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Phobia Therapy in West London

Phobias involve intense fear or anxiety in response to a specific object, situation, or experience - often far beyond the actual level of threat.

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Phobias can lead to avoidance, panic, and a sense of being controlled by the anxiety, even when the person recognises the fear is irrational.


Phobias are common and treatable. They can develop from early experiences, past trauma, or simply become reinforced over time through avoidance and fear. Whether the fear feels mild but inconvenient, or overwhelming and life-restricting, therapy offers tools to reduce its impact and help you reclaim your freedom.


At The Knightsbridge Practice, we work gently and collaboratively to help you face fears at a pace that feels manageable - offering support, insight, and practical strategies along the way, through dedicated sessions for phobia therapy in West London.

Expert therapy for phobias

You don’t have to continue living around your phobia. With the right support, it’s possible to move through fear and into a greater sense of freedom and confidence.

Common signs of a phobia

  • Intense fear, panic, or dread in response to a specific trigger

  • Physical symptoms such as racing heart, dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath

  • Avoidance of the feared object, situation, or event

  • Anticipatory anxiety — worrying well in advance of encountering the fear

  • Feelings of embarrassment, frustration, or loss of control

Types of specific phobias

Phobias can centre around almost anything. Some of the most common include:

 

  • Animals – spiders (arachnophobia), dogs, birds

  • Natural environments – heights (acrophobia), thunderstorms, water

  • Situational – flying (aviophobia), driving, tunnels, enclosed spaces (claustrophobia)

  • Medical-related – needles (trypanophobia), blood, vomiting (emetophobia), dentists

  • Social or performance situations – public speaking, eating in front of others

  • Phobias linked to loss of control – choking, fainting, germs (mysophobia)

How phobia therapy can help

Phobias respond well to psychological therapy - especially when it’s adapted to your pace and needs. Our approach may include:
 

  • Psychoeducation about the fear response and how phobias develop

  • Cognitive strategies to challenge exaggerated beliefs about danger

  • Exposure therapy (gradual and supported) to reduce avoidance and increase confidence

  • Work with the nervous system to manage panic and develop a sense of internal safety

  • Exploring any emotional or historical roots of the fear where relevant

A flexible, personalised approach to therapy

Many clients benefit from various types of therapy.

 

For example, a session might incorporate the reflective depth of psychodynamic therapy, the practical tools of CBT, and the self-kindness of CFT - all held within a relational, person-centred frame.

 

Your therapist will collaborate with you to shape a path that feels relevant, respectful, and effective.

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