At Wholesome Psychology, we understand that fear can feel overwhelming, especially when it starts to interfere with your daily life. Whether you're struggling with a specific fear or a long-term phobia, our therapists in Edmonton and St. Albert are here to help you overcome your challenges in a way that feels safe, supportive, and empowering.

Understanding Fear and Phobia

Fear is a natural human response to a perceived threat. It keeps us safe, alerts us to danger, and can even enhance our performance. However, when fear becomes persistent, irrational, or uncontrollable, it may develop into a phobia. Phobias are more than just intense fears — they can disrupt your ability to live your life fully.

There are several types of phobias, each with unique symptoms and triggers. These include:

• Specific Phobias: Fear of a particular object or situation (e.g., flying, spiders, needles)
• Social Phobia: Also known as social anxiety, this involves a fear of social situations and being judged by others
• Agoraphobia: Fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult, often leading to avoidance of open spaces or crowds

Is It a Phobia or Just Fear?

It’s common to feel nervous or fearful in certain situations. However, when fear causes intense physical and emotional symptoms or leads to avoidance behaviors, it may be time to seek help. Some signs that you might be experiencing a phobia include:

• Obsessive thinking about the feared object or situation
• Inability to control feelings of fear or anxiety
• Shortness of breath, nausea, or dizziness
• Heart palpitations, chest tightness, or hot flashes
• Feelings of panic or terror in non-threatening situations

If these symptoms sound familiar, you're not alone. Many individuals in Edmonton and St. Albert struggle with similar challenges—and help is available.

Common Types of Phobias

Phobias can take many forms, and some of the most frequently seen in our practice include:

• Arachnophobia: Fear of spiders
• Claustrophobia: Fear of small or enclosed spaces
• Acrophobia: Fear of heights
• Aviophobia: Fear of flying
• Trypanophobia: Fear of needles or medical procedures
• Mysophobia: Fear of germs or contamination
• Astraphobia: Fear of thunderstorms

Regardless of your specific fear, our compassionate team is here to help you move forward in a way that respects your pace and comfort level.

Evidence-Based Approaches to Phobia Therapy

At Wholesome Psychology, we offer several therapy options that have been scientifically proven to reduce and eliminate phobic responses:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most effective treatments for phobias. It helps you identify and change negative thought patterns that reinforce your fears. With the support of your therapist, you'll gradually build confidence in facing your fear in a controlled, supportive environment.

Exposure Therapy

Exposure therapy involves safely and gradually facing the object or situation you fear. This is always done at your pace—never rushed or forced. Over time, repeated exposure can help reduce the fear response and build resilience.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

EMDR is a therapy approach originally designed for trauma but also effective in treating phobias. By helping your brain reprocess distressing memories or sensations, EMDR reduces emotional reactivity and supports healing.

Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Approaches

Mindfulness techniques can teach you how to sit with your fear without letting it control you. These approaches are especially helpful if your phobia is tied to anxiety or emotional regulation challenges.

Meet Our Therapists in Edmonton & St. Albert

Each of our therapists brings a unique blend of clinical experience, empathy, and cultural sensitivity. We prioritize creating a warm and non-judgmental space so that you feel safe exploring difficult topics. Our therapists are registered and experienced in working with clients facing a wide variety of fears and phobias.

To learn more about our team, visit our Meet the Psychologists page.

Start Your Journey Toward Freedom

If you're ready to take the first step toward freedom from fear, Wholesome Psychology offers a welcoming space to begin your journey. We offer half-price initial sessions so you can explore whether our approach is a good fit for your needs. There’s no pressure—just compassionate, informed care.

And if we’re not the right match for you, we’re happy to provide referrals to other professionals in the Edmonton and St. Albert areas. Your well-being is our highest priority.

Why Choose Wholesome Psychology?

• Registered therapists with extensive experience in phobia treatment
• Specialized care for individuals, teens, and families
• Located in both Edmonton and St. Albert for convenience
• Flexible scheduling with evening and weekend availability
• Compassionate care aligned with your values and needs

We’re here to help you move from fear to freedom—with warmth, professionalism, and evidence-based care.

Book Your Appointment Today

Don’t let fear control your life any longer. Reach out today and schedule your first session. Learn more about our therapy fees, or check out our FAQ page for more details about what to expect.

Your journey to healing starts with a single, courageous step. We're honored to walk alongside you.