Overview:
Current medical thought suggests that phobias are best treated through a combination of therapy and medication. These remedies are well supported by a body of carefully peer-reviewed medical research.
However, many people have begun to turn to alternative treatments for a variety of ailments, including phobias and other anxiety disorders. These treatments are not established in the medical community, and caution is highly recommended.
Popular alternative treatments can be divided into several categories.
Hypnotherapy:
Hypnotherapy is considered controversial in the medical community. Many legitimate therapists use this treatment as part of a larger program of therapy.
Hypnotherapy is based in the belief that phobias reside in the subconscious mind. By putting the client into a hypnotic state, the therapist can access the subconscious directly, without the interference of the conscious mind. Clients are more open to "suggestions" made by the therapist.
Hypnotherapy treatments vary from guided relaxation techniques to regression (in which the therapist guides the client to confront the memory that originally triggered the phobia).
Homeopathy:
Homeopathy is a system of holistic medicine that was widely practiced in the 18th and 19th centuries and still has dedicated followers today. Homeopathic medicine uses minute quantities of toxic substances to treat diseases.
If you are considering homeopathic remedies for your phobia, please consult a homeopathic expert as well as a medical doctor. The substances used are extremely toxic and can cause illness or death. Homeopathic medicine is not widely accepted in the medical community today.
Herbal Remedies:
Herbal remedies are prepared from naturally occurring herbs. These remedies are increasingly popular, and some mental health professionals are beginning to acknowledge their usefulness. However, large-scale controlled studies have not yet been performed, so the long term safety and efficacy cannot be guaranteed.
Popular herbal remedies for phobias and other anxiety disorders include catnip, ginseng, chamomile and valerian root. Dosages can vary widely between individual plants. The guidance of both a medical doctor and an herbalist is highly recommended.
