Bird Phobia

[LaughingGirl]

Hi, does any one know any cures for a bird phobia, I have had this for years, when I was a kid we always had birds (in a cage) in our house, we also had chickens in the garden, I have been to see 2 councilers, with no joy, all they got me to do was to talk about was my fear's, then one sugested that I got a budgie, so I did, that did'nt help, as I am o.k when they are in a cage, I don't like it when they fly or walk near me, I worry when I go on holiday, one holiday we had in Greece they birds were every where, on the beach, around the pool area, also in the restaurant, the staff had to find me a table in the corner to eat my dinner, it was a nightmare. has anyone got any sugestions, I know some idiot will think it's a joke, so don't bother, I've heard them all before, is there any genuine people that can help me.

[4getmenot]

You would have hated it at mine this morning, pigeon in my chimney!!!

[weecalf]

The word for this is ornithophobia .While I dont suffer from that I can relate this sort of fear which others may not understand .My personal fear although not to any serious degree yet it the fear of tree braches hanging out over the roads .I actually duck when we are going under them .I do have this visiont hat they will suddenly for no reason just snap. Can not be of any help to you but understand to some extent how you feel.

[butterflies]

I know what you mean though I don't mind watching birds I don't want them to get too close. I couldn't bear holding one what with their wings fluttering about, aagh! As with all phobias we can lessen the fear by confronting certain aspects; ie get a few bird feathers and play around with them, study bird behaviour so you understand more about them etc Birds are such fascinating creatures as each species has its own habitat, food, mating rituals etc I don't think we ever get over phobias but we can learn to live with them.

[tigersam258]

Laughing girl. I can fully sympathise. When I was very young (3 or 4) a bird got in my bedroom through the slatted vent window. as the curtains were closed it scared the life out of me and I've been petrified of birds ever since. Like Butterflies said, the thought of flapping wings just gives me shivers.

Unfortunately, I dont think that there would be dedicated place to get this condition treated other than what you have already mentioned. I have just managed to deal with it, but having two cats helps as it keeps birds out of the garden.

All the best

Sam

[taichiperson]

I would think that cognitive behaviour therapy, or hypnotherapy would be useful.

[sp1214]

They do say you should confront your irrational phobias. What better way of doing this is to put yourself as an observer witnessing the fear of others with the same problem.
This short film shows this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjj32CavzU0

[LaughingGirl]

I'm not afraid of feathers, I can pick them up no problem, I do watch the birds and find them interesting, there's no way I could be in the same room if one was not in a cage. If you have a cat they fetch them home for you half dead, could not handle that, I got my husband to cut all the tree's down in our garden, as for the film the birds I have seen that in 3D, never effected me, as I knew it was'nt real.
Thanks for all the replys

[joggerjayne]

still laughing at tetjam's suggestion