Every year, around the same time, Peterâs apartment comes alive. The shadows begin to scuttle and the pipes creak with creepy crawlies. At least thatâs how it feels. Peter is freaked out by Israelâs large flying cockroaches. Logically, he knows they donât pose a threat. But he canât control his visceral disgust at encountering one and his panicked vigilance in the days that follow. On this episode of How To!, we bring on Dr. Elizabeth McMahon, a clinical psychologist who has been treating phobias like these for the last 30 years. She has some very practical advice for Peter, and anyone else with an irrational fear theyâd like to overcome. Elizabeth often uses virtual reality therapy with her clients, most recently to treat needle phobias. Sheâs made this needle phobia training available for licensed therapists or supervised trainees.
If you liked this episode, check out âHow To Not Be Scared.â
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