Most people would be freely admit to wanting to avoid vomiting. However, for some, the possibility of vomiting induces intense mental distress. Emetophobia is the psychiatric term for an intense fear of vomiting. It is a phobia that leads people to avoid any foods, activities,…
This past month, MEL Magazine’s Adam Elder interviewed and quoted CBT SoCal’s Dr. Martin Hsia for a series on irrational fears. More specifically, Elder and Hsia collaborated on pieces focused on fears of crowds (Agoraphobia), fears of germs (akin to Contamination OCD), and fears of…
Matt came into my office completely stressed out. His girlfriend really wanted them to attend a friend’s birthday bash – a massive pool party in the Hollywood Hills. Matt (not his real name) has social anxiety disorder. His way of dealing with life has been…
Psychologists are often asked: “Why do you use exposure therapy? It sounds torturous to ask me to face what I’ve feared and avoided for so long! Isn’t there an easier way to have the fear go away?” Exposure therapy is a name for one of…