WHAT IS A PHOBIA?

by Ienke Keijzer

WHAT IS A PHOBIA ?

By Ienke Keijzer

As therapists we often encounter clients who grapple with unexplained fears, intense emotional reactions or debilitating phobias. These clients mention clammy hands while driving on the highway, an overwhelming fear when speaking in public, or even fainting at the sight of blood. 

Such experiences are not just uncomfortable; they are signs of deeper issues, such as phobias or excessive emotional reactivity.

UNDERSTANDING PHOBIAS AND EMOTIONAL REACTIONS

Phobias and intense emotional reactions are surprisingly common, affecting nearly everyone at some point in their lives. These issues can cause significant distress and interfere with daily functioning.

Did you know there are over 500 identified phobias  ? These range from common fears, like arachnophobia (fear of spiders), to more specific fears, such as hematophobia (fear of blood).

But what exactly constitutes a phobia? 

WHAT IS A PHOBIA?

In simple terms, a phobia can be defined as:
     

• An excessive emotional reaction to a situation that doesn't warrant such intensity.
• A response that feels disproportionate or out of context to the actual event.
• A source of suffering that makes life more challenging than it needs to be.
• An persistent emotional obstacle that prevents individuals from living the fulfilling life they desire.

Unless someone is facing a genuinely dangerous situation, such as encountering a venomous spider, experiencing extreme fear may seem unwarranted. Yet, for many, these reactions feel all too real and overpowering.

TYPES OF PHOBIAS

Phobias manifest in many forms. While we commonly hear about public speaking or fear of heights, other phobias might include : 

• Excessive shyness or social anxiety
• Unhealthy jealousy or relationship fears
• Panic attacks triggered by specific situations
• Fear of success or failure, leading to procrastination

In essence, any recurring and excessive emotional reaction can be classified as a phobia.

It’s important to note that while many people believe they understand the origin of their phobia — often linking it to a past experience — research shows that in 99% of cases, the true cause lies in a miswiring of the brain, not in the event itself.

WHY DO WE HAVE PHOBIAS?

Phobias stem from incorrect neural encoding in the brain. When someone overreacts emotionally in a specific situation, it’s often because a past traumatic event has been encoded with a negative emotional charge.

This "emotional alarm button" triggers a survival response, bypassing logical reasoning. Over time, the brain reinforces this response, making it difficult for individuals to disengage from the fear.

Read the article about why we have phobias!

OVERCOME A PHOBIA

The good news is that phobias and other forms of excessive emotional reactivity can be resolved. Techniques like the NEMO Emotional Cleansing method,  which I specialize in, offer a solution, helping clients overcome long-standing phobias — often in just one session.

Using tools like NEMO, therapists can:

• Empower clients to neutralize the emotional "alarm button" in their brain.
• Restore emotional balance and eliminate phobia-driven behaviors.
• Enable clients to live fuller, freer lives, unburdened by irrational fears.

READY TO LEARN MORE ?

If you're curious about how the NEMO Emotional Cleansing technique works or want to enhance your practice with effective tools for managing phobias, feel free to connect with me.

I love sharing insights and collaborating with therapists who are passionate about transforming their clients' lives.

Ienke Keijzer
Neuro Psycho Practitioner - Trainer of Therapists and Coaches - Author 
Grandis Ose