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If you have a fear of birds, this article is for you - not the general unease most people feel when a seagull gets too close at the beach, but a genuine, persistent fear that is affecting where you go, what you do, and how you live your day-to-day life.

This is called ornithophobia, and it is more common, more treatable, and more understandable than most people realise.

Over the last 12 years I have helped many people work through fears just like this. Below I will explain what causes it, how it works in the brain, and most importantly, the step-by-step process that actually fixes it.

Watch: Fear of Birds Explained

What is ornithophobia?

Ornithophobia is the clinical name for an intense, persistent fear of birds. The word comes from the Greek "ornithos" (bird) and "phobos" (fear).

To be classified as a phobia rather than general discomfort, the fear needs to be:

• Out of proportion to the actual threat
• Present for at least six months
• Causing you to change your behaviour
...