Everyone experiences fear and anxiety. The human race would probably not have survived without the fear response. When we see something we perceive as dangerous, our increased heart rate and alertness give us the energy we need to escape. Anxiety also helps us to anticipate and therefore plan. We learn to avoid things harmful to us. Performances of athletes, students, and actors are often improved with a moderate amount of anxiety.

But some people experience fear and anxiety that is overwhelming and out of proportion to their circumstances. They see danger where it does not exist. Anxiety disorders can develop, phobias and panic attacks can cause an inordinate amount of suffering. Cognitive behavioral psychotherapy provides an opportunity to test the validity of these fears in a safe environment. Then psychotherapy, sometimes combined with medication, can be very effective in reducing the emotional distress.