Counselling for Phobias
Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology | Menai and Sutherland Shire
Our psychologists and counsellors at Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology provide evidence-based trauma-informed and neuro-affirming counselling for phobias. We offer in-person sessions at our Menai psychology clinic, supporting clients from Bangor, Illawong, Engadine and surrounding suburbs, as well as online counselling across Sydney and Australia.
A phobia involves a strong fear response that feels overwhelming or our of proportion to the actual level of threat. While fear is a natural and protective emotion, phobias can trigger intense physical and emotional reactions, sometimes even when the feared object or situation is not present. For some, distress may arise simply from the anticipation or seeing an image related to their fear.
People experiencing phobias may find themselves avoiding certain activities, places or situations to prevent anxiety. Although avoidance can bring temporary relief, it can also maintain the fear cycle and begin to affect work, relationships, social life or daily routines.
Phobias commonly coexist with other difficulties, including generalised anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), perfectionism, trauma-related symptoms, and neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Addressing these overlapping experiences within counselling helps build insight, improve emotional regulation and strengthen coping strategies.
Phobias can relate to animals, heights, flying, needles, enclosed spaces, medical procedures, or specific environments. Each person’s experience is unique, and our role is to understand what the fear feels like for you and to support you in moving toward greater comfort and confidence.
Our psychologists and counsellors use a range of evidence-based therapies to support people experiencing phobias, including:
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Exposure-based strategies
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Mindfulness-Based approaches
• Somatic Psychotherapy
These approaches help reduce fear responses, increase emotional regulation and make situations that once felt overwhelming more manageable over time.
Our clinicians provide a calm, respectful and steady therapeutic environment, working collaboratively and at a pace that feels safe for you. Whether your phobia is affecting daily life or you’re ready to take the first step toward facing your fear, we offer support that is thoughtful, individualised and grounded in best practice.
If you or someone you care about would like to learn more about phobia counselling in the Sutherland Shire, contact Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology in Menai on 02 8519 4197, or click the button below to request an appointment.