Audrey Jung Provides Anxiety Counseling in Phoenix, Chandler, and Throughout Arizona and California for Clients with Moderate to Severe Phobias
Some fears are healthy. If we were in a dangerous situation, we want our bodies to experience fear so that we know that we should escape or leave. Still, some people have significant, overwhelming fear caused by things (known as “stimuli”) that are not particularly dangerous, or unlikely to affect you in your day to day life. These are known as “phobias,” and they can disrupt your ability to be your best self.
- Do you have a fear that is impacting your life?
- Do you experience extreme distress when people even mention the subject of that fear?
- Do you feel like your life would be better if you no longer had this fear?
My name is Audrey Jung. I am a licensed counselor that specializes in treating anxiety. I am here to help you overcome your phobias and fears, and free yourself from the burden that these extreme fears cause. I am licensed in both Arizona and California, and have an in-person office in Chandler, not far from Phoenix. If you’d like to get started, please call today at (480) 775-6423 or use my online form and let’s connect to talk about your struggles.
Why Do We Have Phobias?
There was a time in human history when our survival required fear. We had to fear predators. We had to fear mild illness. We had to fear injury. Before medicine and civilization, one small mistake could be a life-threatening challenge.
We don’t exactly live in that world anymore. While we can look at the world as it is today and see ways in which it is currently or potentially dangerous, on a day to day basis, most of us do not have to fear being eaten by a bear or dying from an infected papercut.
Our bodies, however, are sometimes primed to have these fears – especially for things that were dangerous to us in the past. It’s why our most common fears often (although not always) were dangers to us in past civilizations, such as:
- Spiders (Arachnophobia)
- Snakes (Ophidiophobia)
- Dogs/Wolves (Cynophobia)
- Heights (Acrophobia)
- Blood (Hematophobia)
- Germs/Contamination (Mysophobia)
There are a few phobias that are more modern, such as aerophobia (fear of planes), and some we do not entirely understand, like Trypophobia (fear of small, densely packed holes), but in general, we are primed to fear things that may have been a danger to us in the past.
In addition, the way we respond to fear can increase the severity of the fear and teach our minds to react more strongly in the future. This is known as “negative conditioning.” Imagine you have a slight fear of something harmless, like a butterfly. When you see a butterfly, you experience mild anxiety, avoid the butterfly, and you feel better. This action actually teaches are brains that the butterfly was something to fear, and that avoiding the butterfly provides relief. It becomes a cycle that can increase our fear of butterflies, leading to a more pronounced phobia.
How Do We Treat Phobias?
Phobias respond incredibly well to psychotherapy, and there are many very effective approaches to addressing phobias. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is especially useful, as it addresses both the thoughts (cognitions) and actions (behaviors) that create and enhance these fears.
Yet, every individual is also different. If your fear has an origin (for example, if you have a fear of dogs because you were attacked by a dog in your youth), then we will want to address that as well. My role with you is to help you unlock what you need to feel like you’re thriving, overcome your fears, and take on the world the way you deserve to.
Together, we will talk about the different options and approaches available for addressing your phobia, and work on your needs based on who you are as an individual.
If you are ready to get started, call me today or fill out my form and let’s start a conversation that will help you manage your phobias and anxiety.