Using CBT to Treat Phobias

Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Ken Mazey runs a private practice in West Los Angeles in addition to teaching a popular honors seminar on the psychology of fear at UCLA and consulting for the UCLA School of Dentistry. Dr. Ken Mazey is known for specializing in the cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) of phobias, including dental phobia.

A phobia is defined clinically as an anxiety disorder that causes intense and irrational fear of an object, event or experience. These unrealistic but consuming fears cause extreme distress to the person and impair social and occupational functionality if left unchecked. Cognitive behavioral therapy, a well-known form of psychotherapy, has been found to be effective in treating a range of phobias. CBT involves working with a therapist to recognize and change the thought patterns that lead to debilitating fear and avoidance of objects and situations. The cognitive aspect of CBT revolves around showing the patient that his or her worst fears generally are unfounded and propelled by negative and unrealistic thinking. CBT works to establish more accurate and realistic thought patterns to help people control their fear responses better.

The behavioral aspect of CBT for phobias entails exposing the patient to the feared object or experience. Patients begin to approach and confront the threat gradually, first in an imaginary setting, then through pictures or videos, and finally in reality. They learn gradually not to associate intensely negative feelings with these experiences. This is known as exposure training. It takes place over several sessions, and the number usually is dictated by the extent of the patient’s phobia and the rate of progress.

Thus, CBT works to treat phobias by replacing negative and irrational thought patterns and by exposing patients to the object of fear and attaching non-phobic feelings to this experience.

Dr. Ken Mazey: Dental Phobia Significantly Impacts Oral Health

Dr. Ken Mazey is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Mazey addresses dental phobias using cognitive behavioral treatment and teaches a seminar at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Fears play a significant part in the lives of millions of Americans. When it comes to dental care, an estimated 9 percent to 20 percent avoid visits because of fear. While it affects few people, dental phobia is a severe condition that goes beyond typical fears or anxiety. A fear is generally viewed as an uncomfortable feeling in the face of a legitimate threat, while a phobia generates an unreasonable and disproportionate response. For these individuals, even extreme tooth pain will not force them to seek treatment, resulting in high rates of decay or missing teeth.

Those who suffer from dental phobia should first talk with their dentist about their anxiety. If this is too difficult, those individuals should consult a psychologist who specializes in addressing phobias. Advancements in dental and psychological treatment have the potential to help these patients properly address their oral health.