Specific phobias entail the experience of intense fear when exposed to a particular situation or object, such as animals, insects, blood, or heights. Such fear is so intense and aversive, that one often avoids fear inducing situations or objects entirely, or only approaches them with caution, under specific circumstances, using specific behaviors that allow them to feel safe. While individuals with a specific phobia may recognize that their fear and anxiety is out of proportion to the perceived threat of the situation or object, this alone does not reduce their avoidance or distress when confronted with the feared object.

Phobias are particularly persistent, as ongoing avoidance of feared objects or situations actually maintains the fear. Fear persists not only because one does not receive contrary feedback to what their fear thoughts are saying, but also because one learns that the only way to reduce their fear and regulate emotions is to avoid further. Consequently, phobias often cause individuals to avoid numerous aspects of daily life, and may negatively impact functioning at work, school, or relationships with others. For example, if someone has a job that requires commuting, yet they have a fear of driving, this may cause considerable difficulties with getting to work and future career goals.

Exposure-based therapy is the gold-standard, evidence-based treatment for specific phobias. As the name may suggest, exposure therapy entails systematically exposing one to the feared situations or objects. By doing so, an individual learns that their fear will reduce on it’s own, without the need to avoid. Further, one learns that the feared outcome rarely comes true, and even if it does, that they can handle it.