Can you 'cure' a fear?

[louise_2012]

I put the word cure in quotation marks because I cant think of any other concise word for 'makinganalreadyestablishedfeargoaway'.

Basically the story is this: at the end of last year, while on schoolies, we went to this place called 'Infinity' (full of trippy effects, http://www.infinitygc.com.au/about-infinity.html ).
I don't really know why, but as soon as I entered and the trippy shit began, I freaked out and had a panic attack. Through pure indecisiveness of whether or not to leave my friends who were entering, I entered with them and made it out fine (very shaken though). I didn't think that much of it at the time. But I noticed that I felt a little bit uneasy on the plane on the way home due to the cramped window seat I had. From there it has just gotten worse.
Now, even when I go into movie theaters my heart starts to beat fast and I start to freak out a bit - not full blown panic attack, but to the extent at which I have to actively try and distract myself and I have even considered not going to the cinemas and just watching the movie at home.
For some reason, from that time at Infinity I think I have developed claustrophobia. And it sucks.
I never used to be like this - I was one of those people that would hide in small spaces to jump out and freak out my friends. I loved the window seat of planes and would spend most of the time watching out the window in fascination. I hate feeling like this when I go to the movies and so basically, my question is, is there a way to make it go away?
Can fears like this be cured, or once it is awoken is there no way to make it go away? Has anyone here ever been able to make a fear go away completely?

[nacho]

I put the word cure in quotation marks because I cant think of any other concise word for 'makinganalreadyestablishedfeargoaway'.

that's how I read it first time around

[Slumdawg]

Hi Louise,

I think if you're really serious about getting rid of this phobia you should book an appointment to see a psychologist or counsellor. Phobias are much more common than most people would think and also very difficult to remove on your own. From your descriptions it certainly does sound like that one experience has certainly triggered something and now it's getting worse and worse.

There are many options for treating phobias that a psychologist might use: flooding, graduated exposure, cognitive behavioural therapy, medication (if serious enough), etc. You can look any of these techniques up on google, or just ask to borrow your friend's year 12 psychology textbook (they study phobias and treatment plans in Unit 4). That should put your might at ease that there are things that a clinician can do to help you.

Helping people overcome phobias is a very common task for a psychologist so don't feel like it's anything out of the ordinary.

PM me if you have any other questions

[spectroscopy]

this would be a phobia not a fear so yes you could definetly get rid of it, speak to a clinical psychologist and they can get you back on track and i think you'll be okay
the difference is phobias are irrational fears, so we can be talked out of them, fears are well, fears. if we didnt feel fear we wouldnt be able to protect ourselves from legitimate threats.
eg; if you're scared of swimming in a pool, you have aquaphobia, if youre scared of 10ft waves at the beach, thats legitimate

so yeah go speak to someone and you should definetly be able to get better, its what they do.

[Special At Specialist]

Someone I know attended "hypnotherapy" and that surprisingly worked very well and permanently overcame the fear. I've never tried it myself, but it's worth a shot.

[MagicGecko]

Flooding...dont try it, it will not work......
on a more positive note graduated  exposure seems to be really good in treating your phobia