Effective Counselling and CBT Therapy for
Fear of Intimacy in Hampshire

Counselling and CBT for Fear of Intimacy in Fareham

What is fear of intimacy?

The fear of intimacy is a profound fear of emotional, and sometimes physical, closeness with others. Originating from the Latin word “intimus,” meaning “innermost,” intimacy involves sharing one’s deepest self with another. For those with a fear of intimacy, this closeness feels overwhelming, often leading them to distance themselves when relationships grow too close.

Fear of intimacy is more common than you might think, affecting approximately 17% of people. However, it can be challenging to recognise in oneself, as suppressing emotions can become second nature. Identifying an absence of connection, or a “non-experience,” is not always straightforward. Many only come to realise this fear after experiencing a series of unstable or non-committal relationships, losing a meaningful connection, or attending couples therapy at the urging of a partner.

If you suspect you may have a fear of intimacy, know that support and effective therapies are available to help you explore and overcome these patterns.

A woman in therapy. Counselling for fear of intimacy in Hampshire

Counselling, CBT and EMDR for Fear of Intimacy

Signs you have a fear of intimacy

• You find yourself in a cycle of short-term relationships – You enjoy the initial excitement of dating, but as things deepen, discomfort sets in, prompting you to pull away. This cycle can leave you feeling empty, yet it provides a sense of safety.

• You set high standards for yourself – Many people with a fear of intimacy are perfectionists who focus on achievements. Growing up, you may have felt your worth depended on performing well to gain attention, leaving you feeling you aren’t lovable just as you are.

• You may unknowingly sabotage relationships – Getting close to someone can feel uncomfortable, leading you to seek ways to avoid it. You might over-criticise, nitpick, or create issues in the relationship, consciously or subconsciously distancing yourself.

• You have a deep fear of abandonment – While everyone fears rejection to some extent, this fear can prevent you from forming connections altogether, as a way of protecting yourself from possible hurt.

• Talking about emotions feels overwhelming – Conversations about feelings are challenging for most, but for someone with a fear of intimacy, they may feel especially daunting. Recognising and communicating your own emotional needs can be difficult.

This pattern can feel isolating, but support is available to help you form fulfilling and secure connections.

A middle aged couple. Counselling for fear of intimacy.

“I cannot recommend this service highly enough. Stacey has helped me enormously and to such a degree that she has inspired me to train as a Hypnotherapist!”

— Rich, Southampton

Find Trusted Counselling, CBT & EMDR Therapy for Fear of Intimacy in Fareham Hampshire

Suppressing emotions can negatively impact both your relationships and mental health, often leading to challenges such as anxiety, depression, or even substance abuse. When emotions are blocked, it prevents genuine connections from forming and leaves unresolved feelings festering beneath the surface. Over time, these hidden fears and unprocessed emotions can weigh heavily, affecting self-esteem, trust, and overall mental well-being.

Fear of intimacy is often deeply rooted in past experiences or unmet needs, which may stem from childhood or early relationships. Because of its complex origins, addressing this fear requires patience and self-compassion. Working with a qualified therapist is one of the most effective ways to untangle these underlying issues and promote healing. Therapy offers a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your fears, understand where they come from, and gain insight into how they affect your current relationships.

In therapy, you’ll gradually learn how to express emotions openly and build healthier, more fulfilling connections with others. A therapist will guide you in developing practical tools to manage and reduce fear-based reactions, ultimately helping you move towards lasting change. Taking this step not only supports personal growth but also opens up the possibility for deeper, more meaningful relationships in all areas of life.

A happy couple. Counselling for fear of intimacy in Hampshire.

“James was friendly and understanding-his empathy and enthusiasm in helping me reach my aims made it so much easier and achievable-thoroughly recommend him!!”

— Clive, Fareham

ONLINE AND IN-PERSON COUNSELLING THERAPY FOR FEAR OF INTIMACY IN HAMPSHIRE

Fear of intimacy can significantly impact relationships, self-esteem, and overall well-being. It often stems from past experiences, fear of vulnerability, or deep-seated trust issues. This fear can lead to challenges in forming or maintaining close connections, which may contribute to feelings of loneliness, avoidance behaviors, and increased anxiety.

Therapies such as Counselling and Psychotherapy are effective ways to address the root causes of intimacy fears. Through compassionate dialogue and guided self-reflection, these therapies provide tools for understanding and managing emotional triggers. Many individuals who attend sessions at the Fareham Counselling Centre find they can develop healthier relationship patterns and overcome barriers to closeness.

Hypnotherapy is another powerful approach for addressing the fear of intimacy. By working with the subconscious mind, hypnotherapy can help uncover and resolve the underlying beliefs or past traumas that contribute to these fears. It can reframe negative associations with intimacy, promote feelings of safety, and enhance self-confidence, allowing individuals to form deeper, more fulfilling connections.

If you're ready to take steps towards overcoming fear of intimacy, click here for more details about how hypnotherapy can help.

Image shows a happy smiling therapist. Online and in person counselling for fear of intimacy

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Counselling at the Fareham Counselling Centre, can assist you in managing your emotions at this difficult time, and can help you get your life back on track, no matter how much pain you are feeling at this time and whatever difficulties you are facing.

Call us now on 07946 641270, or complete our online form to book an appointment with one of our Counsellors in our Fareham Practice TODAY!