Hi,

I have a number of fears that may verge on being phobias that I have been able to identify in the recent past. One of them I have known all along, and I would like to address in a "safe" manner, but don't know how. I hope someone would have a suggestion.

I have always had a fear of not catching a ball. I have a problem with catching anything actually, so I almost freeze if anyone tries to throw something to me.

I tended be somewhat uncoordinated as a child/teenager. I had the problem with catching plus the competition/peer pressure element, so I wasn't able to participate in any team sports as a result. I'm not sure if my parents hadn't played ball with me enough as a child to help me develop the coordination, etc., I'm now 36, and feel like this phobia has robbed me of many experiences. I would like to address it, but I feel I can only do it gradually in a "safe"/non-judgmental environment (whatever that might be).

Would anyone have any suggestion? My goal would be to be able to confidently catch and then ideally be able to play something like volleyball. Maybe I need to hire a private coach?

Thanks.