We all have situations that cause us some form of anxiety, but when that anxiety starts to restrict our everyday activities it can become a phobia.

A phobia is an irrational, intense or persistent fear of certain situations, objects or people.

It is estimated that up to 18% of the population currently suffer from some sort of phobia. But do so many of these people need to suffer in silence for so long?

In my work as a psychotherapist, I often use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to treat phobias. CBT looks at changing the thoughts, feelings and behaviours associated with the phobia, so that you become more able to deal with things in a rational way.

It may also involve gradual exposure to the original problem area so that you can slowly become ‘desensitised’ to it. Most phobias can be treated in as little as six sessions.

The most important thing about a phobia is not to beat yourself up over it, as this only worsens the symptoms. Instead, it is really important to summon up the courage to face it and to seek help.

Despite what you may think, the chances are that you are not the only one to suffer from your phobia, no matter how rare it is.