Accepting New Clients (updated Mar 19)

Treatment for Phobias in Seattle

Specialized phobia therapy helps you overcome both specific & complex phobias. We develop a treatment plan that’s specific to you. Our therapy is designed to understand the root cause of your phobia and help you move past the fear. Our phobia therapist, Michelle Mooney, has helped clients treat a wide range of phobias. We encourage you to reach out and talk about your phobia, whether it’s a common or unique phobia. Schedule a free initial consultation today.

What is a phobia?

A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder that presents with a fear of a defined situation, experience, or object. Usually this fear persists for six months or more and imposes restrictions on the life experience of the individual living with that phobia. Phobias are divided into two categories: specific phobias and complex phobias.

Types of Phobias

Social phobias and agoraphobia are examples of complex phobias in which the individual develops a deep-rooted fear of situations. These fears such as the fear of being judged by others or the inability to escape a certain situation are defined as Complex Phobias. Complex phobias can be debilitating because they interfere with the individual’s ability to engage in common everyday situations such as going outside or interacting socially. Specific phobias can also present serious problems however, since the individual may be able to avoid a specific phobia.

Cause of Complex Phobias

Complex phobias are more likely to present in adulthood and can be treated with both therapy and medication. The cause of Complex Phobias is unknown however it is believed that genetics, brain chemistry, and life experience can all contribute to the onset of this condition.

Cause of Specific Phobias

Specific Phobias include phobias specific to fear related to animals or insects, blood or injury, and specific situations such as a fear of flying or heights. Negative phobias are often developed when an individual has a negative experience with that object or specific situation such as an especially turbulent flight that leads to a fear of flying or being attacked by a dog leading to a fear of all dogs.

EMDR Therapy Seattle

Diagnostic Criteria for Phobias

Phobia Treatment with a therapist that is trained in phobia counseling may support you in overcoming your anxiety related to specific or complex phobias.

Symptoms of Phobias may include one or more of the following:

  • A persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable, that occurs by the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation.
  • Exposure to or anticipation of the feared item or situation leads to an immediate anxiety response, which may take the form of a panic attack.
  • The person recognizes that the fear is excessive or out of proportion to the actual threat posed.
  • The phobic situation is avoided or else tolerated with intense anxiety or distress.
  • The avoidance, anxious anticipation, or distress during the feared situation interferes significantly with the person’s normal routine, work functioning, or social activities or relationships.
  • The fear is persistent, typically lasting for at least six months. There is significant distress related to the presence of the phobia.

Our Method for Treating Phobias

Living with a Phobia can be limiting and seriously inhibit one’s ability to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Phobias such as fear of speaking in public or social anxiety can impair one’s ability to thrive in their career. They may also prevent individuals from engaging in activities that allow them to cultivate personal or professional relationships.

Phobias can impose restrictions, cause extreme anxiety, and lead to feelings of isolation and intense fear. Phobia treatment therapy can be extremely effective by helping you to retrain your mind and learn tools for coping for dealing with and seeing your fear in a new way.

Recovering from anxiety and phobias is possible. We use several different methods such as:

We combine methods to create a customized treatment plan just for you. We will teach you coping skills and coach you on how you can implement them in your day to day life outside of our session.

Phobia Therapy Pricing

Therapy creates a space for you to experience healing and progress in a way that can change your life. But of course, it’s also an investment of both time and finances. When you’re ready to commit to healing and transformation, here is what you can expect.

Standard individual session
(50 minutes) $190

Insurance

We do not participate with any insurance panels. Anchor Light Therapy Collective is considered an out-of-network provider.

As a courtesy to any individual clients who wish to utilize their insurance benefits, We are happy to verify your out-of-network plan benefits to tell you what portion, if any, may be covered by your health insurance provider.

Out of Nework Insurance Options