CBT by Condition

Guide

CBT for Specific Phobias

Educational content only. For high‑risk exposures (e.g., blood/injection/medical), consult a clinician. See our Medical Disclaimer.

Overview

Specific phobias involve marked fear of a particular object or situation (e.g., flying, heights, animals, injections). Avoidance prevents disconfirmation of feared predictions.

Why CBT helps

  • Graded exposure: approach feared cues stepwise to learn safety through experience.
  • Inhibitory learning: build new “safe” memories rather than erase old fear.
  • Expectancy violation: design exercises that deliberately test your predictions.

Journaling prompts

  1. My prediction for today’s exposure is… What actually happened?
  2. Peak fear __/100, down to __/100 after __ minutes. What helped me stay?
  3. What new learning contradicts my feared outcome?

Use brief exposure logs with How to Journal.

Selected readings

  • Craske, M. G., Treanor, M., Conway, C. et al. Maximizing exposure therapy: Inhibitory learning model.
  • Barlow, D. H. & Craske, M. G. Mastery of Your Anxiety and Panic (clinician/consumer versions).

When to seek care

If fear is severe or exposures feel unmanageable, seek clinician support to tailor hierarchies and ensure safety.

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