Support your clients to conquer phobia related anxiety

Aim of the module

• To help support clients that have a phobia;
• To help motivate clients to break the vicious cycle of anxiety;
• To help guide clients in conquering their anxiety through graded exposure exercises;
• To contribute to preventing relapse.

For whom is this module suitable?

The module is suitable for clients who have a specific / simple phobia. The sessions are written in a generic manner, offering examples of many different phobias (e.g., animal phobias, environmental phobias, bodily phobias, situational phobias).

What is the content of the module 'Phobia'?

The module uses cognitive behavioural techniques for specific / simple phobia. It consists of 6 guided sessions and 1 unguided 'Welcome' session. However, the session ‘Phobia: Your next exposure exercise’ was developed in such a manner that it can be added to the module as many times as you and the client see fit. In this module, the client reads information, considers examples and watches video clips in which others share their story. More difficult concepts and exercises are often explained in a doodle animation or video clip of a therapist. Relevant topics are discussed in each session. For example: the difference between fear and a phobia and considering how the phobia has affected the patient. The client creates a fear hierarchy and is motivated to practice graded exposure.

Which diaries are part of this module?

The 'Phobia' diary is part of the module. In this diary, the patient monitors situations in which they experience anxiety. The client answers a number of questions regarding the situation, level of anxiety, thoughts, behaviour and short- and long-term effect of their behaviour.

What is the module based on?

The module is based on the knowledge and experience of an expert panel of therapists and clients as well as relevant literature. The Minddistrict team familiarises itself with cutting-edge research and the most recent evidence-based practices.

How do you use the module?

The module can be used for blended therapy, meaning face-to-face sessions are alternated with online sessions. You, as the therapist, can monitor your client's progress through the sessions and diary entries and provide feedback once they have completed a session. The module is flexible in use. As a therapist, you can tailor the module to your client’s individual needs: for instance, by making a session unguided or adding or removing (optional) sessions.

Your feedback is welcome!

Minddistrict is eager to hear your opinion on the ‘Phobia module. If you have any feedback, questions or tips, please send them to info@minddistrict.com. We look forward to hearing from you!