Agoraphobia Counseling
The Role of Avoidance
Avoiding what we fear actually makes that fear grow. For example, if someone is afraid of being in an open space, then they will avoid open spaces. Avoidance reduces our exposure to the feared object or situation, thus never allowing ourselves to re-learn what we fear may not be as bad as we perceive. The feared object or situation will grown our minds when left unchallenged. When we challenge what we fear, it allows our brains to re-learn that the object or situation is not as scary as we once perceived.
Treatment for Agoraphobia
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure Therapy (also known as Systematic Desensitization) are the most effective treatments for Agoraphobia. These therapies consist of learning relaxation techniques and how to better tolerate anxiety, challenge thoughts and fears, and improve coping skills.
Our clinicians are trained and have experience in providing these evidence-based treatments.
For more information or questions, please call our office at (847) 461-8414