Phobia Counselling Psychotherapy in West Sussex Eleos Counselling
Overcoming Phobias with Expert Counselling in West Sussex
Fear can creep into everyday life and quietly take control. It can stop you from making choices you want to make, limit your freedom, and turn simple activities into overwhelming challenges. At Eleos Counselling, we specialise in helping people break free from the hold of phobias. Through one-to-one psychotherapy and counselling, we provide a safe, compassionate space where healing begins and confidence grows.
Our therapists are proud members of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the UK’s leading professional body for counselling. This membership means you can trust that our work meets the highest standards of care, ethics, and professional training. Every session is tailored to your needs, moving at a pace that feels safe, while helping you regain control over your life
A Personal and Gentle Approach to Healing
At Eleos Counselling, we believe there is no single route to overcoming fear. Some people may benefit from exploring past experiences, while others might focus on learning new strategies to manage anxiety in the present. Together, we will decide on an approach that respects your pace and comfort level.
We do not believe in forcing you into situations that feel overwhelming. Instead, we focus on helping you understand the patterns behind your fear, building emotional strength, and equipping you with practical tools to reduce its impact.
Contact Us
The Workshop Little East Street,
Billingshurst, West Sussex RH14 9PN
Phone: ((10403)900079
Mobile: 07854602050
Email :info@eleoscounselling.com
Hospitals terrified me. Even the thought of a routine check-up made my heart race.”
— Saez, phobia therapy client at Eleos Counselling
“When I first came to Eleos, I was overwhelmed. Medical appointments felt impossible. I would avoid them at all costs — even when I knew I needed help. Just the smell of a clinic or the sight of a waiting room could send me into panic.
My therapist didn’t judge me. Instead, she helped me understand where this fear came from and why it felt so overwhelming. We took it step by step. Some sessions were emotional, but I always felt safe. Slowly, the panic started to loosen its grip.
I learned ways to calm my body and quiet my thoughts. We practised imagining situations that used to terrify me until they felt manageable. It wasn’t about ‘getting over it’ in one big leap — it was about building trust in myself again.
It hasn’t been an overnight change, but now I can walk into a doctor’s surgery without feeling frozen. That alone feels like a huge victory. For the first time in years, I feel like my life isn’t ruled by fear.”
How do I book a session?
If a phobia is holding you back, you don’t have to face it alone. You can call or email Eleos Counselling using the details on our Contact Us page—every conversation is treated with complete confidentiality.
When you feel ready, simply click the button below. You’ll be taken to our online diary, where you can book an initial session at a time that works for you. It could be the first step towards finding freedom from fear.
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We're here to walk with you
📞 Call us today: 07854602050
📧 Email us: info@eleoscounselling.com
How Phobias Can Shape Daily Life
Phobias are not simply mild fears—they can create intense anxiety, avoidance behaviours, and distress that ripple through many areas of life. Over time, they can influence where you go, what you do, and even how you relate to others.
Consider how these common phobias might affect someone’s day-to-day life:
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Spiders (arachnophobia) – Avoiding gardens, basements, or sheds to reduce anxiety.
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Flying (aerophobia) – Missing family holidays or business opportunities to avoid getting on a plane.
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Small spaces (claustrophobia) – Choosing stairs over lifts, or avoiding trains and crowded rooms entirely.
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Deep water (thalassophobia) – Feeling unable to enjoy a beach holiday or swim in a pool.
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Public speaking (glossophobia) – Passing up promotions or avoiding events where speaking is required.
When fear takes root, it is more than an inconvenience—it shapes decisions and restricts experiences. However, with the right approach, these patterns can change.
Using EMDR Therapy to Treat Phobias
One highly effective method we offer is Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). This evidence-based therapy is particularly helpful when a phobia stems from a specific event—such as a turbulent flight, a painful medical procedure, or an aggressive animal encounter.
EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess the distressing memory so it no longer triggers the same level of fear. Over time, this can significantly reduce the intensity of your reactions. Many clients find this approach life-changing, allowing them to face situations they once avoided with greater confidence.
Common Phobias We Support Clients With
Over the years, we have worked with individuals facing a wide range of phobias, including:
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Nyctophobia – Fear of the dark, which can impact sleep and feelings of safety.
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Cynophobia – Fear of dogs, making parks and outdoor areas feel unsafe.
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Hemophobia – Fear of blood, which can make even minor injuries distressing.
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Trypanophobia – Fear of needles, creating difficulty with medical care.
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Mysophobia – Fear of germs or contamination, often linked to obsessive thoughts and rituals.
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Xenophobia – Fear of strangers or unfamiliar environments.
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Iatrophobia – Fear of doctors, making healthcare access difficult.
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Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD) – Ongoing worry about health despite reassurance from medical tests.
These fears are not about weakness or lack of willpower—they are deep-seated responses that require patience, skill, and the right therapeutic support to address.
How Counselling Helps You Move Forward
Phobia counselling at Eleos Counselling is not about telling you to “just face your fear.” Instead, it is about understanding the origins of your anxiety, exploring what reinforces it, and finding ways to loosen its grip.
Our sessions may involve:
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Gently exploring how the fear developed, including possible links to childhood or past experiences.
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Teaching anxiety-reduction techniques to help manage symptoms in triggering situations.
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Supporting you in reframing how your mind processes fear.
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Building your confidence step-by-step, so you can reclaim experiences once avoided.
When you avoid certain places, activities, or people because of fear, it can feel isolating. You are not alone—many people face similar challenges, and change is possible.
Taking the First Step Towards Change
You do not have to face your phobia alone. At Eleos Counselling in West Sussex, we provide a respectful, non-judgemental environment where progress is possible and fear can lose its power. Together, we can work towards a life where your choices are not dictated by anxiety.
If you are ready to explore how counselling could help you overcome your phobia, we invite you to contact us today. Your journey towards freedom from fear can start here.
Phone (landline): 01403 900079
Mobile: 07854 602050
Email: info@eleoscounselling.com
Address: Eleos Counselling, Little East Street, Billingshurst, RH14 9NP
Website: www.eleoscounselling.co.uk