Even strong, competent, and highly functional people can feel completely powerless in the face of a specific fear. This real case illustrates how phobias can persist through well-intentioned coping strategies—and how Brief Strategic Therapy can break these patterns.

Sofia, a confident paediatric nurse, was terrified of spiders. Despite her resilience, encountering one left her paralysed and dependent on others. Through a structured, strategic process, she learned that fear diminishes not when avoided, but when approached in the right way—transforming how she perceived and responded to the phobic object.

Infidelity affects 1 in 5 people in the UK, and the emotional impact of cheating in relationships can be profound. Betrayal damages trust and often leaves lasting pain, whether couples stay together or separate. It is one of the most common reasons couples seek therapy, as healing from infidelity requires understanding, support, and practical strategies to rebuild emotional wellbeing.

Experiencing trauma can leave a lasting imprint on a person’s life, creating a distinct "before" and "after." Pain, fear, anger, guilt, and shame may persist long after the event, particularly when coping strategies like avoidance or trying to forget only intensify distress.

Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, but those who do often get trapped in unhelpful patterns that reinforce fear, flashbacks, nightmares, or emotional numbness. These strategies can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

Brief Strategic Therapy (BST) offers a safe and structured approach to help individuals revisit and process traumatic experiences. By addressing the trauma in a guided way, BST transforms lingering wounds into healing scars, restores a sense of control, and helps individuals reclaim their emotional wellbeing. With expert support, trauma survivors can move forward with resilience and rebuild their lives.