Specific Phobias

When Fear Runs Deep: Finding Freedom from Specific Phobias

“When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.”—Psalm 56:3 (NLT)

 

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Sometimes fear shows up uninvited and unrelenting.

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It might be a fear of flying that keeps you grounded…
A fear of needles that leaves you avoiding medical care…
A fear of heights, of storms, of enclosed spaces, of getting sick, of something going terribly wrong.

 

You might even know, deep down, that your fear is bigger than the actual risk.
But knowing that doesn’t make it go away.

If this is your reality, you’re not dramatic. You’re not weak.

 

You may be dealing with a specific phobia—an intense, overwhelming fear of a particular object, situation, or experience that provokes anxiety and avoidance far beyond what the situation calls for.

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What Is a Specific Phobia?

Specific phobias aren’t the same as occasional nerves or fleeting anxiety. They are persistent, deeply rooted fears that can cause panic, avoidance, and emotional distress. These fears often interfere with everyday life—work, school, relationships—and can even lead to physical symptoms.

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Common types of specific phobias include:

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• Situational fears – like flying, going through tunnels, or driving on highways

• Natural fears – like heights, water, thunderstorms, or the dark

• Animal fears – like dogs, snakes, spiders, or bees

• Medical fears – like needles, blood, or injuries

• Other fears – like choking, vomiting, clowns, loud sounds, or getting sick

 

Even thinking about the feared object or situation can trigger symptoms like:

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• Rapid heartbeat, sweating, or chest tightness

• Nausea, dizziness, or shortness of breath

• Panic or overwhelming anxiety

• Avoidance that interferes with everyday life

• In children, crying, tantrums, or clinging to a caregiver

 

And while you may recognize that your fear is irrational, it doesn’t make it any less real—or any less distressing.

 

Faith, Fear, and Freedom

Scripture doesn’t shame us for our fears. Instead, it gently redirects us:

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“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” —Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

 

God’s Word doesn’t promise a life without fear, but it does promise His presence in the middle of it. And that presence is where peace begins.

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At Still Waters Counseling, we believe that fear doesn’t get the final word—God does. And with His help, paired with compassionate therapy, we’ve seen clients experience powerful transformation. They go from avoiding life to embracing it.

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When to Seek Help

Not all fears need therapy. But when a specific fear:

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• Interferes with your job, education, relationships, or routines

• Causes ongoing distress, avoidance, or physical symptoms

• Keeps you from living the life you long to live

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…it may be time to seek support.

 

The same is true for your child. Many childhood fears are developmentally appropriate. But if fear persists or disrupts daily functioning, professional counseling can help them—and you—navigate it with wisdom, care, and courage.

 

Healing Is Possible

Phobias can feel like walls around your life, but counseling can be the key that unlocks freedom. With the right help—and yes, often with God at the center—you can move from fear-based living to faith-fueled freedom.

 

We offer:

• Individual therapy for children, teens, and adults

• Faith-integrated treatment for anxiety and phobias

• Tools to gently face and overcome fears

• Online and in-person sessions for your convenience

 

You don’t have to keep rearranging your life around fear. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Let’s take that first brave step together.

 

“I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” —Psalm 34:4 (NLT)

 

If you think Still Waters might be the right place for you to get help, we would be honored to talk with you.
Reach out today. We’re here, and we’re ready to walk with you.