Overcoming Phobias & Fears

A phobia is defined as an extreme reaction to fear triggered by a stimulus, where the mind attaches feelings of severe anxiety to something that would otherwise be regarded as harmless. 

There are four characteristics of phobias that differentiate it from normal fears and anxieties: the reaction is persistent, the response is irrational, the sufferer will go out of his/her way to avoid exposure to the stimulus, and a phobia is disabling.

Some of the more common fears include:

  • Closed spaces

  • Darkness

  • Death

  • Injections

  • Open Spaces

  • Snakes

  • Spiders

  • Travel (Flying)

  • Water

  • Heights

  • Public Speaking

Woman standing on a stage in front of an audience.

The original cause of the phobia can usually be traced back to early childhood. For instance, a fear of spider is often thought to be hereditary. A child sees his or her parent scared of spiders and decides that this is appropriate behaviour. What follows is an inherited fear of spiders.

If you suffer from a phobia, whether it’s common or something less common, you know that the fear is real and can have a terrible effect on your life. Hypnosis is an accepted and powerful tool to help you live your life free of fear.

How Can Hypnosis Help with Phobias?

Hypnotherapy can help with phobias quickly and effectively by:

  • Desensitizing the client to the stimulus i.e. spiders, the flying experience.

  • Learning a new, more relaxed response and helping you to become much more calm in situations where you are likely to encounter the stimulus.

  • Uncovering the source of the phobia although this is not generally necessary.

  • Teaching you how to feel more in control so you can be free of your fears and start to go where you want and do what you want.