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Answers

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  Grant McKell (Psychologist)
  Health Professional

  Grant McKell is a counselling psychologist working in Sydney's inner west with over ten years' experience. He founded HeadsUp Psychology in August, 2011. Having worked ... View profile

  There is an excellent chance that, yes, they can. But you would need to go to one in order for them to properly assess your likelihood of being reponsive to therapy.
  
  Most phobias are quite responsive to a therapy known as systematic desensitisation, which involves a gradual exposure to the stimulus that causes the fear response. This is a tried and tested therapy that, when conducted by a properly qualified psychologist, yields positive results. I would stress though, that you need to ask any therapist whether they are trained to deliver this therapy. Most psychologists are.
  
  First step would be to go to your GP to get a referral to a psychologist or look one up at www.psychology.org.au/findapsychologist.
  
  If you are in my geographical area, of course, I would be one of those psychologists who would be happy to help. You can find my details on my website on my profile.
  
  I would emphasise though, that you need to find a psychologist with whom you feel comfortable, as this type of therapy will require mutual trust between both you and your psychologist. You need to trust that your psychologist won't allow you to come to harm during therapy and your psychologist needs to trust that you will do the homework tasks that they are going to assign to you. Yes… you are probably going to get homework- but it will be worth it!
  
  Let us know how you get along.
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  Anthony Berrick (Psychologist)
  Health Professional

  I am a psychologist practicing in Sydney CBD and Eastern Suburbs. I provide evidence-based assessment and treatment for a wide range of common issues including: ... View profile

  I'd just like to back up everything Grant has said. Phobias (including agoraphobia) are almost always treatable - it's one of the great acheivements of modern psychological therapy!
  
  A good psychologist who has experience treating phobias using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) should be able to help you acheive great results - you might be surprised how quickly you recover.
  
  Also, if your agoraphobia is very severe and you would struggle to leave your home to see a psycholgist (or even get a referral from your GP), some psychologists will visit you at your home until you are well enough to travel to their practice.
  
  All the best. Reply to this post  |  Report
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