Treatment of Phobias

Here is a good, general overview of treatment options for a phobia, which is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary as:

A persistent, abnormal, and irrational fear of a specific thing or situation that compels one to avoid it, despite the awareness and reassurance that it is not dangerous.

A strong fear, dislike, or aversion.

Systematic desensitization is used in most treatment protocols for this disorder. Here is a more in-depth description of the procedure, for those who are interested. Systematic desensitization can be self-administered to a point, but it requires insight, carefulness, mindfulness, and precision to be successful. Here is a precaution:

Because of the potential for extreme panic reactions to occur, which can increase the phobia, this technique should only be conducted by a well-qualified, trained professional. Also, the relaxation response should be thoroughly learned before confronting the anxiety-provoking hierarchy.

It takes hard work to rid oneself of a phobia, but results can be very good.