When fears persist, professional help should be considered. The first step is obtaining a complete diagnostic evaluation. Only a licensed physician or psychologist can make a diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder. With the results of the diagnostic evaluation, a qualified professional will then be able to make proper treatment recommendations. Recent advances in psychotherapy have resulted in the development of some very effective techniques for helping children overcome phobias.
Children learn from the actions of others.
Seeing a parent or friend successfully interact with a feared object can help reduce the child's fear. Sometimes talking with a therapist about the fear can help uncover where the fear stems from and how to begin alleviating it. This can help reduce their embarrassment about the fears and help them realize that other children have similar apprehensions. Family therapy is often very useful, as parents must play an integral part in helping a child overcome a phobia. Professional guidance in the best ways to deal with the child's fear is helpful for both the child and the parents.