, a fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult, such as crowded places or enclosed spaces

These fears can impact everyday life and relationships, sometimes causing isolation or missed opportunities. Fortunately, effective psychological treatments are available and accessible.

How Therapy Helps With Phobias

At Hennessy Clinical Psychology in Varsity Lakes, we offer evidence-based psychological therapies tailored to support individuals experiencing phobias. Therapy is paced to suit you, always with kindness, care and respect.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a widely researched and recommended first-line treatment for phobias. It helps people identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours associated with fear, enabling them to approach feared situations more confidently and realistically^[1].

Exposure Therapy

A key technique within CBT, exposure therapy involves gradually facing the feared object or situation in a safe, supportive environment. This process builds tolerance and reduces the fear response through habituation and inhibitory learning^[2].

Psychoeducation

Understanding how phobias develop, and why they persist, can reduce shame and empower change. Clients learn how their brain’s fear system works and how avoidance maintains anxiety over time.

Skills For Anxiety Regulation

You will learn practical tools to manage the emotional and physical symptoms of anxiety, such as:

• Breath-focused regulation
• Grounding techniques
• Mindfulness practices
• Values-based behavioural strategies^[3]

Compassion-Focused Therapy

Phobias are often accompanied by internal shame or frustration. Compassion-focused therapy helps reduce self-criticism and build emotional safety, supporting long-term recovery and self-acceptance^[4].

Common Phobias We Treat

At our Varsity Lakes clinic, we commonly support people living with phobias such as:

• Fear of snakes, spiders or insects
• Fear of flying
• Fear of needles, blood, or medical procedures
• Fear of enclosed spaces like lifts or aeroplanes
• Fear of vomiting, heights, or crowds

No fear is silly or shameful. If it is affecting your life, it matters—and therapy can help.

A Respectful And Personalised Approach

Therapy is most effective when it feels safe. At Hennessy Clinical Psychology, we take the time to get to know you, understand your goals, and tailor an approach that aligns with your pace and preferences. Some clients prefer visualisation and education first; others are ready to begin graded exposure. Both are valid.

References

1. Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427–440. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-012-9476-1
2. Craske, M. G., Treanor, M., Conway, C. C., Zbozinek, T., & Vervliet, B. (2014). Maximising exposure therapy: An inhibitory learning approach. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 58, 10–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2014.04.006
3. Öst, L. G. (2014). The efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 61, 105–121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2014.07.018
4. Gilbert, P. (2014). The origins and nature of compassion focused therapy. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 53(1), 6–41. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjc.12043