Fear of needles, also known as trypanophobia, is a common phobia that can significantly impact your healthcare and daily life. Whether it prevents you from attending vaccinations, blood tests, or medical procedures, or causes intense anxiety at the thought of injections, the right support can make a real difference. At Bridges Therapy Centre, we offer needle fear therapy in London and online, combining evidence-based psychological approaches with innovative treatments to help you face injections with confidence.
Our therapists provide a calm, supportive, and non-judgemental environment where you can explore your fears, understand the root of your anxiety, and learn practical tools to manage the stress associated with needles.
What Causes Fear of Needles?
Needle fear can arise from several factors. For some, it is linked to a previous painful or distressing medical experience. For others, it may be connected to anxiety, fainting tendencies, or feelings of loss of control. Common symptoms include:
- Intense worry or dread before a medical procedure
- Rapid heartbeat, sweating, or trembling at the thought of needles
- Avoidance of vaccinations or blood tests
- Panic attacks or feelings of faintness during injections
Our fear of needles treatment is tailored to your individual experiences and triggers, ensuring that the treatment plan meets your specific needs.
VR Needle Fear Therapy
Here at Bridges, we also offer VR fear of needles therapy, one of the most effective and modern treatments available for phobias. Using virtual reality headsets, we safely recreate injection experiences in a controlled, immersive environment. This allows you to gradually face and reduce your fear while supported by a trained therapist.
This approach is guided by one of our experienced therapists, who will help you challenge anxious thoughts, manage physical anxiety responses, and gradually build confidence. You can discover more about this innovative treatment on our dedicated Virtual Reality Therapy page.
How Needle Fear Therapy Works
Therapy may include a combination of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and VR exposure to address both the emotional and behavioural aspects of needle phobia. Techniques within therapy sessions can include gradual exposure to needle-related scenarios through VR, as well as relaxation and grounding exercises, and the building of coping strategies to manage real-world medical procedures. This approach helps clients feel more in control, reduces avoidance, and supports a calmer, more confident response to needles.
Begin Therapy for Trypanophobia
If your fear of needles is affecting your health or daily life, Bridges Therapy Centre is here to help. Contact us today to book your free 15-minute consultation and learn more about our needle fear therapy and trypanophobia treatment options.
Bridges Therapy Centre
18a Heriot Road,
London, NW4 2DG
Bridges Therapy Centre - Hendon, London, NW4 - English & Hebrew Counselling & Therapy Services
The contents on this site is for information only, and is not meant to substitute the advice of your own physician or other medical professional