Yes, it's called exposure training and although, in the beginning, its not fun, it works. Psychologists do this with people who are phobic about air travel, elevator anxiety, fear of snakes and insects, and even the fear of public speaking. My two phobias are suffocating while scuba diving and the fear of needles in my spine. I can admit I have NO plan to voluntarily expose myself to either! Usually, the requirement to scuba dive doesn't present itself that often and the spinal needed....if were so sick I might die, it might make overcoming that phobia worth saving my life.