Understanding Specific Phobias

Specific phobias involve intense, irrational fears of particular objects or situations. While our network of phobia specialists is growing, you can explore therapists who work with anxiety and fear-based concerns.

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Specific phobias are intense, persistent fears of particular objects, situations, or activities that are out of proportion to the actual danger they pose. Common examples include fears of heights, flying, spiders, needles, or enclosed spaces. While everyone has things that make them uncomfortable, phobias cause significant distress and often lead people to avoid the feared object or situation entirely.

Therapy is often highly effective for specific phobias. Approaches like exposure therapy, which involves gradual, supported exposure to the feared object, can help reduce fear responses over time. Cognitive approaches can also address the thoughts that maintain the phobia. On First Session, you can explore therapists who work with anxiety, fears, and phobias. Browse profiles and watch intro videos to find support that feels right for you.

Andrea Montello

Psychologist
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Offers In-Person (Windsor, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Andrea Montello

Andrea Montello

Psychologist
She/Her
$235/session
Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Dissociation, Childhood trauma, Anger, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment trauma, Attachment wounds, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Meaningful Connections, Burnout, Trauma, Trauma processing, Workplace stress, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Sports Performance, Specific phobias, Social anxiety, Depression, Emotional Numbness, Fears and phobia, Intergenerational trauma, Performance anxiety, Grief Processing, Nervous system regulation
Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Dissociation, Childhood trauma, Anger, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment trauma, Attachment wounds, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Meaningful Connections, Burnout, Trauma, Trauma processing, Workplace stress, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Sports Performance, Specific phobias, Social anxiety, Depression, Emotional Numbness, Fears and phobia, Intergenerational trauma, Performance anxiety, Grief Processing, Nervous system regulation
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Stefan Milosevic

Registered Psychotherapist
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Offers In-Person (Markham, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON, BC, MB, SK, AB, NU, YT, and NT.
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Stefan Milosevic

Stefan Milosevic

Registered Psychotherapist
He/Him
$180/session
OCD, Trauma, Anxiety, Addiction, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Stress, ADHD, Attachment trauma, Building Meaningful Connections, Assertiveness, Conflict resolution, Competitive anxiety, Health anxiety, Social anxiety, Phobias, Fears and phobia, Specific phobias, Relationship anxiety, Trauma processing, Childhood trauma, Neurodiversity
OCD, Trauma, Anxiety, Addiction, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Stress, ADHD, Attachment trauma, Building Meaningful Connections, Assertiveness, Conflict resolution, Competitive anxiety, Health anxiety, Social anxiety, Phobias, Fears and phobia, Specific phobias, Relationship anxiety, Trauma processing, Childhood trauma, Neurodiversity
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What is a specific phobia?

A specific phobia is an intense, irrational fear of a particular object, situation, or activity. The fear is out of proportion to any actual danger and typically leads to avoidance. Common phobias include fears of animals, heights, flying, blood, needles, or enclosed spaces. Phobias can significantly impact daily life when they interfere with normal activities.

What causes specific phobias?

Phobias can develop through direct negative experiences, observing others' fearful reactions, or receiving frightening information about something. Some phobias may have evolutionary roots. Often, the original cause isn't clear—what matters more is how the phobia is maintained through avoidance and the fear response cycle.

How can therapy help with phobias?

Therapy can be highly effective for phobias. Exposure therapy involves gradual, supported exposure to the feared object or situation, helping the brain learn that it's not actually dangerous. Cognitive approaches address thoughts that maintain fear. Many people see significant improvement in relatively short timeframes with proper treatment.

How do I find a therapist for phobias?

On First Session, you can browse therapist profiles and look for those who work with anxiety, fears, or phobias. While our network of phobia specialists is growing, many therapists are trained in exposure-based approaches. Watch intro videos to find someone whose approach feels supportive.

Are there related areas of support I could explore?

Yes—if you're dealing with a specific phobia, you might explore therapists who work with anxiety, fears, panic, or nervous system regulation. These areas often overlap and can provide effective support for overcoming fears.

How can First Session help me find support?

First Session connects you with licensed therapists across Canada. Browse profiles, watch intro videos, and filter by specialty or availability. All therapists have their credentials verified during onboarding, making it easier to find qualified support for overcoming your phobia.