I have been needle phobic for over 15 years with 1 year of tackling my issue with therapy.

I just wanted to share that the most effective for me is for my therapist to approach my fear with past traumatic stress disorder treatment. I believe that a lot of times needle phobia is considered by therapists as a 'simple phobia' where the treatment is graded exposure. However I believe that most needle phobias are not simple but derive from a traumatic event in ones past involving doctors or needles - as it did for me. The first couple of therapists I saw did exposure therapy with me and I always felt more distressed and crying for hours after leaving the appointments because they were trying to get me to talk about needles or look at pictures etc to be more comfortable with it. With a post traumatic approach I get further every session.

A year ago I couldn't talk about needles without hyperventilating. Even though I am not completely there yet being able to write this post has shown me how far I have come.

I have read several stories from other members and they almost all seem to stem from one event. I hope this is a helpful approach you will consider.

Hey!
For the most part I'm writing to say Congratulations. And for the lesser part I shall have a look at that approach. Perhaps if it's had a good effect with you. Then it'll have an effect on me as well. Mine came from an unpleasant experience.