Phobiasoccur in many people and are often mild.

Keep reading to learn about the common types of therapy used to treat phobias.

This belief leadsnegative automatic thoughtsto occur as soon as the feared situation is encountered.

Nervous passenger sitting on airplane

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These automatic thoughts cause a phobic behavioral reaction, or fear response.

It’s based on the interconnectedness of thoughts, beliefs, feelings, and behaviors.

It takes several sessions in CBT to counteract these thought patterns and the sessions commonly include a component ofexposure.

To accomplish this, the therapist can help you overcome your fear with incremental steps and levels of exposure.

Techniques used in cognitivebehavioral therapydraw from the schools of behaviorism,learning theory, andcognitive theory.

Therapies more specifically targeted at behavioral change, such as CBT, generally occur for a limited time.

Family therapy is a common part of treatment plans for children with phobias.

Medications for Phobias

A good therapist will design a uniquetreatment planto meet your needs.

For some,medicationmay be part of the treatment plan.

This is more common in those with asocial phobiarather than for fear of a specific object or situation.

A Word From Verywell

Behavioral therapy can play an important role in the treatment of phobias.

Exposure treatments rooted in behavioral approaches are frequently used as a first-line treatment for different types of phobias.

Behavioral therapy can also take place in groups or with family members.

However, this is not the sole effective treatment for phobias.