Phobia Therapy in Japan

Living abroad can intensify phobias. Therapy can help you face fear at your own pace.

Phobias are more than just fear, they can hijack your choices and slowly make life small and terrifying. Whether it’s the fear of flying, public speaking, or being in enclosed spaces, it can be hard to know where to start.

When you're living in Japan, far away from home, routines that once helped you feel safe may no longer be available. You might find yourself avoiding travel, appointments, or work obligations, not because you want to, but because the fear feels too big to manage alone.

I help English-speaking adults in Japan work through specific phobias using evidence-based, collaborative therapy.

When Fear Starts to Take Over

Specific phobias often show up in ways that feel confusing, frustrating, or even embarrassing. You might notice:

  • A strong urge to avoid specific places, situations, or objects
  • Panic-like symptoms when confronted with your fear
  • Constant planning around how to avoid triggers
  • Feeling ashamed or “irrational,” even though the fear feels very real
  • Worrying about how others will perceive your reaction
  • Feeling stuck between fear and the life you want to live

You’re not weak or overreacting. Phobias are common and with support, they can be faced in a way that feels safe and empowering.

How Therapy Can Help

Phobias can feel outside of your control,  but with the right approach, they are treatable. Therapy can help you build a new relationship with fear.

Together, we can:

  • Map out your fear cycle: how it starts and what keeps it stuck
  • Explore your automatic physical, emotional, and thought responses to fear
  • Learn why the brain is sending fear signals and how to respond in different ways
  • Gently experiment with approaching feared situations, at your pace
  • Build confidence in your ability to tolerate fear

I use a blend of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). I also engage in regular professional consultation to ensure the work is grounded, ethical, and tailored to your needs.

How Therapy Can Help

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I offer therapy that is collaborative and focused on tailored, practical tools so you can:

  • Better understand patterns that reinforce anxiety
  • Explore counterintuitive strategies to shift how you relate to anxiety
  • Build resilience and self-trust
  • Reconnect with who you are — beyond anxiety
  • Develop more fulfilling relationships

I use a blended approach, drawing from a variety of evidence-based therapies:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)
  • Person-Centered Therapy

Therapy begins with a simple conversation...

The first step is a free video consultation to:

  • Talk about your concerns and the things you want to change
  • Explore if we're a good fit
  • Talk about how we might collaborate on a path towards change

There's no pressure or expectation to start therapy.

Book Free 25-min Consultation

Common Concerns

Questions related to fees & insurance? Click here

Have other questions? Contact me or visit the FAQ page.

Thoughts on Anxiety

Jun. 17, 2025

Not the Enemy

Labeling anxiety as the problem often is the problem. It positions anxiety as an enemy to battle. And it will fight back hard. But what if anxiety isn’t the enemy? What if it’s just a wave to learn to ride? A weather system to allow to pass. When we stop fighting, we can start listening. And anxiety becomes a surprisingly
Jun. 10, 2025

Leaving the “Fire”

The alarm brain always finds the next emergency. It pushes us to act fast, keep up, stay safe, don’t fall behind! Every so often, it’s right and protects us. But most of the time, rushing to put out every alarm bell’s “fire” leads to more “fires.” Long-term, it’s more sustainable to teach ourselves to let the “fire” burn while simultaneously
Jun. 03, 2025

Facing the Storm

The more we resist anxiety, the more it tends to persist. When we try to avoid it, it finds new ways to return. Although very scary, turning towards the storm is often the best way through it. And often the only route to clearer skies.

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    By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
    Jun. 17, 2025

    Not the Enemy

    Labeling anxiety as the problem often is the problem. It positions anxiety as an enemy to battle. And it will fight back hard. But what if anxiety isn’t the enemy? What if it’s just a wave to learn to ride? A weather system to allow to pass. When we stop fighting, we can start listening. And anxiety becomes a surprisingly
    Jun. 10, 2025

    Leaving the “Fire”

    The alarm brain always finds the next emergency. It pushes us to act fast, keep up, stay safe, don’t fall behind! Every so often, it’s right and protects us. But most of the time, rushing to put out every alarm bell’s “fire” leads to more “fires.” Long-term, it’s more sustainable to teach ourselves to let the “fire” burn while simultaneously
    Jun. 03, 2025

    Facing the Storm

    The more we resist anxiety, the more it tends to persist. When we try to avoid it, it finds new ways to return. Although very scary, turning towards the storm is often the best way through it. And often the only route to clearer skies.