Everyone is scared at one time or another. When the fear that a person experiences is out of proportion to the threat actually posed, and when that fear is impairing a person’s life, we consider the fear to be a phobia. People can experience different types of phobias, such as phobias of animals, needles, heights, and elevators, among others.

Some phobia symptoms include:

• Extreme fear and panic when confronted with the situation
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Avoidance of the feared situation

We have had success treating phobias with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

If you are one of the estimated 25 million Americans that have fears around flying, Dr. Julia Vigna Bosson often recommends CBT with an overlay of virtual reality technology to help people beat their fears.

At Union Square Practice, we know that phobias can be abated, even conquered, with treatment. After completing an evaluation, we will recommend a treatment plan that will include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both.