Topics · Nicosia
Phobias: when fear takes up too much room
Everyone is afraid of something. But when a fear makes you change your plans or avoid things you want to do, there are ways to work on it.
What a phobia is
A phobia is a strong, lasting fear of something specific that is far bigger than the real danger. People often know their fear does not quite make sense, yet they cannot control it.
Phobias are a type of anxiety and are fairly common. They can be about animals, heights, flying, needles, blood or small spaces, or about situations such as speaking in front of others or being in crowded places. Some begin in childhood, others later, often after a bad experience. Sometimes there is no clear cause at all.
Signs you may notice
When you are near the thing you fear, or even just thinking about it, you may feel:
- A racing heart, shaking or sweating
- Dizziness, nausea or difficulty breathing
- A strong urge to get away straight away
- Anxiety for days before a situation that scares you
- Changes to your life to avoid the fear, such as not travelling or not going to the doctor
Children's fears
Children go through phases of being afraid of the dark, of ‘monsters’, of dogs or of being apart from their parents. Most of the time these fears are part of growing up and fade on their own.
It is worth speaking with a psychologist if the fear is very intense, lasts for months, or stops your child going to school, sleeping or playing with other children. Teasing or pushing them to ‘get over it’ rarely helps. Showing that you understand their fear usually helps more.
How we can help
Therapy can help a great deal with phobias. With your psychologist, you come to understand how your fear works and learn ways to calm your body. The work often includes gradually facing what you fear, in small steps, at your own pace and always with your agreement.
At Safe Space Psychology Center in Latsia, we offer individual sessions for adults, children and teenagers, as well as sessions with parents. Sessions take place in person or online, privately or through GeSY, in Greek, English or Romanian.
Your first session
In the first session you will talk about what you fear, how long it has been going on and how much it limits you. You will not be asked to face your fear on day one. First we get to know each other, then we set goals together that feel right for you.
When to get help straight away
If your fear is stopping you from getting urgent medical care, please do not put it off. Ask someone to come with you. In any emergency, call 112 or go to the A&E department of your nearest hospital.
Frequently asked questions
My phobia feels silly. Is it worth getting help?
Yes. Many people feel embarrassed about their fear, but phobias are common and nobody here will judge you. If a fear is limiting your life, it is worth working on.
Will I be made to face what I am afraid of?
No. Nothing happens without your agreement. If you do work on gradually facing a fear, it happens in small steps that you decide on together with your psychologist.
Can I have sessions online?
Yes. Sessions take place either in person in Latsia or online, whichever suits you better.
Other topics we work with
Sources and further reading
- NHS: Phobias
- American Psychological Association: Phobias
- World Health Organization: Anxiety disorders
This page is for information only and does not replace an assessment by a psychologist or doctor.