Not all phobias are the same

Specialist CBT therapy for anxiety, OCD, depression and more in West London

Strong fears can look very different from one person to another. One person may dread flying, another may avoid needles or animals, and another may feel especially anxious about being judged in public. I am Sanah Younis, a BABCP accredited CBT therapist at The Lyceum Clinic in West London. What matters clinically is not placing someone into a category from a short description, but understanding the pattern of fear, avoidance, bodily sensations and impact on daily life. An article cannot diagnose a phobia. A similar pattern might relate to panic, social anxiety, trauma, a health concern or another difficulty. New, severe or concerning physical symptoms should be discussed with an appropriate medical professional. An assessment can consider how the problem began, what makes it worse, what helps in the short term and what someone hopes life could look like if fear took up less space. Avoidance can make sense when a situation feels threatening. It may offer relief for a while, but can also make routines, work, travel and relationships harder over time. This is not a sign of weakness or a lack of willpower. It is a pattern that deserves curiosity and care. Some people also rely on safety behaviours, reassurance or careful planning, which may be important to explore without judgement. When CBT based work is appropriate, it is collaborative. We may develop a shared formulation, consider anxious predictions and discuss practical goals. Exposure based work is planned with a qualified clinician when it is clinically indicated. It is not a self directed challenge, and it should not be treated as a universal solution. The pace and method depend on the person, their health, circumstances and consent. There is no single treatment that fits every strong fear. A person may need support with panic sensations, social judgement, a specific trigger or the wider consequences of living with avoidance. Progress is not guaranteed or linear. A setback does not prove that someone cannot be helped, and early progress does not promise a particular outcome. The purpose of assessment is to make a careful, realistic decision about support. If fear is restricting your choices, you can read the related /guides/phobias/ resource and /approach/erp/ page. I offer online therapy and appointments in Chiswick, Ealing and the Richmond venue. To discuss your own circumstances, arrange an initial conversation through /start/.