What We Do

Our Programs

Having an uncommon phobia is not uncommon!  We have manualised programs for the twelve most common phobias (see below) as well as a program for more unusual phobias. Our structured programs involve five sessions over 5-10 weeks. In these sessions you will learn about what happens in your brain when you experience distress and anxiety, acquire powerful skills to combat these effects, and practice these skills in the safety of virtual simulations.

ANIMAL PHOBIAS

People suffering from animal phobias will go to extreme lengths to avoid situations where they might encounter the kind of animal/s they fear. This avoidance will frequently impact on the person's personal life by avoiding tasks such as walking down to the shops, going out with friends, or even visiting loved ones that own feared animals as pets. The person may experience extreme anxiety or panic in the presence of these animals and may actually put themselves in serious danger in their efforts to escape. The most common animal phobias we see are dogs, birds, snakes, and insects but we are able to treat any animal phobia.

FEAR OF FLYING

A fear of flying can cause significant impairment, especially as flying becomes more common for work and family. People suffering from aviophobia may go to extreme lengths to avoid situations in which they might need to travel in an aeroplane or helicopter. Although the fear can be localised to flying itself, it is frequently seen in combination with acrophobia (fear of heights), and/or claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces). Aviophobia often impacts on the person's personal and professional life, as they will tend to avoid situations such as traveling overseas with family or friends, or taking time-consuming travel alternatives for business trips. Luckily, treatment is available. Run in partnership with Flight Experience Sydney, we combine pilot education and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), the most effective treatment for specific phobias.

PUBLIC SPEAKING ANXIETY

Problematic anxiety symptoms in public speaking and/or presenting situations can disrupt an individual's ability to perform. People with intense fears around public speaking will go to great lengths to avoid presenting or even speaking in formal meetings. This can cause unnecessary anxiety in the workplace particularly and can even interfere with career progression. Public speaking programs are run on a one-on-one basis, corresponding to Sydney Phobia Clinic's 5-session model. For corporate teams, this content may be delivered in a 3-hour workshop format or otherwise depending on the team's needs.

CLAUSTROPHOBIA

Fear of enclosed spaces, or claustrophobia, is an intense or irrational fear of small spaces or the possibility of having no escape from an enclosed space. People suffering from this type of phobia will go to extreme lengths to avoid situations involving small rooms, spaces, or elevators. This avoidance will frequently impact on the person's professional and personal life by avoiding taking elevators, going into a basement or small office, taking public transport, and sometimes even medical procedures such as MRI or CT scans.

BLOOD-INJURY-INJECTION PHOBIA (BII)

These medical-type phobias, often called Blood-Injury-Injection phobias, can include all medical procedures, or be specific to blood-related situations, dental visits, or needles. 

A fear of needles is a condition marked by intense anxiety around procedures involved hypodermic needles and syringes. Often, the person suffering from this type of phobia will go to extreme lengths to avoid situations involving needles. This avoidance can lead to negative health outcomes if left untreated and can also impact an individual's life by causing delay or distress related to life choices like travel or parenthood.

EMETOPHOBIA

Emetophobia is an extreme and irrational fear of vomit and/or vomiting. People suffering from emetophobia will go to extreme lengths to avoid vomiting, such as limiting foods, excessively washing or checking, as well as avoiding situations where they may see others vomit- like parties or if others are unwell. The avoidance behaviours associated with emetophobia may have health implications and/or interfere with social activities and life decisions. People may not travel far from home or in some cases may delay pregnancy for fear of becoming unwell. Feelings of nausea or seeing someone being sick may lead to intense fear and/or panic attacks.

COOL KIDS ANXIETY PROGRAM

Sydney Phobia Clinic runs the Cool Kids Anxiety Program, owned by Macquarie University. These programs are led by Cool Kids Accredited Providers, Claudia LaCaria and August Gable.