Agoraphobia Therapy

Agoraphobia can have a significant impact on one’s mental health, general health, and life as a whole…

Alongside my specialties in therapy for anxiety, trauma, and fear of flying, I also help people overcome agoraphobia. People often see agoraphobia as a general fear of going outside. However, it’s not as binary as outside and inside. Agoraphobia is more so a fear of being in a situation where it is not easy to escape or where you may feel trapped. This can lead to avoiding a number of situations and can have a significant impact on your life. You may avoid public places and events where people gather — for example, malls, concerts, movie theaters, shows, and more. It can also lead people to avoiding things such as travel, especially involving airplanes or trains. I often see agoraphobia mixed in with fear of flying (though it isn’t always part of fear of flying — this varies from person to person).

When living in the midst of agoraphobia, it can become common to stay at home as much as possible, as home is often experienced as the one safe space. Panic attacks and significant anxiety are common with agoraphobia, especially in scenarios where one has less control of their environment. Depression is also common with agoraphobia, often as a result of feeling so limited in the world and within your own life.

Working through agoraphobia first and foremost needs a safe and supportive space when you can feel comfortable to talk about and look at the parts of you that are in pain, and have endured difficult experiences. We always go at your pace, and I encourage you to take your time, be silent as needed, or just to be. The space here is for you, and we’re not in a rush (though I also know you may come in feeling a sense of urgency, as well).

At times we will work on certain coping techniques to they are available to you between our sessions, if needed. The main part of our work alongside coping techniques will be to explore and work through the underlying issues that are contributing to your experience of agoraphobia. The causes are different for each person, so it’s okay if you’re not sure what’s causing it. We will work together to help you shed this phobia become more empowered and confident in taking control back over your life.

Contact me for help with agoraphobia »