Support for
Phobias are highly treatable with focused psychological treatment.
Evidence-based treatment for specific phobias and avoidance — including graded exposure and cognitive approaches.
Key information you should know
- Specific phobias respond exceptionally well to evidence-based treatment — many people see significant change within a small number of sessions.
- Graded exposure (working towards what you fear, gently and at your pace) is the gold-standard approach.
- Common phobias include flying, driving, enclosed spaces, needles, and animals — treatment works the same way regardless.
Signs you might benefit from phobias support
- Intense fear or panic when faced with a specific situation, object, or animal
- Going to significant lengths to avoid the trigger
- Physical symptoms — racing heart, sweating, dizziness — when exposed
- Knowing the fear is out of proportion but feeling unable to control it
- Avoidance that affects work, travel, medical care, or daily life
- Fear that started after a specific event, or that's been there as long as you can remember
How therapy can help with phobias
Specific phobias produce intense fear and avoidance that shrink life: travel, medical procedures, animals, heights, or driving are common examples. Phobias respond well to graded exposure therapy.
Treatment is usually shorter than for generalised anxiety, with clear steps agreed in advance. You work at a pace that feels challenging but manageable.
Psychologists who support phobias
7 psychologists with experience in phobias.
Accepting new clientsBook with CarolineCaroline Gorman
Psychologist & Clinic Manager
Caroline is an experienced psychologist who supports clients across the lifespan to work towards meaningful therapeutic outcomes. With more than 15 years of experience, she brings a thoughtful, non-judgemental approach.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Dr Catherine Hart
Founder & Clinical Director
Catherine is a Clinical Psychologist, APS Supervisor of the Year (2024), and co-founder of Succoris Psychology Group. She leads clinical standards across the group and is passionate about supporting psychologists to build sustainable, ethical practices.
Dr Kim Mihaljevic
Clinical Psychologist
Kim offers a compassionate, person-centred approach, supporting individuals to improve their emotional wellbeing and live a meaningful life. She works collaboratively with clients aged 15 and over.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Kristy Ward
Psychologist & Director
Kristy is a warm, highly experienced psychologist who brings nearly two decades of clinical practice to helping people feel understood, supported and confident as they work towards meaningful change.
2 clinics
Nikita Kettlewell
Clinical Psychologist & Clinic Manager
Nikita works collaboratively with clients to identify goals and strategies for each individual, using a warm, empathic and non-judgemental approach. She has a background in individual and group therapy.
Works from Succoris Bendigo
Sophie Lord
Clinical Psychologist
Sophie provides warm, thoughtful therapy for children, adolescents and adults via telehealth. She is culturally aware, inclusive, and brings genuine curiosity to each person's story.
2 clinics
Accepting new clientsBook with SumairaSumaira Yousaf
Psychologist
Sumaira Yousaf is a registered General Psychologist with extensive international clinical experience across Australia and the UAE. She works with children, adolescents, adults, and families with a warm, strengths-focused approach.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Common questions about phobias
What is a phobia?
A phobia is an intense, persistent fear of a specific object or situation that is out of proportion to the actual risk, such as flying, heights, needles, driving, or animals. The fear often leads to avoidance, which can quietly shrink someone's life. Phobias are common and very treatable. Feeling this kind of fear is not irrational or a personal failing, and effective help is available.
When is a fear serious enough to get help?
It is worth seeking support when a fear leads you to avoid things that matter, causes significant distress, or affects your work, health, or relationships. For example, avoiding medical appointments because of a needle phobia, or turning down opportunities that involve flying. If a fear is shaping your choices, a psychologist can help you face it gradually and regain confidence.
How are phobias treated?
Phobias respond very well to graded exposure, a structured, step-by-step approach where you face the feared situation slowly and safely. This is a core part of cognitive behavioural therapy, and relaxation and mindfulness skills are often taught alongside it to help you manage the physical side of fear. Many people see meaningful change in a relatively small number of sessions, at a pace you agree on together.
How many sessions will I need for a phobia?
Specific phobias are often among the quicker concerns to treat, and some people notice significant improvement within several sessions, though this varies. Your psychologist will discuss a realistic plan in the first session. You do not need a referral to book, and a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan may provide Medicare rebates. Sessions are available in person and by telehealth.
What are the most common phobias?
Some of the most common phobias include fear of heights, flying, needles and injections, spiders and other animals, enclosed spaces, and driving. Social phobia, an intense fear of being judged in social situations, is also very common. Phobias can develop at any age, sometimes after a specific event and sometimes without a clear cause. Whatever the focus of the fear, the approach to treating it is similar and effective.
Prefer to reach out directly? We're happy to help.