minxy
01-06-2008, 02:38 PM
Some phobias need to be faced less often than others, says Andrews. For example, a fear of spiders may only be triggered when a person is out in the garden; as opposed to a social phobia that may influence every area of a person's life.
He says the task for all phobias is to confront them, in a planned fashion "so that you overcome them, so they stop dominating you."
Treatments may include:
Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches people to change their negative, irrational thoughts into more rational ones. This can be very successful because how you 'think' can affect how you 'feel'.
Exposure therapy (i.e. facing your fears). Exposure therapy is a cognitive behavioural therapy technique for reducing fear and anxiety responses. It is particularly useful for phobias such as a fear of snakes. The therapy involves the person (instructed and guided by a therapist) progressively exposing themselves to their fear, i.e. snakes.
Relaxation training techniques such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation can play a role in relieving tension and anxiety.
Medication Pharmacological treatment can be used in conjunction with psychological treatment. For example, some anti-depressive medication can be effective in reducing the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
thanks,
minxy.
He says the task for all phobias is to confront them, in a planned fashion "so that you overcome them, so they stop dominating you."
Treatments may include:
Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches people to change their negative, irrational thoughts into more rational ones. This can be very successful because how you 'think' can affect how you 'feel'.
Exposure therapy (i.e. facing your fears). Exposure therapy is a cognitive behavioural therapy technique for reducing fear and anxiety responses. It is particularly useful for phobias such as a fear of snakes. The therapy involves the person (instructed and guided by a therapist) progressively exposing themselves to their fear, i.e. snakes.
Relaxation training techniques such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation can play a role in relieving tension and anxiety.
Medication Pharmacological treatment can be used in conjunction with psychological treatment. For example, some anti-depressive medication can be effective in reducing the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
thanks,
minxy.