Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Phobias in children are intense, persistent fears of certain things or situations—like dogs, loud noises, or being away from parents. These fears go beyond typical childhood worries. They can lead to meltdowns, tummy aches, or avoidance of everyday activities like school or socialising. Often, these fears last for six months or more. While it can be really tough for kids, the good news is that there’s evidence-based treatment for child phobias. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps children gradually face their fears in a safe, controlled way. If these fears are interfering with daily life, it’s a good idea to reach out to a psychologist for personalised support.
If your child’s fears seem intense and are affecting their daily life, it’s important to seek help early. With the right treatment, children can learn to manage their fears and regain confidence.
Nyctophobia: Fear of the dark, a common fear that can cause bedtime anxiety.
Acrophobia: Fear of heights, including fear of climbing or being in high places.
Iatrophobia: Fear of medical procedures such as needles, doctors, or dentists.
About 12% of Australian children experience a phobia
Anxiety disorders, including phobias, are the most common mental health issues in Aussie kids
Without treatment, child phobias can continue into adulthood
CBT is a proven, effective treatment for child phobias
Phobias in children are quite common. They can range from fears of animals and heights to more specific worries like thunderstorms or medical procedures. These intense fears often cause distress and avoidance, making it hard for children to take part in everyday activities such as going to school, playing outside, or visiting the doctor.
While some children outgrow their fears, many do not—especially when the fear has been strong and long-lasting. That’s why early, evidence-based treatment is so important.
One of the most well-researched and successful treatments for child phobias is One-Session Treatment (OST), developed by Ollendick and colleagues. OST is a condensed version of CBT, designed specifically for phobias. It combines all the core elements of CBT—such as graded exposure, cognitive restructuring, and coping skills training—into a single, intensive 2–3 hour session.
This approach gives children powerful tools in a shorter timeframe, which is particularly helpful when regular sessions aren’t practical for families.
During the session, the child and therapist identify the feared object or situation, then create a fear hierarchy—a list of scenarios from least to most distressing. The child gradually works through these steps, starting with easier ones and moving to more challenging situations as their confidence grows.
Even though OST happens in just one session, it includes all the key elements of CBT:
Psychoeducation: The therapist explains how anxiety works, what phobias are, and why facing fears can help.
Exposure: The child is gradually and safely exposed to the feared situation in a structured way.
Cognitive Restructuring: Children learn to notice and challenge anxious thoughts—like “The dog will bite me” or “The thunder will hurt me”—and replace them with calmer, more realistic ones.
Modelling: Sometimes the therapist demonstrates calm behaviour first, helping the child feel safe and learn by observing.
Reinforcement: Praise and encouragement are given throughout to build motivation and confidence.
What makes OST unique is that all of this happens in one focused session. Therefore, it’s an efficient and effective solution for many families.
Clinical trials have shown impressive results. Around 80% of children improved significantly, and many no longer met the criteria for their phobia after just one session. Importantly, these gains lasted over time. Children not only became less fearful but also felt more capable of handling challenges—an essential step towards building long-term resilience.
Researchers also found that children with supportive parents, realistic expectations, and a willingness to participate benefited most from OST. While not every child is suited to this approach, for many, it’s a genuine game-changer.
This research shows that treatment for child phobias doesn’t have to be lengthy or overwhelming. With the right tools and guidance, strong fears can be managed effectively in a short period. OST offers a practical, evidence-based pathway for families who may feel unsure or stuck.
If your child’s fear is interfering with everyday life, it’s worth exploring CBT—and especially OST—as a helpful first step.
*Source: Intensive Treatment of Specific Phobias in Children and Adolescents – National Library of Medicine, PubMed Central
Start with small, manageable steps to face the fear. Gradually work up to more challenging situations to build confidence.
Celebrate your child’s progress with praise or rewards to keep them motivated and feeling good about their achievements.
Create a soothing routine before anxiety-provoking situations to help your child feel more in control and relaxed.
Clinical Psychologist, Director of MindBox Psychology
Our psychologists are highly qualified, holding Master’s or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology. We provide treatment for child phobias using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based treatments like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT for Children). We also offer treatment for phobias in adults—click here to learn more about our approach.
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
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