Online phobia counselling to help you face your fears
You know the fear doesn't quite make sense, but that doesn't stop your heart racing or your whole body wanting to get away. A phobia can quietly shape where you go and what you do. Online phobia counselling helps you tackle it step by step, with a qualified therapist, from home.
- Qualified, vetted therapists
- Evening & weekend sessions
- Talk from home
When fear is bigger than the danger
A phobia is an intense, lasting fear of a particular thing, place or situation. It's much stronger than ordinary nervousness, and it's usually out of proportion to any real risk. Even thinking about the thing you fear can be enough to set off anxiety.
Phobias are often grouped into three types. Specific phobias focus on one thing, like spiders, heights, flying, needles or vomiting. Social phobia, also called social anxiety, is a fear of being judged or embarrassed in front of others. Agoraphobia is a fear of being somewhere it feels hard to escape or get help, which can make leaving home feel impossible.
Phobias are very common and very treatable. Online phobia counselling can help you understand your fear and gradually shrink it down to size.
Three main kinds of phobia
However your phobia shows up, counselling can help. These are the most common types.
Specific phobias
Fear of a particular object or situation, such as animals, heights, flying, the dentist, blood or needles. These often start in childhood but can develop at any age.
Social phobia
A strong fear of being watched, judged or embarrassed. It can make meetings, parties, eating in public or even phone calls feel unbearable.
Agoraphobia
Fear of places where escape might be hard, such as crowds, public transport or open spaces. For some people it means rarely leaving home, which is one reason online counselling can be so helpful.
How phobias grow
Avoidance brings relief, but it also tells your brain the danger was real. Over time, the fear can spread and your world can get smaller.
Online CBT and exposure for phobias
The main treatment option for phobias is CBT, often including gradual exposure. You and your therapist build a ladder of small steps, starting with something that feels only a little uncomfortable, like looking at a picture or talking about the fear. You move up at your own pace, and your anxiety has time to settle at each stage.
Online phobia counselling works well because you can start from somewhere you feel safe, and practise in your real surroundings between sessions. For some people, a GP may also suggest medication for a short time alongside therapy. That's something to discuss with your doctor.
Starting is simpler than you think
Reaching out is often the hardest part. From there, we'll guide you through each step.
Get in touch
Fill in our short contact form and tell us the best time to call. Share as much or as little as you like.
We'll call you
We'll ring at the time you chose for a relaxed, no-pressure chat about what's going on and what you'd like help with.
Start your sessions
We'll match you with a therapist who suits you and send a secure video link. Then you just log on.
Questions about phobia counselling
Yes. Online CBT for phobias can be very effective, and it's especially helpful if your fear makes it hard to travel to appointments. Your therapist can guide you through exposure steps that you then practise in your everyday life.
No. Exposure is always gradual and agreed with you. You'll start with small steps that feel manageable and only move on when you're ready. You're in control of the pace.
Absolutely. Online counselling is a great option if leaving home feels difficult, as you can talk to your therapist from wherever you feel most comfortable. Many people find this makes it possible to start therapy at all.
It depends on the phobia and how long you've had it. Some specific phobias improve in a fairly small number of sessions, while social phobia or agoraphobia may need longer support. You and your therapist will review progress together.
Talking therapy is usually the first choice for phobias. In some cases a GP may suggest medication to help with anxiety alongside therapy. We don't prescribe or advise on medication, so please speak to your GP about this.
You'll find our current prices on our fees page. Sessions last 50 minutes.
Your world doesn't have to stay small
Send us a message and we'll get back to you within 24 hours to arrange a call at a time that suits you.
Opening hours
- Monday – Friday9:00 – 20:00
- Saturday10:00 – 15:00
- Sunday10:00 – 15:00
We can't offer crisis support. If you're in danger or feel unable to keep yourself safe, call 999 or go to A&E. You can call Samaritans free, day or night, on 116 123, or NHS 111 (option 2 for mental health). See our crisis support page for more.