Phobias
Phobia is a fancy word for fear of doing something.
This fear can get really out of control to the point it limits our enjoyment and success in life.
Treatment consists of tracking the history of how the fear developed so that we can unravel the faulty beliefs that help maintain the avoidance of that which we fear.
Next, we help train the body to relax around the things that used to make us scared. New advances in biofeedback help us monitor your unconscious nervous system to help improve your instincts and get your body’s alarm system back to normal.
Finally, exposure therapy helps you face your fears in small, manageable doses so you gain confidence and motivation to get back to living life the way you used to and beyond. Virtual reality helps us face fears in the office that once was impossible.
Take a look at how this exciting therapy has helped people like you.
Fear of Flying
Ramsey (44) was happily married and a rising star in his marketing firm.
They increasingly wanted him to travel both regionally and internationally to meet prospective clients.
He had a secret that he was trying hard to keep, but his excuses for why he couldn’t take cross-country flights were running out.
Every time he had to fly, he would spend days scanning weather reports to see if there would be a storm, or even a cloud, that could put his nerves on edge.
One day, he was watching the news and he saw a story about virtual reality and how it was helping people overcome their fears.
“Could that work for me? But I’m already flying, how can a simulation help me?”
Yes, it worked! Ramsey learned about how fears can be conditioned, and after eight sessions he booked his first trip to LA.
His employer was delighted, and Ramsey felt a sense of pride and accomplishment he hadn’t in years.
Janessa was 26, and a manager a local clothing store.
She was a single mother with two children.
She moved to New York with her children’s father eight years ago, before they separated.
She had family back in Florida and was constantly feeling guilty that the children were not building a relationship with their grandparents and cousins.
Janessa had become more anxious the past few years the stress of opening a new store and managing her children’s schedules while trying to date was never easy.
She would awaken 2-3 nights a week to find her heart racing and her mind focused on thoughts of dread and fear about the future.
She was uncomfortable in crowds and recently stopped using the subway.
The panic she felt when the train stopped underground had become too much for her.
It was the same feeling she felt when the flight attendants closed the cabin door for takeoff – there’s no way out.
When she finally made the call for help, she had just missed family Thanksgiving after leaving the airport without taking her flight.
Janessa couldn’t bear the thought of missing another holiday with her family.
With help, she learned that her panic and agoraphobia were treatable.
Janessa learned to relax her nervous system through biofeedback and quiet her mind with mindfulness and understanding of her illness and surroundings.
After four weeks, she made the flight with her children home for the holidays, and although she still was experiencing occasional panic episodes, she was confident that she was on the road to recovery.
Public Speaking
Ben was a 31 year old software developer from Atlanta.
He came to New York for undergrad and was happy to have landed a great job with a top tech firm.
Everything was going well, but he worried about his future.
Recently, his manager asked him to give a presentation on what his team had been working on to senior staff.
Ben felt comfortable talking among close colleagues, but when it came to strangers ,or people who could FIRE him, that was a different story.
He prepared for days, revising his power point and rehearsing to himself on his morning commutes.
He still couldn’t shake feeling queasy…
…and that lump in his throat whenever he thought of the presentation.
When the day finally came, he woke up two hours before his alarm and couldn’t fall back to sleep.
He over caffeinated and his heart wouldn’t stop pounding. His hands were cold and clammy, and he was certain he would be fired if he walked into that board room.
When he made it in, he was frazzled. As he entered the office, his knees felt like they were going to buckle.
Ben stumbled through his report and answered questions as best he could.
But he was sure everyone knew he was an imposter and not ready for this role.
After all, his boss had chimed in on several answers seemingly to save him from his own demise.
When it was all over, he said he would never put himself through something like that again – that was until a morning email put that lump right back in his throat.
There was a another meeting scheduled in a month, and he was going to have to present.
Ben never really considered therapy to be an option.
He wasn’t much for talking about feelings and felt that people mostly go to psychologists when they are really messed up.
Nonetheless he read about virtual reality and was desperate.
He attended weekly sessions right up until his next meeting. He learned to balance his mind and body through bio and neurofeedback.
He also gained confidence through practicing his presentation in virtual reality. He still stumbled a bit, but that lump wasn’t as big in his throat and he didn’t falter when his heart skipped a beat.
He was encouraged by his early success and decided to stick with it. In six months, he no longer needed to take his anxiety medication before big speeches and was in the running for a promotion to management.
Does Ramsey’s, Janessa’s, or Ben’s story resonate with you?
You’re not alone.
Take the next step and start facing your fears today. Turn that sinking feeling in your stomach into pride and confidence as you get back to living life the way it was meant to be.
Call or text (917) 740-9547 to schedule your free consultation today!