SPECIFIC PHOBIA TREATMENT
AT THE FITZROVIA PSYCHOLOGY CLINIC

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

  • Initial Consultation: Your first appointment provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns and how your phobia affects your everyday life. Your clinician will take time to understand what triggers your fear or anxiety, how you respond in these situations, and the impact this has on your wellbeing and daily activities.
  • Comprehensive Assessment: We carry out a thorough psychological assessment to understand the nature of your Specific Phobia and how it affects you. This may include exploring the situations or objects that trigger your anxiety, the thoughts and physical sensations you experience, and any avoidance or anticipatory anxiety associated with your phobia.
  • Personalised Treatment Plan: Following your assessment, your clinician will develop an individualised treatment plan based on your needs and treatment goals. We recognise that Specific Phobias can affect people in different ways, so treatment is tailored to the particular fears and difficulties you are experiencing.
  • Evidence-Based Therapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective treatment for Specific Phobias. CBT can help you understand the patterns that maintain your fear and anxiety and develop practical strategies to reduce the impact of your phobia on your life. Treatment can be provided through both one-to-one and group therapy.
  • Ongoing Support: We provide therapy in a supportive and confidential environment, with your progress reviewed throughout treatment. Your clinician will work collaboratively with you to ensure that treatment remains focused on your individual needs and goals.
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DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Specific Phobias can involve an intense fear or disgust of particular objects, animals or situations. Common examples include animal phobias, such as fears of dogs, rodents, spiders or snakes; environmental phobias, such as heights, deep water or germs; and situational phobias, such as flying or visiting the dentist.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment that can help reduce the impact of Specific Phobias and support you in managing the fear and anxiety associated with them. Your clinician will discuss the most appropriate treatment approach following your assessment.

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Meet the Team

You’re in expert hands at The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic. Our team of highly experienced clinical and counselling psychologists provide specialist psychological assessment and treatment for a range of anxiety disorders, including Specific Phobias.

Our clinicians use evidence-based psychological therapies and work collaboratively with each individual to provide personalised, compassionate care. They take the time to understand your experiences and develop treatment plans designed around your individual needs.

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Dr J. Davidson

Team Lead of The General Adult Mental Health Team | Clinical Psychologist

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Dr A. Hayes (nee Rigg)

Founder of The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic | Consultant Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Emily Alteirac (Nee Smyth)

Co-Founder | Clinical Psychologist | Team Lead of The Trauma Team

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Dr L. Viney

Co-founder | Clinical Psychologist | Team Lead of The Schema Team

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Dr H. Stringer

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr V. Khurana

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Mirko Esposito

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr C. Eilender

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr H. Scanlon

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Heather Westwood

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Gavin Menzies

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Kate Watchorn

Clinical Psychologist | Team Lead of The Perinatal and Child Team

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Dr Sabrina Appadoo

Counselling Psychologist | Team Lead of The DBT Team

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Dr Sam Russ

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Christopher Bonner

Clinical Psychologist | Team Lead of The Health Psychology Team

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Dr Frankie Washington

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Richard Pomfret

Counselling Psychologist

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Dr C. Cookson

Clinical Psychologist | Team Lead of The Child and Adolescent Team

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Dr Gabrielle Brady

Counselling Psychologist | Team Lead of The Eating Disorder Team

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Dr Leonora Marshall

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr N. Khan

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr S. Lakin

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Adam Kadri

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Ama Hagan

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Frances Maclennan

Consultant Clinical Psychologist

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Mr Jan Sheppard

Psychotherapist

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Dr A. Mrkaljevic

Counselling Psychologist

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Dr Kiana Azmoodeh

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Tamara Licht Musso

Clinical and Counselling Psychologist

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Dr J. Shearer

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Gurbaani Bhalla

Counselling Psychologist

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Dr Elliott Gibbs

Counselling Psychologist

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Dr Ranjeet Karir

Counselling Psychologist

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Dr C. Barry

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Daisy Lee

Sport and Exercise Psychologist

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Dr Rossana Basile

Counselling Psychologist

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Specific Phobia?

A Specific Phobia is a type of anxiety disorder characterised by an intense and overwhelming fear or disgust of a particular object, animal, situation or activity. The fear is often disproportionate to the actual level of danger and can significantly affect everyday life.

What are some common types of Specific Phobia?

Specific Phobias can involve many different objects or situations. Examples include animal phobias, such as fear of dogs, rodents, spiders or snakes; environmental phobias, such as heights, deep water or germs; situational phobias, such as flying or visiting the dentist; and fears relating to blood, vomit or injections.

What are the symptoms of a Specific Phobia?

Symptoms can include intense fear or disgust, anticipatory anxiety and panic attacks. Physical symptoms of anxiety may include a racing heart, sweating, dizziness or feeling faint, trembling, difficulty swallowing, chest discomfort, difficulty breathing, and numbness or pins and needles.

Can a Specific Phobia affect everyday life?

Yes. Specific Phobias can have a significant impact on quality of life, wellbeing and day-to-day functioning. Avoiding feared situations or experiencing anxiety in anticipation of them can make everyday activities more difficult.

Can I have a phobia even if I know my fear is disproportionate?

Yes. Many people recognise that their fear is excessive or disproportionate to the actual level of danger, but the fear reaction can still feel automatic and beyond their control.

What treatment is available for Specific Phobias?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment that has been shown to be highly effective for Specific Phobias. It can help reduce the impact of the phobia and develop strategies for managing fear and anxiety. Treatment can be provided through one-to-one or group therapy.

How do I arrange an assessment for a Specific Phobia?

If you would like to find out more about treatment for a Specific Phobia at The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic, please contact us to arrange an assessment with one of our experienced clinicians.

Do you offer one-to-one and group therapy?

Yes. Specific Phobias can be treated through both one-to-one and group therapy options. Your clinician can discuss the most appropriate approach for your individual needs following an assessment.

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  • Jonathan is fantastic. I found our sessions to be a very calm environment that really helped me to reset each week. Jonathan really builds a great rapport, and is very practical and realistic during the process. I could not recommend him more!

    Former Client

  • I am extremely grateful for the care Allison showed me during our sessions. She always adapted sessions to match my needs and demonstrated a real understanding of the difficulties I was facing. Her openness and kindness meant that trust was developed very quickly, and I would have no hesitation in seeing her again should I ever need to.

    Former Client

  • The early stages showed me that Emily truly cares about helping other people. I was hesitant to start sessions, but Emily remained consistent with reaching out and always remained patient and understanding. The depth and structure of the sessions was incredible, I’ve never worked with a therapist who has left me feeling like I understand and appreciate to I am to such a level.

    Former Client