Agoraphobia Treatment Services

Agoraphobia is the fear of being in a situation where one might experience anxiety or panic and where escape from that situation might be difficult or embarrassing. To circumvent the anticipated anxiety or panic, people with agoraphobia avoid putting themselves into such situations. Agoraphobia causes great emotional pain and turmoil and impacts practically every facet of an individual’s life. It can prevent people from pursuing work, relationships, and recreational activities.

The severity of the condition is variable. Some people with agoraphobia live essentially normal lives as they avoid potentially anxiety-provoking situations. In severe cases of agoraphobia, however, people are homebound. Such individuals work very hard to avoid any and all situations which might cause them to become anxious.

People suffering from agoraphobia oftentimes feel out control because of the intense fear and anxiety that continuously grips them. Therapy can help reduce debilitating symptoms and thereby enable the person to get on with his or her life. We, at the Center for Creative Counseling employ one or more of the following intervention as part of a multifaceted treatment approach. We utilize the following state-of-the-art modalities:

1) Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: This intervention involves helping clients identify and modify those specific thought and behavior patterns which trigger anxiety and fear. Included in this form of treatment are log keeping and role playing. Guided imagery and relaxation techniques are also very helpful for the individual with agoraphobia.

2) Insight-oriented approaches: The therapist helps the person with agoraphobia understand how previous life experiences and relationship patterns contribute to his or her current difficulties. This knowledge enables the client to formulate more effective coping strategies.

3) Supplemental marriage counseling: Oftentimes complications arise in a marriage as a result of the agoraphobia. As a mutually agreed upon option, spouses may be invited to participate in therapy in order to facilitate the healing process.

4) E therapy (online counseling) or phone counseling for those individuals suffering from severe agoraphobia: We provide online therapy or phone therapy as two alternatives to traditional office-based sessions. For people who find it too uncomfortable to travel to an office and sit with other people in a waiting room, online counseling or phone therapy provide two safe and convenient options. (Click onto the two links below in order to get more information about the benefits of online therapy and phone counseling).