Fears and Phobias

A phobia is defined as a persistent fear of an object, creature or situation in which the sufferer goes to great lengths to avoid. The fear is typically disproportional to the actual danger posed, often being recognised as an irrational fear.

Specific Phobias

There are, in the main, two types of phobias. A ‘specific’ phobia is where a person reacts negatively when they come into contact with the thing or situation that causes fear. Common examples are spiders, dentists, needles, flying and public speaking.

Complex Phobias

Complex phobias can cause fear and anxiety continually. Emetophobia (fear of vomit) is one such example. In severe cases this can result in the sufferer not wanting to leave home in case they are confronted with the object or situation which causes fear.

Another complex phobia is social phobia, a fear of social situations, such as weddings or going out to dinner with people. Frequently people with a social phobia have a fear of embarrassing themselves or of being humiliated in public.

How can hypnotherapy help with fears and phobias?

Hypnotherapy can help by reducing anxiety and disempowering the fear response, giving you back control.

Hypnotherapy helps us to learn new patterns of behaviour, such as being more relaxed and calm, which can help overcome ‘specific’ phobias very quickly.

A specific phobia can be overcome in 4 sessions, while a complex fear or phobia affecting more aspects of your life can take longer to effectively treat.

Testimonials

Fear of Flying

“Carolyn, just want to thank you for your help with my phobia. Flight went really well, I was so relaxed. Crazy thing was I was trying to calm my fella down as he was scared and I was sharing your tips. I’m looking forward to the future with plans for further holidays. Thank you.”  Amanda

Dental Phobia

“Dear Carolyn, thank you for all your patience, kindness, professionalism and help with my dental phobia. Since I saw you last I have completed all my dental treatment. I am able to smile once more and feel a lot more confident, all because of your help.”  Sue

Fear of Driving

“Hi Carolyn, I just wanted to send you a quick email to say thank you for your help with everything. I don’t think I thanked you properly at the time as I planned to book further sessions but since being home from my training course my driving has improved so much I haven’t felt the need to arrange any more just yet. The difference in my driving and just general wellbeing and frame of mind is incredible considering how few sessions I had so really thank you so much for the difference you’ve made, it’s meant a lot.”  Katy

“Hi Carolyn, I have been meaning to email you for a while now to thank you for helping me overcome my fear of driving. I still don’t drive a lot or drive long distances, as I don’t really need to, but when I do need to pop out in the car, I now do so without thinking about it. I feel so much more relaxed. For so many years, I felt in a state of panic waiting in a queue at traffic lights and now I just feel bored like every other driver, it’s so much nicer!  I still have a way to go before I commit to driving a longer distance but I’m happy taking small steps as they are all going in the right direction. Thanks again for your help. I have sung your praises to lots of people!”  Sally